Countdown begins!

[sunny]

I've been so upset about my brother that it didn't hit me until this morning - Brandon leaves Baghdad in one month!!!

[Miss Mary]

Brandon would understand Cindy. And you know his thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Let the countdown begin - we had one going for my niece's ex-husband too. I remember waking up each day thinking, in 3 weeks Kris will be on US soil. That is all I wanted, really. To be home - home being anywhere in this country.

But I know what you want, Brandon home, with that baby in his arms. I want that too!

Mary

[sunny]

I can't wait to see him with that baby, Mary! Lord, but it has been a long year.

[Miss Mary]

I knew immediately what you wanted! I'm sure he can't wait to hold him......hopefully this time will fly for your family.

Your poor family though - something happy to celebrate and then something, completely different. You all must feel torn in many, different directions right now.

What I always say is God gives us hope, even in the worst situations. So see, Brandon coming home is your family's hope things will be better. Hold onto that.

Mary

[sunny]

Very torn. So happy yet so sad. It's a strange feeling really. I go from bouncing off the walls to wanting to cry. I told Steve the other night that we feel Clarence is trying to hold on til Brandon comes home, because he is fighting SO hard.

[Miss Mary]

That would be nice if he could hold on. That's something to pray for here Cindy. That's what I'll do and that's a good direction to go in here. I know it's an odd feeling, I can sense it. Happy one minute, so very sad the next.

Life is just not fair I keep saying. How well I know.

Hang in there and remember, when you feel down about Clarence, remind yourself Brandon is coming home!

Mary