We have had a REALLY busy last couple of weeks, but they have been really fun and special. My brother is in the middle of his second deployment to Afghanistan and was able to come to Oregon for his mid-tour leave. His 3 year old daughter (Allie) was with him, as well has his girlfriend (Holly) and her 2 year old son (Archer, for part of the trip).
Kalaya ADORES Allie. We Skype with her when we can, so they are familiar with each other. They got along really, really well, playing with toys and running around. The age difference didn't seem to matter too much and they both did a great job of sharing!
We did some fun things while they all were here, including going to the zoo, the Pendelton Round Up, the beach, an Oregon State game (my brother is a HUGE fan and Holly got us great seats, front row, right on the 50 yard line, crazy!), went out to dinner a lot and just spent lots of time together as a family.
It's hard having a brother over there. Duh, that's obvious. But, it's hard because I often feel guilty about it. Guilty, because I deal with it in a pretty selfish way. I am proud of him. VERY proud. And, I love staying in contact with him and hearing that he's safe. I really, really need to send him more care packages. I feel guilty, because I don't want to know anything that he's doing over there. Ever. It terrifies me. (duh) But really, it's embarrassing how little I know about what he actually does, where he is, etc. But, really, if I knew, I don't think I could handle it. So, that part of my mind is kind of just blocked off. I don't let my imagination go there. Because, I'd never sleep without nightmares and would be freaked out all the time. I know he's done some brave, very heroic, very scary things. I'm grateful to him and so proud of him. I hope he knows that my lack of knowledge of his 'job' has nothing to do with my support of him. It's best for me to just know that he's 'safe' and that he'll come home soon!! (hopefully by the beginning of January and then I hope NEVER AGAIN)
I'm glad he got to come home and it was great to see him and my niece and get to meet his girlfriend and her family. Until January, STAY SAFE COLIN.
1 comment:
I'll do all that "checking" on what's happening over there - enough for you and me, but won't say anything. I'm the opposite, I have to know as much as I can even though it makes me crazy.
I'm happy for all of you that you had such a great 2 weeks! Truly happy!
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