Just Waiting

As I've said before, this is the tough part. We still haven't talked directly to Brian but have received e-mails and have been following his Facebook page. We try to connect in whatever manner we can right now.

A friend of mine asked me if we get a little anxious when the phone rings or when the doorbell rings while he's deployed- the simple answer is "yes". I think we're better than we were when we started this journey- but, there is always that anxiousness that won't go away until he's back in the states. You learn to live with it as best you can.

It sounds like he's already experiencing his share of sandstorms over there and he's told me he's been really "busy". Not sure what that means in Marine code- but it sounds like he's been doing his thing.

We did send off a box of supplies on Monday. We put in socks, t-shirts, some easy-to-make food, Kool-Aid, cigarettes, soap, shampoo, etc. etc. Just to let you know- where he is at is a pit- and I don't believe they have access to a normal "px" so whatever you can send would be appreciated I'm sure.

So, we continue to wait and do what we can to support those guys. We carry our cell phones wherever we are and keep the land-line handy in case he calls. He's been good at staying connected so I'm sure he'll get in touch with us when he can.

I'm including here another picture of Brian and his team before he headed out on a mission during his last deployment (Brian's on the right). The marine on the left is "Crazy" Chris Nims. He's seen a lot of action and has been a good friend to Brian along the way (Brian can share some of the "Nims Stories" with you when he gets back). The marine in the middle is Staff Sergeant Aaron Wade. He is also a great friend to Brian and has been a really good mentor. Brian said this team worked extremely well together when they completed missions during his last deployment- but that the team he is with today is even better.

And, I thought it appropriate to include another picture of a marine that has some relevance to our blog. This is a picture of LCpl Brady Gustofson, from Edina, Minnesota who just received the Navy Cross (highest Navy award and second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor) for his service in Afghanistan. LCpl Gustofson was wounded when an IED went through his Humvee. Despite being wounded, he manned the machine gun in the vehicle and fired over 400 rounds (had to reload twice) at the enemy to protect his buddies. He is 21. This is the type of service and commitment these men and women provide for us in very dangerous situations. I just wish our country appreciated it more.

So, we'll continue to wait and hopefully hear from Brian soon. Keep all of our service members who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in your prayers- and send them a note or a package when you get a chance.

Semper Fi