–Kristen

I’m just getting to this timely blog post. I’m beginning to wonder if the response to deployment ever goes away. As you know, it’s been over five years since the boys returned the last time. Reading about their recent return sent me right back to those days when they came back from Iraq. The feelings are still very present and strong.

I’m glad you mentioned what to say to the returning soldiers and their families. I nearly lost it one day on a woman who asked me if J had to go back – a week after he had returned. Excuse me? Just let people breathe for a moment and be in this new old.

I love the snow falling on your page. So far so good for this winter, eh? I’ll be home soon and will catch up with you.

Love, your pal, Holly

When our kids were small we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for a year. One night there was a 6.0 earthquake about 50 miles away. The kids were in bed and I was sitting in a rocker in the living room (Edna was at work). My hand to God- I saw a wave go through the floor under me and the kids’ beds were bouncing around like ping pong balls. Once you have experienced that sensation, you will never miss when the next one happens. We have had several 4.0 tremors in our vicinity here in Montana and each time, I said “That was an earthquake!” You can feel it in the pit of your stomach.

It certainly reminds you whio is in charge and who isn’t!