OLD FRIENDS

Dear Gabe,

Erik came by yesterday.  He finally got his Tempest back.  Its painted pearl white, and its gorgeous!  Of course the interior is still messed up, but he'll be working on that later.  He stopped by to say 'good-bye'.  He leaves for California next week.  He's going to start all over with a clean slate.  Not many people get the opportunity to do that.  I'm happy for him.

I ran in to Jason and Ashley last night at the store.  Their little girl is so big.  So is Ashley.  She's due with their second girl at the end of this month.  They say this is their last,  hahahaha.  Famous last words!  We'll see.

Zack comes home on Saturday.  We're all looking forward to that.  He'll only be here for about 2 weeks before he flies back to Florida, but thats fine with me.  I'm just glad he can come home to visit.  Its almost been 3 months since he left.  I hear he has a nice farmer's tan.  I've got to get him to take his shirt off to sun his chest a little.

All your old friends from the store send their love and prayers.  So many still remember you.  Don't know how you feel about it but you're pretty much a 'Hometown Hero'.  Most of the soldiers here are from other states and are only stationed here.  You are from here, and therefore you are everyone's son.  It warms my heart to hear them talk about you.

Missing you, love you always~

Mom

ARE YOU THERE YET?

Okay, good.

Now come on back home.

I wish it were that easy.  Oh well, lets see.  According to my reverse countdown you are

3 DAYS CLOSER TO HOME!

Until then, be safe, and know that we all miss and love you very much.

Mom~

God Speed my son,

Missing you already, Loving you always.

Mom~

Moonlit Resolution

Dear Gabe,

This has been a difficult month for me to say the least, though I'll wager it comes nothing close to the difficulties you are having to deal with.  I had my little pity party.  I screamed and cried into my pillow.  And then I became resolved to work with the obstacles.  Whats a little distance between grand children and grand parents right?  It'll work out eventually.  I can still be a grandmother and I can still love my precious little grandbabies without physically holding them.  I just hug them a little longer when we do finally get together.  I am at peace with that thought.

Tonight I stared at the moon for a long time.  I put a lot of faith in my God, but to the moon I asked that it watch over you and your guys.  That it shine a welcome reflection of home, and cast a gentle shadow of protection.  I find comfort in knowing that it will be there for you just as it will be here for me.  Even now it shines down upon us both.

Soon the moon will be full.  I'm not ready for it yet.  I don't think I ever will, given the choice, but it is not up to me.  I shall be fine.  I pray that you will as well.

Love always,

Mom~

CONGRATULATIONS PAPA

Another boy.  Fantastic Gabriel.  You must be so happy.  I know I am.

Riot Angel.  I'm not even sure if I'm spelling his name right, but I like it.  It's kind of a Ying Yang kind of name.  I'm sure he will do it justice.  Hehehehe.

So here it is, early fall.  I've used Riot's birth as a distraction but now that he is here there is little left to focus on except for your deployment.  I pray that it is easier than your first one.  I pray that it is shorter.  I pray that it achieves its objectives and is worth it.

I pray that it is your last and you are able to spend the rest of your days with your boys.

Love you always,

Mom~