A week from now, one of my best friends is going to be deployed for Iraq. He's leaving behind his wife and his kids, other family, and many friends. Granted, I'm sure when he signed up, he knew there was possibility of this happening. I'm sure his wife realized how possible it may be when she married him. It just makes me wonder what he'll experience there, what he'll be doing, how he'll be, and the ultimate question I think everyone has in their minds is, will he make it. Knowing him the way I do, I'm pretty sure we'll see him state-side again some day. I plan on visiting him and his family on Saturday and saying my goodbyes whether or not I'll be able to see him again before he leaves
It's kinda weird situation to look at. I remember almost joining the military once myself. I was a few signatures away from being a piece of US property. I could've gone away long before meeting him. In fact, I only met him on a sort of "luck of the draw" series of timings (one of many reasons I do believe the old saying, "Everything happens for a reason")
I do hope all will go well with him. I more than hope we'll all see him state-side again. And I already told his wife that I'll help her and his family if needbe with what I can. I never hand-write letters, but I plan on getting some paper, some envelopes, a few more pens, and some stamps soon and actually writing some. And it just sits somewhat weird to have to do all this, and that he's actually going away, facing who knows what conditions. It's kinda like he says though... He can't wait to go to it, only because he wants it to go by quicker, and can't wait for it to end. Interesting philosophy
I just wanted to share some thoughts. Feel free to comment, flame, hijack and tell other stories. Heh
Sending off our heroes
I'm currently having one final conversation with the aforementioned soldier headed to Iraq. I realize it'll be the last time I get to actually talk with him without a 10-15 day waiting period between messages (unless he acquires a laptop somewhere). It's amazing how much a few simple words can mean, especially in given situations. I didn't realize how much this would effect me either, as usually, I'm a stone wall. But this is different. It feels different somehow
His unit was mentioned in the news tonight. I didn't specifically see him, but they showed several of his comrades, and told some of their stories. His is similar in many ways... Going away a year, away from family and friends, from familiarity and from home. It has the Foo Fighters' song My Hero in my head. These are "ordinary" people, undertaking something that most of us either can't or won't. Isn't that what makes them "My Hero?" In this case,... Yes it does. And as with all our soldiers, such simple things as luck and hope are things I can give. So, I rest this post with the hopes for all of our heroes leaving tomorrow, those who have left in the past, and those who will leave. Well wishes, safe trip, and may the fates bid well
His unit was mentioned in the news tonight. I didn't specifically see him, but they showed several of his comrades, and told some of their stories. His is similar in many ways... Going away a year, away from family and friends, from familiarity and from home. It has the Foo Fighters' song My Hero in my head. These are "ordinary" people, undertaking something that most of us either can't or won't. Isn't that what makes them "My Hero?" In this case,... Yes it does. And as with all our soldiers, such simple things as luck and hope are things I can give. So, I rest this post with the hopes for all of our heroes leaving tomorrow, those who have left in the past, and those who will leave. Well wishes, safe trip, and may the fates bid well