yesterday, combat operations "officially ended" in iraq... i watched president obama's speech - while i admired his tribute to the troops, it seemed there weren't any words which could be said at that moment to suffice...

this has hit me really hard, this end they speak of... 4,400 troops killed - and yet only time will be able to tell "for what?"...

i find that hard to grasp - so hard that i didn't sleep more than three hours last night. my heart...

Humor

issued basic combat training equipment at Fort Ord, Calif., we were warned that gas masks were frequently lost, and that we would be charged $65 for a replacement. Determined not to lose mine, I developed the habit of hitting its case with my elbow as we marched, to ensure that the mask was safely inside.

Near the end of training, we made a final check of our masks before ascending to the test chamber. I elbowed my gas-mask case and panicked when I realized it...

Watching the 4th Stryker Brigade live on MSNBC crossing out of Iraq into Kuwait.
Last officially designated Combat Unit to leave Iraq....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38744453?GT1=43001



Remembering images from the start of the war..


lots of emotions..



fat lady ain't sang yet, but maybe she's at least in a cab on the way...?




<salute>

It has been a good day. Pain was ignorable and emotional/mental crap unobtrusive. The garden looks wonderful. Homegrown tomatoes are amazing. Sunshine is a blessing. Good food with a good friend. The dogs are silly sods... Some great bargains at the thrift store. Simple things.... a good day. They can happen... they're still there.....

Blessed Be-

-

So what can I say, for once the units delaying in taking action will benefit me! Authorities want to do a scripted phone call with the 'accused'.....I love it! I'm nervous, scared, excited all in one....
I've started therapy now, and I must say, I never realized I had such control issues! So I think we're going to expand the basis of treatment....did not realize that would start to become a constant in my life, but maybe it's for the best, who's to know. However, I won't deny...