[KathyM]

My son is home on leave, and it feels SO GOOD to have him home again.

He's grown into such a man over the last four years being in the military (Navy). He came home for two reasons: 1) to celebrate my 50th birthday with me; and 2) to get started with his career goals. I'm impressed the people at the studio were serious about wanting him back. They even mailed him a keyboard system to work on during off hours at the base. Yesterday he worked with a rap group called "Do or Die." His position with the studio (producer) will allow him to also attend college when he gets out. He plans to attend Columbia here in the music field.

He will be going to IRAQ at the end of May - during the worst heat of the season. His girlfriend will be going too, so now I'm worried about both of them. She's a real sweetheart who has an ill mother and sister at home. She hasn't even told her mom about Iraq yet because she's so worried about her mom's health. They will be stationed somewhere outside of Baghdad - living in tents and eating MRE's and being hit with occasional mortar rounds. He tells me he'll send home a pic of him dressed in his Kevlar and carrying an M16. It's comical to us in a twisted way because I worked so hard to keep him away from guns. Oh well, it's giving him more "street cred" with his gang friends.

He'll only have to be over there for six months, but it will be the LONGEST six months of my life. I don't know if I'll even be able to breathe until he comes home safely. I'm almost tempted to pull a "Cindy Sheehan" while he's over there - maybe I'll camp out on the White House lawn until my son returns to me. Anyone got a lawnchair I could borrow?

[nowheretorun]

((KathyM and Son )))))))

praying that your son returns safely KathyM... (((Our Brave Men and Women))))

You could keep the white house happy I have a sit on lawn mower you can borrow lol perhaps they will let you stay there if you have one of them.

I really feel for you I talk to somone in the Army who is in Aftghanistan at the moment on his second tour (thats what I think its called anyways you get the idea) its very hard on the family left at home and I will be thinking of you your son and his girlfriend I will add them to my prayers.

Hugs to you all.

And thank him from me and mine for what he is doing for us.

(((((KathyM)))))
i know how you feel
my dad has been in Iraq since August

[KathyM]

Thanks ((NWTR, Tishie, and Court Knee))

Tishie, that's an EXCELLENT idea! I'll hoist a flag on the back and spend the day riding around the White House lawn. I could become a tourist attraction. Maybe we could paint a PC logo on the side for some free advertising. Or, if you have a business of your own, you could be my sponsor.

CourtKnee - I remember you saying that, and I keep your dad in my prayers. I really despise war.

[Timgt5]

Please thank your son on my behalf for his wonderful service to our country, I pray that the two of them return to you safe and sound.

[splitimage]

I'm really sorry that your son is going to Iraq. I hope that he returns safely.

--splitimage