Trying to keep my emotions in check....

Well, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. If you have read any of my recent posts, you would know that my step-son, Terry II, has been home for a couple of weeks from Iraq. We all got a big surprise when he showed up a week earlier than expected. He has been all over the place visiting friends, family, and most importantly, his 2 week old baby girl in New York. (We are in Florida) The pictures of proud dad and baby daughter are priceless and I know it must have been so hard for him to get on the plane and leave her.

Terry will be going back to Iraq for at least 6 more months and then there's a chance he will head to Afghanistan. I am seeing nothing but determination on his young, 21 year old, face to return to the horrible place of uncertainty. Terry has matured and grown so much in this past year, it is almost unbelievable. We are all so proud of him. Whether you believe in the war or not, we still have to remember that our children are there, fighting for something they believe in. For or against, we need to support and stand behind those who are risking their lives.

Tomorrow we are having family and friends over for some barbeque, horseshoes, volleyball and we even rented a bouncy moonwalk thing. With the crazy economy the way it is, a huge party is not really in our budget, but, we want to spare no expense in making this last day for who knows how long, with family and friends, as special as can be. And, there is no price too high for that.

Terry and his dad, Terry, have that proud, "men don't cry" attitude. I, will probably, have to keep tissues in my pockets and make a few restroom trips through-out the day. It's hard to laugh and enjoy what will be all around us when in the back of my mind, I know it won't be long before we are waiting for those few and far between calls to inform us he's allright.

For those that have read some of my posts, you know that I am a big baby, my kids make fun of me all the time. It could be a song, a movie or just a sappy greeting card. I just can't help it. I feel like crying right now. Maybe if I get it out tonight, it won't come so quickly tomorrow. Can you really cry your eyes dry? That might be helpful. I definately want tomorrow to be fun and memorable, not sad.

I am not sure where I wanted to go with this post, I think I just wanted to write some feelings down and share them with my AR family. "They" say that will make me feel better. Boy, I hope so. Tomorrow will be here soon and I need my happy face.

I plan on taking a ton of pictures and my next post will be a dedication to Terry II.

Thanks AR for listening.