Dakota:

Do you and your son ever communicate via webcam?? I once saw a tv special and all the guys in Iraq got some special time to get on a laptop and speak to their families. I wonder if this can happen to you??

Wouldn't that be special? He's in my prayers, as are all the guys in the service of our country.

Every time I run into a solder on the street, I always extend my hand and thank them. I did that with firemen ever since 911, but I also do this with servicemen also. I want them to know that there are people who appreciate what they are doing. After the Vietnam war came and the guys came home, well, they were treated so badly. I always remembered to go up and shake their hands and I used to say "Thank You". The surprised look on their faces were amazing.

Alan and I don't have Christmas Spirit in our hearts. Too much pain there.

But perhaps someday, down the road, we shall put up decorations, etc.

But every time I go into a store and I hear "I'll be home for Christmas", well my heart just breaks. I'll be in a much better frame of mind on January 2nd.

This always happens and I expect it always will.

So I just go about my business and live each day and just cope.

But God Bless those guys who serve our country. I hope they all come home soon.