Since when did I start using the metric system?: Journal 10/06/06

Posted by Ms. Babble

October 6, 2006

My primary duties are all but over here in Iraq. By the time I return home, I will have been gone for nearly 14 months, 12 of which have been spent in the middle east. Everything that happens until I step foot off that bus at our National Guard armory is just a nudge closer. I am imagining the tasks now as just a form of measurement to our final goal. The packing is two centimeters. The flight to Kuwait is five. The arrival in Wisconsin is ten. Of course everything is moving with turtle like swiftness.

Yesterday I was asked to write on a checklist who I wanted to honor for their support of me during my deployment. They handed me this task as if I could just fill in a response without question. But all I could do was stare at the paper for several minutes. I thought about everyone who supported me through this whole mess. How could I possibly pick one above another?

Someone saw me struggling and yelled out, â€œJust write your Mom!â€ But that would leave out so much. I think of my father who handled every little personal technicality for the whole year without a single waver. (And also kept me up to date on the progress of our beloved Bears. Roll on Chicago Bears!) I thought of my step-mother who forwarded my blogs and e-mails to family and friends. I saw her handwriting on many of the boxes I received in the mail and knew she was behind them. My mother, who was willing to talk to me endlessly on the phone and discuss things as if I was still at home. She knew I didnâ€™t want to be treated any differently even though we both knew we were struggling to get thru the year. My step-father showed me the most gut wrenching respect and helped me understand that the character of a person really does go a long way. My grandparents who sent me a card every week which I came to rely on to help cheer me up during low times. My extended family sent e-mails, cards, lettersâ€¦ and how could I forget my friends??

As you can see, the task to pick just one person was nearly impossible.

The bulk of my unit will be leaving Iraq this weekend. Myself and a handful of other people are staying behind for a few more days. Initially I was to be here for the new unit if they wanted any more of our assistance. But right now I can see that theyâ€™re well on their way to having a very strong year. More likely than not, Iâ€™ll just be sitting around waiting for my flight date. A few more days in Iraq wonâ€™t kill me, right? ummmâ€¦ I suppose thatâ€™s a really inappropriate pun for the occasion.

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