Received 1/28/08 

Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘”It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Saturday, December 8, 2007

10:40 A.M., Houston

7:40 P.M., Fallujah

Good Afternoon!

It’s a gorgeous day here compared to what we had with rain and cold last week.  For those who live up north in the snow, just understand that down here we’re pansies about the combo of cold and wet, and we choose to remain that way!  Chris was tired and ready to hit the rack.  Staying up all night on patrols will have the tendency to do that.  Unfortunately, B, one of his roommates, fights over the cell phone with his fiancee.  They are so loud in their arguing that none of the guys can sleep through it.  I’ve never known Chris to hear anything while he sleeps so their “conversations” must be broadcasted at full volume.

Chris is experiencing another cause for insomnia.  Kevlar, doing his puppy best, is still teething.  He has graduated from toes to something a bit more meaty, the left butt cheek of Noodge.  I can understand why that would be impossible to sleep through.  Nice tiny, sharp teeth puncturing tender anatomy has a way of chasing slumber away.  I’m sure that Chris wishes that Kevlar would chew on his own tail instead. I think that the tail and neck are still too short for the pup to accomplish this.  Chris is highly incensed that his dog views him as nothing but a chew toy.  I would have been outraged had baby decided to chew up all my crochet work on that afghan.  Chris did end up sleeping a full ten hours straight with Kevlar that night.  He must have doped his doggie to make him sleep so long.  Possibly he’s learned to sleep through being gnawed on like a beaver on a tree (a very small beaver).

He was adamant about sending his love to everyone from St. John of the Cross Church, as well as Father Gary. He wants to pass on the message that he’s fine and misses you all tremendously.

Monday, December 10, 2007

11:45 A.M., Houston

8:45 P.M., Al Fallujah

Chris has been giving his future a lot of thought.  He believes that he wants to become a teacher at some point in time.  History is what interests him the most.  He’s always liked ancient history the best.  When he and A were little I let them choose the costumes that I’d make for a costume party.  Chris chose for them to be Roman centurions. That was a daunting proposition, especially with the leather armor (I used fake leather).  The two of them always chose the most difficult sewing to execute (A wanted to be a dinosaur, a Triceratops). Chris has so many things that he wants to do when he gets home. He seems to have it all planned out.  Then, when he’s out of the Corps, he has an even larger agenda.  He’s full of excitement for the future.  His enthusiasm is infectious.

Chris has given Kevlar away.  It had nothing to do with his being a puppy chew toy.  Actually, Lima Company, 2^nd Platoon needed to trade him (it was a joint decision) to an Iraqi family who truly wanted him.  I have no idea what Lima Company received in turn.  Chris says that Kevlar is in good hands with this family (rumor has it that he did not give Kevlar the afghan to take with him).  The father is a police sergeant with the nickname “Popeye” (his nickname was not explained).  He has two young children.  They delighted family showered Kevlar with love immediately.  The father has been working closely with our troops, and Chris has much confidence in him.  While he was there Noodge gave the four year old girl one of Aunt Sandy’s cookies.  She rewarded him with a gigantic hug and angelic smile.  Sandy, whatever you put into those cookies, that child thought they were from Heaven.

Chris was full of messages that he wanted sent out.  He particularly wants to help with our church youth ministry when he comes back.

In addition, he sends all the Blue Star Mothers his love.  He can’t wait to attend another meeting and talk to everyone again.  Miss Betty, he sends you his personal love and a hug.  He can’t wait to see you at Mass.

December 11, 2007

1:02 P.M., Houston

10:02 P.M., Al Fallujah

Chris was on his way back to FOB Reaper. He was to have ten days off there.  He read his eighth poem to me about his hero, Dad.  He mentioned all the years that his father put in time just to watch him play baseball.  He noticed the sacrifices made on his behalf.  He also wrote a poem for me.  He recognized what I put into home schooling him.  He stretched the truth a tad when he said I was always patient.  That is one virtue that I cannot swear to having.  I’m still working toward acquiring it.  I love to hear him read his poetry to me from Iraq.  I wish that I could tape record those moments.  At least they’re tucked away in my heart box, more pearls on my life strand.  I used to write poetry before I got so busy.  Maybe I’ll be inspired by Chris’s example.  I just don’t know.  Right now my music brings me a way to express myself.  It’s all that I make time for at the moment.  Music and poetry are married together anyway, prose as well.  Perhaps some day.  Meanwhile, I am so blessed with the husband and children I have been given, I simply will keep plugging away.  I must say that I can’t wait for this deployment to be behind us.

J