News

I follow several news sources online and receive a variety of Google alerts. When I combine that with information I've received from soldiers over the years I get a clearer understanding of TB's situation. At times I wonder if it's good to be this aware of things. Maybe there's something to the saying, "Ignorance is bliss." I know myself though, and the better informed I am, the better prepared I am. And so this week, after several days of silence, I wasn't blindsided when TB sent an email saying he'd taken a fall while out on a mission. He spent the last few days in bed on pain meds and still isn't at 100%. Today he was waiting to hear if he would be released to go out on the next mission. I know him; he’s tough and determined, so I hope he doesn’t rush it.

Wasabi

I had my first real sushi last summer when TB visited. The restaurant is a favorite of my younger son and his girlfriend. Let me just say TB loves sushi!! They all helped me figure out what to order and TB took special care to tell me about the wasabi. It was a little humorous because he and my son were both very concerned that I would use too much. My son was surprised that I was willing to try sushi at all, much less some of the dishes I sampled. The only thing I did not like was the baby octopus appetizer that TB ordered. It didn't taste bad; it was just rubbery like clams and difficult to chew.

Last winter TB took a video of one of his soldiers eating wasabi when they were at a sushi restaurant. Apparently this soldier, who was not familiar with wasabi, thought it was mint. I can see where the color would give that impression. The guys dared him to eat the entire dollop in one bite. They bribed him with money. TB was taping it with his camera. His voice is unmistakably the one egging the soldier on. After the soldier put the wasabi in his mouth he reached for a glass of water. TB laughingly told him he had to swallow it without water. I was so impressed with this kid. He barely flinched! I told him I would send him a care package when he deployed for being such a good sport and for putting up with TB's foolishness. (Of course, he did make some money from it!) TB's reaction was What!!! You're my angel! LOL Since TB changed Companies that soldier is no longer in his squad, but I sent him a care package a few weeks ago. The wasabi incident happened at least six months ago, so I suppose he thought I would forget. He was so appreciative. I'm happy to say that I found someone to give him some extra support during his deployment. I'll have to tell TB about that in my next letter. I think it will make him happy.

Adoptions

Last winter TB became friends with a SGT who is a lot like him. Since then that SGT and I have become friends as well. I told him about Soldiers' Angels and with his help I've been able to get five of his guys adopted. I feel really good about that. They're all very young and really nice guys. I feel very fortunate to have made so many friends through SA. People I can count on to step up to adopt or to send a needed item like detergent or a card of encouragement. I'm truly blessed to have wonderful people in my life.

Care Packages

It's been a while since I posted. Life has been a little crazy, but I have been able to take care of TB's requests for specific items and keep up with my Soldiers' Angels activities. For the most part TB has been able to communicate fairly frequently through email. As I mentioned in my last post, he called ten days ago but when I answered the call was dropped. I thought he might call back, but that didn't happen. He was finally able to call again on Saturday and we talked for about 40 minutes. He tells me what he can, which is very little. I was happy to hear that he is now able to workout in the gym. That's a huge stress reliever for him and a way to keep him focused. He complained about not having enough to occupy his mind.

No mail has been delivered since TB received the first three boxes I sent. I've mailed 6 boxes since then and as many letters. I know he would really like to have some of the items, like the small electric fan, anti-bacterial spray, toothpaste, baby wipes and DVDs. I sent all the Pashto language materials he mailed to me before leaving, too. He made multiple copies of many of the pages for his soldiers. All the papers were in a manila folder. I decided to punch holes in the pages and put them in individual 3-prong folders for each soldier. I'm sure that will be more convenient for everyone. All the other papers filled a regular 3 ring binder, so TB has a language notebook now, or he will once the mail is delivered.

Phone Calls

One thing I learned when TB was in Iraq was the importance of keeping my cell phone with me at all times. That became apparent last Sunday when I was in NYC. I got up at 3 AM to go to the bathroom, something I don't generally do. Wouldn't you know, the cell rang! A number I didn't recognize. My mother's instinct told me who it was, though, and sure enough, as soon as I said hello I heard that unmistakable mellow voice! I could hardly believe it! We talked for just over 30 minutes. Lots of laughter on both ends during the conversation. TB filled me in on a few things about the conditions of the FOB and some items he could use. No shaving cream or razors, though, he said, as he is growing a beard. I would love to see that.

Later that evening I was dismayed to see that he called again while we were out. I found that very surprising. I knew TB would know I was busy sightseeing and not be upset that I didn't answer. At 5 AM Monday morning he called again. During his first call he asked me to post his address on his Facebook page. I was planning to do that when I got home. TB asked me to change it a little, for OPSEC, and just tell people to contact me for the address. It was a nice 12 minute call and then he had to go.

Again this morning at 3 AM the phone rang. Unfortunately, this time when I answered, there was no voice on the other end. I guess the call was dropped. I waited for a while, hoping he would call back, but no such luck. I know he will, though, when he gets a chance.

A Little Vacation

I spent a few days in NYC with my oldest son and his wife. It was a great trip!


Sights
They made sure to show me everything a first-time visitor would want to see - 5th Avenue, Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Times Square, Union Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Lincoln Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Cathedral of St John the Divine, Time Warner Building, Grand Central Terminal, Chinatown, SoHo, The Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center, and Ground Zero, to name a few. St. Paul's was amazing to see with all the memorabilia of the rescue efforts. We took the Circle Line Ferry and I saw so many other places, including, of course, the Statue of Liberty.

