:( son is heading to Iraq for a year, and his wife is expecting in Sept.

[The Straight Story]

Just found out a few minutes ago.

I knew he was going to be deployed, was not sure when or where (he was going to Afghanistan originally). It has changed over time. Now I know.

And I did not know his wife was expecting (they have 2 kids). He asked if I could come out first week of April before he heads out, he will have a 4 day weekend. I can't afford to go - and I don't have a car that could make the trip even if I could afford the gas.

"How's things going? haven't talked to you in a bit. Been real busy at work getting ready to deploy in a few months. Was in the field this past weekend, got four days off this weekend and four days the first weekend in April. You should come down one that weekend and visit cause I'm not sure if I'm gonna get back up there before I leave for a year. We are expecting another baby in September, not sure if I told you already or not."

No, you didn't tell me. Your brother was here today with me and we called you. You didn't tell me. I don't even know if Zach knows yet. And he is getting ready to go back into the military himself.

I can't get there to see you - but I will save up and get there I hope when Alicia gives birth. She won't be able to handle having another child while you are away. If I have to walk to Ft. Hood, Texas I will get there.

Why are we still in these wars? Why don't have a job? If I could make enough to have a decent car and some gas, I would be there tomorrow - it is a 17hr drive to you. I would hug you before you go. I would hang out with my granddaughters while you were gone.

Your half sister, Hannah, misses you and I think she would understand if I came down there for a spell. She might only be 8, but she knows who you are and misses you.

End these wars now. Bring our kids home.


Sorry - just found out and needed to rant. Going to be a granddad again.

[Ignis]

1. Bring. Them. Home.

Hang in there, TSS. :hug:

[The Straight Story]

2. I need to go there, but have my little girl here too - trying to be a dad to all my kids

He needs me, Hannah needs me. I can't be two places at once.

Nathaniel made it safe to CA, Zach is heading (back) into the military, and Hannah is only 8 and needs me here. I can't be all the places I need to be.

Damn I need a drink :)

[LuckyLib]

3. You are just where you need to be -- there for all of them.

They know it. Be good to yourself. It will all work out.

[patrice]

4. Our dear TSS and family . . .

wish I had more to give you and yours, wish I had more than words, more than wishes for a better world . . .
This evening I am tired and stupid. Even with everything I know, I don't quite understand how things turned out like this for good people like you and your sons. It's not right. I am not sure anything I will do can change it. I can only try anyway every day to put one foot in front of the other and to do whatever needs to be done for us.

Be well. Be with us. And goddess be with you and your family.

:hug:

[grantcart]

5. Best wishes to all

Ironically Iraq is probably the safer theater now.

Heard on NPR today that they expect to reduce the total number of troops in Iraq by half by August.

[villager]

6. well, goddamnit, TSS.

No excuses needed for the rant.

Mazel & tov on being a granddad again.

And may the heavens watch over and protect your boy...

[Cid_B]

7. Always tough...

and double tough with the pregnancy to boot. Sure he'll be fine though.

Nothing helps those who are deployed more than knowing that their families have some support so Im sure everything is appreciated. (Not telling you anything you don't already know)

Personally I can see the light at the end of my deployment tunnel... good feeling but lordy does it go slow.

[roguevalley]

8. this sucks. my boy was in Bosnia. it was a very long year but it ends

and they come home. I will keep you and yours in my mind.

[BlueIris]

9. Mr. President: Shut it down. The Straight Story: Hugs to you.

Hope everything goes okay with the new grandbaby and her family.

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. Hugs.. we need to bring them home

Hugs....

[Broke In Jersey]

11. sorry....I really thought we'd be out of there by now....

instead of sending more troops in....