and many thanks.
Date: Monday Nov. 5, 2007The long slow goodbye (Minnesota style) has finally ended. After many uncertainties, changes, and delays, I finally left home today (Nov. 5) to start my mobilization. Leaving is never easy. Considering where I'm going and for how long, parting from Jenny and the boys was particularly difficult this time. Thankfully, my family and friends have been so supportive through it all that, even though we will be challenged with this separation, we are also reminded of how truly fortunate and blessed we are.
The goodbyes started with a 40th birthday bash put on by Jenny in late September. It was incredible, complete with party tent, great food, music, and squealing kids everywhere. I can't remember a time since our wedding over nine years prior when we've had such a collection of friends and family in one place. Thank you so much to my dear wife for creating such a memorable event.
My Army comrades took care of me, too. Janet Jones, my sergeant major who I've known for twenty years since our days together in the band, put a great cake together for me and the people leaving the unit, along with a nice family BBQ, which was a nice diversion from the pummeling I was receiving in the combatives martial arts course I was attending at the time. Thank you, JJ.
My former bandmates in the 451st took time to come to a happy hour at the Fort Snelling Club for Jenny, the boys and me, where I was officially given Hero in a formal ceremony. Hero has deployed twice already, with former band member Kathy Nieters, and most recently with Travis Kramer. More on Hero later. Thank you to Sandy Kramer for arranging the evening. It really meant a lot to my family and me.
My unit commander, Eric Larson, and his wife Linda, along with executive officer Bill Geddes, and his wife Anne, took Jenny and me out to Kincaids for dinner a couple weeks ago. They all offered their support to Jenny, which she really appreciated. It was a great time and we thank them for the evening. JJ and Dan could not attend because her father was in poor health. JJ, your dad is in my thoughts.
My manager at Pearson, Mike Fogelberg, sponsored a happy hour at Majors on my last day of work. In addition to great beer and appetizers, he and my department surprised me with a card stuffed with cash. It was completed unexpected, but very much appreciated. The money went toward a digital camera that I can fit in a uniform pocket. The pictures I post of my trip are thanks to the gang at Pearson. Also, a big thanks to Peter Pascale and Mike Matthews, who are organizing a support group for Jenny while I'm away. That really means a lot us.
Thank you to my friend, Dave, for supplying me with a video iPod loaded with about 200 TV episodes from series such as King Fu, Dr. Who, and Cowboy Bebop. Dave knows I'm a closet Sci-Fi geek, so he hooked me up with shows I don't get to watch at home. I'm sure my peers will enjoy them during down time overseas, too. Thanks, Dave!
Thank you to our friends and neighbors who have generously offered to help Jenny with the kids, and to mow our yard and shovel our driveway. Jenny really does have a harder job than me while I'm away, and it really gives us peace of mind to know she's not doing it alone.
Finally, thank you to our families, particularly our parents, for their unconditional love and support. Having you all nearby is a great source of comfort. I know we'll make it through this. Only 397 days to go!
Posted by Jeff at November 8, 2007 3:41 PM