Time flies when you're away...

It seems like only yesterday that I was kissing my wife and little girl goodbye in Keokuk, Iowa. Tearfully boarding the bus to leave for our gearing up to get over and join the fight in Afghanistan. Now here it is mere months later and that faithful wife and beautiful little girl are still there only older and more mature. The wife that I left won't be the same one I return to, just as in the husband that left here won't be the same one returning, and the little girl.....won't be so little anymore.

I'm so very proud of Alicia in her great effort to raise our daughter in a caring, loving, protected environment. She'd done such a great job of it, and all by her lonesome.....with the help of friends of course, but without daddy there has got to be tough. Our little wonder has grown so very much since I've physically laid eyes on her, I can only imagine what it's going to be/feel like when I get to see them both again, face to face.

July 2010

January 2011

She'll be a little lady before I know it, walking, talking, and babbling on about everything that's new in her world. I can't wait to be a part of their lives once again!

Starting our own little family has had me thinking about my family and where I came from, how I was raised, and what my mom & dad taught me in the years past growing up and all. I get to hear from my mom all the time about how much she enjoys seeing what we've done, become, and made for ourselves...but not so much from dad.

My father passed away in September of 08' and I've often wondered what he might think about the world that we live in today, our family, and if what I've accomplished in life might have made him proud to call me his son. I've gone so far in these thoughts as to write to his old email address, knowing full well that it won't go through, and he won't be reading them, but just to get out all of those thoughts, feelings, and most likely shared frustrations about the times we live in. I thought about compliling them and calling it Emails to Heaven.....but thought it'd be too cheesy...who knows.

I know one thing, I'm so very thankful for every person that has entered my life, and if I haven't told you lately, I appreciate you! I pray this finds you all well!