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