STORM2K

I've been so upset about my brother that it didn't hit me until this morning - Brandon leaves Baghdad in one month!!!

Brandon would understand Cindy. And you know his thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Let the countdown begin - we had one going for my niece's ex-husband too. I remember waking up each day thinking, in 3 weeks Kris will be on US soil. That is all I wanted, really. To be home - home being anywhere in this country.

But I know what you want, Brandon home, with that baby in his arms. I want that too!

Mary

I can't wait to see him with that baby, Mary! Lord, but it has been a long year.

I knew immediately what you wanted! I'm sure he can't wait to hold him......hopefully this time will fly for your family.

Your poor family though - something happy to celebrate and then something, completely different. You all must feel torn in many, different directions right now.

What I always say is God gives us hope, even in the worst situations. So see, Brandon coming home is your family's hope things will be better. Hold onto that.

Mary

Very torn. So happy yet so sad. It's a strange feeling really. I go from bouncing off the walls to wanting to cry. I told Steve the other night that we feel Clarence is trying to hold on til Brandon comes home, because he is fighting SO hard.

That would be nice if he could hold on. That's something to pray for here Cindy. That's what I'll do and that's a good direction to go in here. I know it's an odd feeling, I can sense it. Happy one minute, so very sad the next.

Life is just not fair I keep saying. How well I know.

Hang in there and remember, when you feel down about Clarence, remind yourself Brandon is coming home!

Mary