"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened". - Douglas Adams (1952-2001)
Good Morning,
Our son, Max Jr. (we call him JR) returned from Baghdad last Thursday. This picture is of him and the Iraqi seamstress who repaired their clothing when needed.
He spent a couple of days at home in Selah, Washington then came to see us in Wenatchee over the week-end. He will spend a few days at Ft. Lewis doing whatever they do to get final release then he will be "freed" back into the civilian world... the wonderful world of the Land of the Free (because of the brave).
Most of his National Guard unit returned about 3 weeks ago, but he volunteered to stay behind and help load equipment on a ship for it's return to the states... because he didn't have a wife and small children at home waiting for him. I thought that was a noble thing to do. He has been in the Guard over 25 years, so his kids are grown... with a couple kids of their own. Can you believe, this makes me a Great-Grandmother! A really young great-grandmother! Anyway, it was good to see him safe and sound, knowing he didn't have to return.
His first request was to go get a really good steak, so he took us to the best steak house in town. This is a very small place, called The Windmill, that doesn't take reservations, so you've got to get there before they open or you have to wait for a table. We were the first ones in the parking lot. We had a lovely dinner and he actually did pay the bill, which is more than we usually spend in 3 dinners out... and there was no alcohol consumed! Don't you just love it when your kids grow up and THEY pay when you go out? The Windmill does serve the best steak in town and are famous for their pie, too. We have 5 grown children now (my step-children actually), and this phenomenon happens occasionally (although probably not as often as it should) and it's alway a real treat. It's still habit for us to reach for our wallets, but I'm finding a grin on my face as we place them back where they belong. By the way, we didn't have room for pie when we were done with dinner.
During his deployment, he was able to e-mail us somewhat regularly and call about once a month. What a marvel and treat that was. In the meantime, my husband was watching the news nearly all day every day for the first few months. I watched the news some, but I just knew there wasn't anything I could do to control circumstances, so I went with the "faith" theory. I worried very little, but was always thrilled when we heard from him.
JR was home for a short leave at Thanksgiving time and I made sure there was an unending supply of pumpkin pie on the premises. It was better this time knowing he doesn't have to go back. We were a bit astonished when he announced over the steak dinner that he is considering volunteering to go back. He is a civilian mechanic for the National Guard and does basically the same thing at home that he did in the Iraq... but under much better conditions, of course. When I asked him why he wanted to return, he just said he felt his work was more meaninful and urgent there. He's never been a particularly political guy, but from the moment he arrived in Iraq he has been sympathetic to the plight of the people.
That's about it for now. Stay tuned for word on his possible re-enlistment.
By the way... I hear property values are up substantially in Baghdad. Perhaps we have more in common than we think!?!
Have a great day!
Carol
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO, GRI, REI
www.TopPropertiesWenatchee.com
Carol@TopPropertiesWenatchee.com
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