Sunday, December 17, 2006

Under My Tree

9 days before Christmas, and I have all I could ever want all I want under my tree: 1 or more U.S. Soldiers.

Well, here are two, after a 12-hour drive:

They were numb, and waiting for dinner that I promised I could deliver a short time ago, when they called to inform me: "We're 26 miles away." SuperMom-Mode kicked in then, and I recited a potential menu that I could whip up by the time they got arrived. They voted on spaghetti, and baby, italian sausage, onions, and garlic were saute-ing next to a pot of boiling water within 2 minutes of that phone call. I am one efficient Mamacita in the kitchen.

That's Brian, and his friend Dodds. Dodds refers to my son as "J-man." Interesting to note.

Dodds is in this town for 2 more hours; his ride arrives at midnight, to take him to HIS mama, in Chicago. He is 21, in the army for 1 year, 1 month. He and "J-Man" have the same MOS. He is an only child. Everything I do, from interrogating him, to snapping 1 million pictures while he is here, reminds him of his mother...at least, he assures me, that his Mom is in the same mindset as I am.

He asked me what I knew about military lingo. I confess, I know little, but I know what MOS means...though I don't know exactly what it stands for. I guessed..."Modus Operandi Something-something..."

Dodds accused me: "you are pulling that out of your ass."

My response, to my son, was "Did you hear what he said to your mother? He's talking about my ass!"

Dodds practically waved his lilly white boxers in surrender on that note, and sat down to his dinner.

He was a charming guest in my home, if only long enough to share spaghetti and a diet coke before making his exit. "Thank you for feeding me" he said, and I proffered, "thank you for letting me feed you."

And I meant it, with every fiber of my being.

And it's past midnight now, and he's 1/2 way between my home and his Mama's, where I'm sure she's waiting up for him.

And I'll tell you now, what she and I have both known since September.

Our boys are heading for Iraq.

Their deployment orders are undated, but it's looking like March. They are going to CA for desert training in mid-January.

Yes.

It's hang-on-tight time, folks. I'm going to rejoice in this Christmas with my son, like I have no other.

And then.

I will call on you.

14 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry, gnightgirl....

    Enjoy your Christmas with him.

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  2. i have not had time to read your blog in about 4 months. i am waiting for my ride to O'Hare to catch a flight to Africa. I find myself with nothing to do, for the first time in a long, long time, so I decided to check in.

    Have a wonderful Christmas with Brian, and please know that I am here for you in the tough days ahead. Maybe a snowy walk in our future??? Be back mid-January.
    Dana

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  3. What Larry said. I'm so sorry but have a wonderful Christmas with hime!

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  4. You'll call and we'll all be here.
    Till then, enjoy your time.

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  5. I was all set to post some witty comment about military acronyms and then I got to the bombshell at the bottom of your post.

    Speechless.

    I am 4,000 miles away, and we only barely know each other through our blogs, but I wish I could teleport myself there to give you a big hug and a shoulder to use as necessary.

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  6. You've got the right spirit. I hope your son appreciates what a gift you are to him

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Hug your baby, love your baby and we'll all keep our fingers, toes and heart valves crossed for his wellbeing (and his friends and cosoldiers).

    Makes me want to cry to see kids being sent off to far away lands for any reason.

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  8. I'm sorry to read this. Enjoy the holiday. I know you'll make the most of every minute. Will you see him after desert training?

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  9. Enjoy the Holidays!! (hugs)..

    it is unevitable...

    As Matt Damon said the other days...why don't they send congress men to war!!!

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  10. I don't think I even have to say that I'll be here to listen, cry - whatever you need. And I will be praying for him and you and his friends and their families.

    And he WILL return home safely.

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  11. Everything Larry said and might I add how much I hate our current policy makers (mostly the big W one)!

    Just let us all know when we can start sending care packages to Brian!

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  12. 1st time commenter, long-ish time reader/lurker. just wanted to let you know that i've enjoyed your blog and the way you write very much. and this post took my breath away. i feel for you and was fearful that it was going to happen.

    enjoy your christmas with him. and i'll keep him (and you) in my thoughts.

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  13. Larry: Thank you, and yes: You MAY say fuck this useless war; scream it from the rooftops, baby. I'll get dubya on the line for you.

    Gamera: Thank you; I will.

    Dana: thank you. Hope Africa's a blast.

    Laurie: I'm sure I will. So far so good.

    Tai: I'm counting on you all!

    Wil: Hit me with that witty comment anyway. I can take it. And thanks for the hug. I got it.

    Amishlaw: He'd BETTER, or else he'll get it with my rolling pin!

    Mal: Thank you. Rest assured I'm hugging the stuff out of him every chance I get.

    Wendy: I don't know the answer to that yet. I want to postpone the answer if it's "no."

    MaryP: Matt's got the right idea.

    Momo: don't worry, I'm sure I'll be at your door!

    FMMary: Thank you, I will.

    SI: Welcome, lurker. Nice to hear from you, and thanks for your kind words. I'll keep you posted.

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