Sorry for the Delay-

I havent posted in a seemingly excrutiating amount of time, but honestly- its just been a waiting game. Being someone who isnt family I couldnt get any info until it was given to me. It was, finally- today.

Yes- he seems to have been pretty badly hurt- enough to need a skin graft.
No- I dont really want to give out any major details as I didnt get his permission to and want to respect his privacy at this time.

But if you could find it in your heart to pray- for him and those lost-
and to bring the lot of them home- INTACT it would do wonders I know.

Loving you all-
Updates as I can.

Trust your gut

So I had been worried for a reason.
He was hurt in a suicide blast sometime in late December.
He is currently stateside and recovering.
No other details right now.

Prayers are always appreciated.

Worry..................

So I have NO IDEA how the wives and children get through this- they all deserve a badge of courage in my book. Here I am, just a friend, and so full of worry I could split. I havent heard from him since just before Christmas and I figure "no news is good news", right? Funny how in times of what we call "peace" not hearing from someone in 2 weeks would hardly raise an eyebrow. Now in 2 days in sends chills up your spine with "What ifs".

Of course it doesnt help my mind set that I'm still battling the effects of having pneumonia. So I cough and cough enough to keep myself up all night and then what is there to do but wonder- and worry?

UGH!

WIshing you the "Touch of Peace"

From "Christmas Around the World"


Christmas In IRAQ

On Christmas Eve, Iraqi Christian families gather together and one of the children read about the birth of Jesus while other family members hold lighted candles. Afterward the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is let and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year. When the fire dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.

On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. The bishop, carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus leads the service. Afterwards he blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the person next to him or her and the touch is passed around until all present have felt the "touch of peace."
MERRY CHIRSTMAS TO ALL....

PASS THIS BILL!

The whole concept of this injustice made me sick. You can link to Operation Pittsburgh Pride to read all about just one of countless soldiers injured in war and then told they had to PAY BACK their enlistment bonuses. The idea being the soldiers could not fulfill their entire tour of duty and therefore where not entitled to the pay????
ARGH!
The Congress has passed a bill CHANGING this and with luck the President is going to see the error of this practice and allow those who served this country to return to life in the States with OUR NEVER ENDING GRATITUDE- not never ending DEBT!

Holiday Ills......

Yup- seems the whole family has come down with a nasty nasty cold that seems to be circulating. COugh- sore throats- blech. Hope it passes before too long.

I remember my buddy telling me how the flu actually had struck a few soldiers a while back. As miserable as I feel right now- that thought of being away from home, in a war- in a desert with the flu - well it puts things into perspective for sure!

Christmas Wish

"Dona Nobis Pacem"

Ok- grew up Catholic can you tell? LAtin for "grant us peace"-
Peace for my friend in the desert- and for his family.
Peace for My "cyber friends" who recently lost their twins- my heart BLEEDS for you -and I wish you a Holiday of peace and love -
Peace for my parent's neighboors who just this week lost their father-
Peace for all of us so caught up in the spending frenzy and rush to get things perfect we forget the great words of wisdom spun by Dr Seuss...
(paraphrased) that despite everything Christmas comes- "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!"

Peace all my loved ones........
Remeber it is all about the Love-
and I do love you all.