STORM2K

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:47 am**

As some of you know, my niece's husband Kris has been serving with the 101st in Iraq/Kuwait since Feb. 2003. He flies into Ft. Campbell, KY today to begin a 15 day leave! As I type he's on his way, flying in from Ireland, of all places. But this trip is so important. He has described such horrible conditions but thru it all, he's kept the most amazing positive can-do attitude for someone so young (he's 28). We've supported him with letters/postcards/notes and packages (dozens of sox, candy, treats, essentials, etc.) and comics (my daughter's influence!). Yes I'm known as the Aunt who sends the most comfortable sox......so now I'm on the hunt for the goofiest looking sox out there, for a xmas gag gift.

It was understood he would stay home and rest for 2 weeks. But now we hear he's coming up for Thanksgiving before he goes back. And we get to see him! Big secret though. He doesn't know we're going to pop in on that family celebration, after we have our own dinner. So I'll be writing you all about our visit with him in 2 weeks. I just know I'll cry! About to cry right now thinking about him........we've been so very worried about him. You just don't know how much. My daughter puts pictures of friends and relatives on her bulletin board. And each night she prays for them, in her nightly prayers (all done on her own, w/o my urging). Kris' picture is smack in the middle, he's smiling in that photo in his uniform. Taken the night before the War started.

Can't wait to hug him!

Mary

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:49 am**

Great news indeed. Thank him for all of us for doing what he is doing over there, OK??

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:50 am**

That is great news indeed that he will be for thanksgiving and also that he is fine and nothing bad has happened to him.

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:52 am**

Mary -- It's so good to hear that he'll be able to make it home for his two weeks of R&R during Thanksgiving! What a wonderful way to celebrate and give thanks to God for Kris' safety throughout the war and to Kris for his service to our country. When you see him, please, would you give him a hug and handshake from a proud and appreciative American?

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:54 am**

How VERY KEWL! Ditto what blizzard said too!

Dennis

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:55 am**

Great news Miss Mary - enjoy your visit.

Patricia

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 7:59 am**

Thank everyone! That part about me almost crying? Well, I'm crying right now! For the next 2 weeks we can relax about him. No worries as we turn on the news. Such a relief this will be. We're told he can come home for a long leave this coming February. He'll go into training recruits then. That will a relief too, just to know he's not in the thick of it over there. I will tell him how very proud we are of all he's done and for you all too! Oh yes I will.

Mary

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:49 am**

Mary - I am very glad to know that you will be able to see Kris and that you will not have to worry about him for a few weeks.

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:03 pm**

Wonderful news.. it really is heartwarming to hear about someone who has such a great outlook and positive attitude... spoil him rotten for awhile

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:05 pm**

That is great news Miss Mary!!! Be sure you give him a hig from me and let him know how I appreciate him!!

Enjoy!!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:08 pm**

I'm so happy to hear that Miss Mary! Give him a big old hug from us and a "Thank You"!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:10 pm**

That is good news Mary. My stepdaughters boyfriend has been in Iraq since February and its not looking like he can come home till June. He's a Reservist to boot!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:17 pm**

Next June? That's horrible! Hopefully he can get some time off when the next batch of soldiers are sent over. That's way too long IMHO!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:19 pm**

he has 2 weeks leave Steph at X-Mas, bu tthis boy hasn't seen his baby since he was 2 weeks old!

I'm definitely ready for him to come back and take over his parenting duties

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:20 pm**

I hope that the situation will change for him and he will get home AND stay home sooner j!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:43 pm**

Oh that is awesome news Mary!!

Praise the Lord that he is OK and that he will be home with you all for the Thanksgiving holiday! I too am very thankful that he is a brave and valiant fighter for this country's values!!

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:49 pm**

Very good news Mary. I am happy for you and your niece. Best wishes and Happy Holidays.

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 2:09 pm**

Thanks all once again! J - feel for your stepdaughter. That is a long time. If Kris wouldn't have qualified for this leave, he would have served a full year over there too. Just the other day I read about a couple, both the husband and wife are serving in Iraq/Kuwait and they have 7 children between them! I think it's the husband's mother who stepped forward and offered to take the kids in. I seem to remember reading about this family months ago and even then the Grandmother looked exhausted. Gone were her days of playing bingo, shopping with friends, now she's doing homework with the kids, shuttling them to and from activities. Now there's a story I disagree with. What if something happens to both parents? Are we that desperate for soldiers over there that both parents need to be gone at the same time? I wish I had a link for that article. Maybe I read about in an old magazine at the dentist office.

As I type, Kris should be landing. You just don't know how happy I am for him to be able to even come home for this short leave. Going back will be hard I'm sure.

Mary

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 2:10 pm**

Great news Mary and happy holidays

:):)

Posted: **Fri Nov 14, 2003 2:37 pm**

coincidence Mary is future son-in law's name is Kris. (and its spelled like that)

STORM2K

Good news to share!

Good news to share!