Food
The kids live in a quiet little neighborhood in East Harlem. They are a very short walk from the original Patsy's Pizza and a bakery that makes cheesecake for the fanciest NYC restaurants. I sampled both! YUM! The kids are great cooks. The night I arrived we had a chicken and pasta pesto that was as good as any I’ve had at any restaurant. Saturday we went to the Union Square Farmer's Market, something they do often, to get fresh produce, cheeses, and herbs. Later we visited a big flea market in Brooklyn where we had lunch. I sampled a hot dog topped with Asian cole slaw. I was introduced to many wonderful eating experiences. In Chinatown we had Dim Sum and Bubble Tea. I sampled a wide variety of dim sum which was all delicious. Bubble tea is a sweet tea that has tapioca balls in it. It’s a multi-texture drink. The first day we had lunch at a Fig and Olive on 5th Avenue. This restaurant uses olive oils of all types and flavors in almost every dish. I had a refreshing watermelon and cantaloupe gazpacho and a Rosemary Chicken Panini with Mediterranean Fries. I wish I could recall what I had at the delightful little Israeli restaurant we visited one evening. It was good, I know that! We bought delicious red velvet cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery made famous apparently by Sex and the City.

Museums
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was touching and inspirational. We toured that after seeing Ground Zero and before visiting St. Paul's. It was very emotional for me, but I'm happy we went. The American Folk Art Museum was so much fun. I loved reading about the various artists and seeing the wide variety of work. I'm not sure I can even describe the Natural History Museum. I think we were there for about three hours and saw most, but not all, of the first two floors. It's an amazing place.

The Circle Line Ferry ride was a lot of fun even if it did rain. We decided to sit on the top deck. I’m glad we did because that’s where the guide was. He was very entertaining and informative. The rain wasn’t really so bad. It was more of a sprinkle and didn’t last for the entire trip.

We also attended a dance performance by a Japanese artist. It was unusual but he was quite good.

I’m so happy I took this trip and am very grateful to the kids for everything they did for me while I was there.

Packages

As soon as I received an address I had three boxes ready to go. TB requested laundry detergent ASAP. He asked for a few other items when we had our long chat several weeks ago. During that chat he mentioned that he was looking for a place for his guys to do laundry. That was while they were still at a larger base. I don't know if he found one. If not, it's been weeks since they've been able to wash their clothes. I included a variety of foot products in one box. I’m sure he’s walking quite a bit. Another box was filled with his favorite snacks and drink mix with electrolytes. I did make a quick run to the store for some exercise items, just a jump rope and an exercise band. I figure until they get some sort of gym up and running maybe those things will help him workout.

I was so proud of myself for having things ready to mail the day after I received the address! Wouldn’t you know, yesterday I was out shopping and my phone alert went off indicating an email from TB. His address changed! Aaaargh! I sure hope those boxes are forwarded to him! Since I was shopping anyway, I picked up a few replacements for the items I knew he needed. I’ll mail that box tomorrow. I ordered some great laundry detergent online from Country Save. I couldn’t believe how quickly they filled the order! It was on the way to TB the same day!

None of this would concern me too much except that he said mail is airlifted in about once a month. I realize that also means they can only drop as much as the helicopter or plane can hold. Of course ammo, food, and other necessary military items will have first priority. All I can do is wait and pray.

Contact!

Finally heard from TB! A great way to celebrate the 4th! He has no cell reception and no internet, but they have runnning water, working toilets, and the food is good! There's no gym, so that's kind of a bummer for him. That's one thing he's been counting on. He said they're gong to work on it, though. I'm sure they will, if he has anything to do with it. Working out is a top priority for him. It was so good to get a message from him, even if he did say it might be weeks or months before I hear from him again. He seems to be in good spirits and that means the world to me! 

Feeling at a Loss

It's been two weeks of limbo and feeling disconnected. I've been trying to put my finger on why I haven't hit my normal summer stride. Summer is a time for me to catch up on making cards for the Troops, do some heavy housecleaning and organizing, and read a few books that I don't have time for during the school year. I think I've dealt with TB deploying, so why do I wander from one task to another, unable to concentrate or really accomplish anything? I've been thinking about this a lot and finally realized it's part of that "Mom thing". I've spent the greater part of the past two years taking care of him, so to speak. Helping him when he had car problems, girl problems, travel problems. Now here I sit, helpless, unable to do anything, because I don't have an address yet. Once I have that address, I'll hit my stride...Mom in Motion...watch out!! ;)   

Mixed Emotions

Once again I'm confronted with the interesting way life works. Two wonderful soldiers who call me Mom were in the same place a few days ago. They tried to locate each other but never were able to connect. They have never met, only heard about each other through me. TB's brigade is replacing EM's and so, each was experienceing a major transition in his life. While TB was headed for Afghanistan, EM was redeploying. And there I was, caught in the middle; thrilled for EM and his family, anxious for TB and what lies ahead. When EM reached the airport in Maryland he called to let me know his feet were on American soil. A few more hours and one more flight and he would be home. Meanwhile, TB was leaving his transition area, moving into Afghanistan. Nervous and excited, sad and happy, relieved and anxious....one home safe, one headed for danger.