Veteran's Day

Today my family wished me a Happy Veteran's Day and it meant the world to me.  I can't believe its been over two years since my time in the dessert. I don't really like to talk about my time away but below are a few things from those days that I wanted to share with you.

I remember when...

... I thought I would never leave and would live my life walking on pebbles and rocks forever...
... The sounds of mortars, an every day occurence, became commonplace...
... I discovered webcams-- I could see my family and my boyfriend (now husband : ) which was a huge blessing...
... I would go to church but it was really a tent-- no stained glass, not statues but was filled with lots of love and faith and that's what made it a church...
... I got letters and care packages from all of you and how that kept me going! I specially love the videos my family made for me-- absolutely priceless...
... I tried learning how to drive a stick-shift and how the soldiers at the checkpoints would get a kick out of watching me stall and start, stall and start : ))... I've never laughed so much...
... I went on my first helo ride-- what an amazing experience-- I have my friend Joe to thank for keeping me safe and level headed : )...
... I landed in the U.S.-- the fear and insecurity of being in a world far away was gone in an instant.

With that my friends and family I leave you tonight thanking you all for your support, your many, many letters, your words of encouragement, your jokes, your laughter and your listening ear in a time that was both uncertain and yet remarkable.  Happy Veteran's Day.