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Letter from Michael:
August 25, 2008
Here's a picture sent a couple of days ago with the guys having some nearing final days celebration with BBQ and flag football. 
This will probably be my last journal entry from FOB Dwyer, unless anything interesting happens within the next two weeks. We are inching closer to our departure date, and we are all looking forward to being back at KAF. Of course, nothing compares to our desire to get back to the United States . Being out here has certainly refreshed my outlook on what is important in life and how the little things that you take for granted can really be missed. So, I thought I would dedicate this entry to what I am looking forward to when I get home other than the obvious (the “obvious” being family, friends, electricity, and running water).
I am looking forward to walking through Wal-mart, taking my time, feeling the cool air on my face, and having the option of buying just about whatever kind of food I want. You see, we have been eating the same 2 meals for about 2 or 3 weeks now. And while I appreciate the fact that we get hot meals served twice daily, it does tend to get monotonous. I am looking forward to being able to eat whatever I want, whenever I feel like it. Being the health nut that I am, however, this means that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into a nice cold cut sandwich, with ham, roast beef, salami, turkey, sprouts, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
I am looking forward to sitting in the car with Kelle beside me, and the kids in the back, making all of their noise. We don’t have to have anywhere to go or be in particular, just the fact that my family is with me again, all in one place. I can’t wait to be able to listen to the radio while driving in the car, and if it gets a little too hot, I can just turn on the a/c and, voila, instant coolness. I look forward to collapsing on my couch after a long day, wearing nothing but shorts, t-shirt and flip flops, and turning on the tv to watch some sports. Out here, of course, there are no tv’s, and I have been wearing this same uniform for the past 5 months. Even when I go to bed, I keep my trousers on. I look forward to wearing different clothes every day.
I look forward to walking through a mall with my wife and kids in tow. The food court will be like a slice of heaven, with all the selections to choose from. But, me being me, I will probably opt for that cold cut sandwich.
I notice a trend in these things that I look forward to upon my return. I seem to crave variety and choice. That makes sense, because out here, there is no variety, there is no choice. The military is not a democracy, and rightfully so. Everything we do is governed by rules, someone else’s rules imposed on us “for our own good.” Right or wrong, like them or not, as a Marine and especially as an officer, I cannot complain about the rules, I cannot disobey the rules, I cannot try to undermine the rules. I must not only enforce them, but I must set an example for others. Yes, it gets old, but there surely is always a method to the madness. I hope so, because it can certainly get maddening doing the same thing day after day.
Until these desires are filled, I will have to continue putting on my game face, being resolute and steadfast in setting that example, and I will have to look forward to getting back to KAF, which is the first huge step in getting home.
I am looking forward to walking through Wal-mart, taking my time, feeling the cool air on my face, and having the option of buying just about whatever kind of food I want. You see, we have been eating the same 2 meals for about 2 or 3 weeks now. And while I appreciate the fact that we get hot meals served twice daily, it does tend to get monotonous. I am looking forward to being able to eat whatever I want, whenever I feel like it. Being the health nut that I am, however, this means that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into a nice cold cut sandwich, with ham, roast beef, salami, turkey, sprouts, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
I am looking forward to sitting in the car with Kelle beside me, and the kids in the back, making all of their noise. We don’t have to have anywhere to go or be in particular, just the fact that my family is with me again, all in one place. I can’t wait to be able to listen to the radio while driving in the car, and if it gets a little too hot, I can just turn on the a/c and, voila, instant coolness. I look forward to collapsing on my couch after a long day, wearing nothing but shorts, t-shirt and flip flops, and turning on the tv to watch some sports. Out here, of course, there are no tv’s, and I have been wearing this same uniform for the past 5 months. Even when I go to bed, I keep my trousers on. I look forward to wearing different clothes every day.
I look forward to walking through a mall with my wife and kids in tow. The food court will be like a slice of heaven, with all the selections to choose from. But, me being me, I will probably opt for that cold cut sandwich.
I notice a trend in these things that I look forward to upon my return. I seem to crave variety and choice. That makes sense, because out here, there is no variety, there is no choice. The military is not a democracy, and rightfully so. Everything we do is governed by rules, someone else’s rules imposed on us “for our own good.” Right or wrong, like them or not, as a Marine and especially as an officer, I cannot complain about the rules, I cannot disobey the rules, I cannot try to undermine the rules. I must not only enforce them, but I must set an example for others. Yes, it gets old, but there surely is always a method to the madness. I hope so, because it can certainly get maddening doing the same thing day after day.
Until these desires are filled, I will have to continue putting on my game face, being resolute and steadfast in setting that example, and I will have to look forward to getting back to KAF, which is the first huge step in getting home.
1 comments:
This post left me with what I thought was an interesting insight. I think the two cravings of variety and choice are very common - a part of who we are as humans. This makes me think about the world that God created and put us in, and the way he chooses to have relationship with us. My conclusion: what an awesome loving God! He does give us the desires of our hearts. There is such variety in creation - and he gave us free will. It often gets us in trouble, but what brings Him and us the most joy is our free will coupled with making the choices that keep us in line with His will and design. Thanks for making me think Michael! Praying for safe and speedy return...
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