A Soldier Returns

Alex Relaxing at my apartment 9-7-11

Yes, there are birds in my yard, birds at the bog, and birds migrating though, but all of my attention is currently focused on the return of my son from the war in Afghanistan. Alex returned from his year deployment in August but this is the first time I have seen him since his return. I am sure you can imagine how often I reach out just to touch him and see if he is really here, to feel the skin of the young man I gave birth to over 26 years ago. Alex did his year’s deployment at a remote base along the Pakistani border. After being in numerous firefights throughout that year his vehicle hit an I.E.D. two weeks before he was suppose to come home. Amazingly he was not injured though the truck was totally destroyed. Now he is here and I can hold him, touch him, see him, and hear his voice. He is still my Alex. He still has the same sense of humor and fun. He is a really good daddy to his little girl Natalie. I am just beaming with pride and smiling with relief and joy.

Natalie and Diane 9-7-11

Many of you prayed for my son, or wrote him letters, and sent him care packages during his deployment. I want to thank you all for everything you have done, even if all you did was encourage me! We are one of the blessed families. I know that many other families never get to see this day. I think of all those soldiers and their families. I know what they are going through. And though my son is safely home, I still cry whenever I hear of any other soldier who has died in this war because I know how I would feel if it had been me. Thankfully I do not have to know empty arms, but many families do.

Meme and Natalie 9-7-11

In all of the politicking going on in Washington, all of the budget fights and temper tantrums, let us not forget our men and women in uniform. We live this life we do and we have the freedom and leisure to disagree because of what our servicemen and women do for us. We must take care of our vets! Whether you agree with the wars or not, we must take care of our Vets!

So, if you do not hear much from me in the next couple of weeks, I am sure you will understand. This is why I can not go to the Mid-west Birding Symposium. This is why I will have limited opportunity to blog. I am spending time with my soldier, my son. I am spending time with my little grand-daughter whom I have not seen in over a year. I am spending time with my family, and I am being grateful, so grateful, to have him home.