Remembering the Children

When I talked to Brian earlier in the week he said, “I read the blog- you sounded pissed.” I was. I’m better now. The feelings are still there, I just don’t need to write about them this week.

We did finally get some positive news from Afghanistan.

First, if all goes as planned the guys should have an air conditioner within the next few days. It doesn’t fix what they had to go through to get it- but at least they are going to be able to have a place to get comfortable and finally get some decent sleep. The “low” at night is around 90 degrees over there. You can’t sleep very well when you are drenched in sweat. This should make it a little more bearable. It’s about time.

Second, Brian, and his group were recognized by those further up the chain for their efforts and their accomplishments for doing what they do. We tell Brian how proud we are all the time. But, it only goes so far when it comes from your parents. A little positive news and recognition from your chain of command does wonders for morale when you are dealing with the conditions they have been facing and continue to face every day. You don’t hear positive stuff very much. We are very proud of all of them.

Brian sent us two beautiful pictures that put a human perspective on this whole thing. Sometimes it’s still hard to put my head around the fact that when we get a phone call, an e-mail, or a letter we’re communicating to our son in a war zone 7000 miles away. These marines are living in conditions most of us couldn’t tolerate- and they are carrying out a mission and risking their lives because that is their job. I am humbled every day just thinking of it.

And, when I think of Afghanistan I generally think of all the bad stuff; insurgents, IEDs, the Taliban, corrupt governments, drugs, and all the rest. Until he sent these pictures I hadn’t thought very much about the children who are caught in the middle of all of this. I don’t know if we’re ever going to change a culture that has been in existence for thousands of years. All of the military might in the world probably can't do that but we still have to protect our country. But, you know, being able to receive a smile from a child in the middle of all of the killing, the misery, and the poverty has to count for something.

These pictures are pretty cool.




Brian Getting A
"High Five"
Afghanistan, 2010

Brian Making A Friend
and Getting A Smile
In The Middle of Chaos

Afghanistan, 2010

Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan stopped over for a visit. Brian called while they were here to wish Lindsey a happy birthday. It’s wonderful to hear them talk and Brian can’t wait to get home and meet his nephew in-person. In the meantime Ethan “talked” to Uncle Brian on the phone and told him everything that is going on in his life right now. They are going to be buddies, I’m sure.

Lindsey Held The

Phone While
Ethan "talked"

to Uncle Brian

We’re nearing the 20 mile mark of our journey. We’ve come a long way and have six more to go- but we’ll get there. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts flowing to the amazing marines in Afghanistan. They appreciate them more than you know. So do we.

Semper Fi