“Do the next thing”

Dear Senator Snowe,
I was very displeased to learn that you and Senator Collins decided to vote for the non-binding resolution opposing the President’s planned troop buildup.

I say this as a member of the Maine Army National Guard currently serving in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” My fellow soldiers and I have no desire to stay here one day longer than we have to. However, to prematurely withdraw or not complete the mission correctly would be wrong. I have expressed the sentiment with others, (with much agreement,) that I hope we do it right this time.  I don’t want my kids to have to come back a generation later to clean up our mess. It is not the loss of my life I am worried about, but rather that one or all of my three sons will be sacrificed in a future war because our leaders watched the polls and made decisions for political expediency.

I know there are no easy answers, and mistakes will be made by those prosecuting the “War on Terror.” What I desire is to know that my elected representatives will support my Commander in Chief and not look for the safest, opinion-lined exit.

Sincerely,
Francis J. Simmler III, SSG, U.S. Army

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Flowers in Kuwait, originally uploaded by Midcoast Mainah.

Fran just sent this photo of flowers that he saw over there. He said they will all shrivel up when the summer heat rolls in.

It started a year ago today.

Fran was upstairs at his desk, I was downstairs at mine.  It was a Friday in the middle of the work day.  The phone rang, and we both picked up at the same time.  I heard the military man start talking and I listened.

He was telling Fran that it was very possible that he would become part of unit headed to Iraq.  I don’t remember all the words.  I just remember the moment like it was yesterday.  The feeling.  The realization that we had just boarded the Military Roller Coaster.

And so the waiting began.  Will he or won’t he.  I knew the news could change on a dime…over and over and over again.

Waiting for the yes or no.  Waiting for the final list.  Waiting for when.  Waiting for how long.  Waiting.

Now we are on the downhill end of the waiting.   Now our sites are set on late July.

While the time overseas is just 12 months, (unless someone changes their minds,) the upheaval lasts much longer.

It starts with the phone call. Now my question is, after they get home, is it really over then?

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Identify This Plant…Please!, originally uploaded by Midcoast Mainah.

A friend gave this plant to me. I can’t remember if she told me the name. I’d like to know so that I can look it up and figure out how to care for it!

I do know that it seems to need to be divided up between a couple pots!!