Fifteen Down- Eleven To Go

A Fathers Day Card
From Afghanistan. . . . . .
PRICELESS!!!

What can I say? We couldn’t be any prouder of Brian and it was great to talk to him for a little while today. He had just returned from doing his thing but made the time to call and wish me a happy Fathers Day. He’s been “busy”, very busy. And, the heat continues to hit 120-130 degrees each day. Add 100 lbs of gear- and I can’t even imagine what it feels like. He is doing some amazing things and operating in ungodly circumstances over there. When I hear what he’s been dealing with- I realize my complaints and frustrations are trivial.

Many are asking us “how much longer?” As you know, we’ve learned not to plan for anything and are just taking things one day at a time. But, we do put “markers” out there. These markers help us to keep things in perspective and at least provide some semblance of a time-frame and keep us relatively sane. The situations change all the time so we’ve had to be flexible.

I’ve tried to connect where we’re at in the deployment to running a marathon. For anyone who has been insane enough to run one of these you know that the first 13 miles are relatively easy if you've completed just basic training. The runners are getting adjusted to the environment, their pace, and the adrenaline pumps you along.

Miles 13-20 get tougher. You’re now used to the environment and your body is starting to tell you to ease up a bit. You try to focus on each mile, take in a lot of fluids, and try to maintain the best positive mental attitude you can.

Miles 20-26 are the toughest. The end is in sight, but your physical and mental capacities are reaching their limits- this is where all of the miles of training really kick in (or if you’re like me and don’t train like you should- you have to suck it up big-time).

From the best estimates we’re using today- we’re at a little over 15 miles into the deployment. This is the tough part (even though the first 13 miles were not easy). We’re well over half-way and just need to continue to move forward. This is where we just need to focus on each day, maintain a good perspective, and do what we can to continue to support Brian and all of the others over there.

We’re doing ok as long as we take each mile one at a time.

We want to thank everyone who sent e-mails and wishes to Brian on his 23rd birthday last week. They meant a lot to him.

We also want to thank all of you who have been sending things. Considering the conditions they are living in, your efforts have made a huge difference. A special thanks to Vicki’s school in Amarillo as he received over 200 cards/letters from her students. Brian is going to try to answer some that provided e-mail or mailing addresses. He took a supply of the letters over to the chapel to allow others to share in the messages from home. Even though we're on hold for sending packages- e-mails and prayers are still welcome.

I hope everyone had a good day. If there is one thing we’ve learned through all of this it’s that the connections you have with your family can keep you close no matter how many miles are in between.

Semper Fi