Leaving Fort Dix for the Christmas holidays was such a joy. Being able to see the smiling faces of all of my family, friends, friends of the family, loved ones, enemies and those who I’ll learn to love (WINK WINK), made leaving Birmingham one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a while. If we had said our final goodbyes back on Dec 6, I would not have complained. There were a few things I’ll always remember about this year. The day after Christmas I had a going away dinner and I must admit, it was all I anticipated and more. My favorite people in whole wide world were there and I enjoyed their company greatly. It began to get emotional toward the end of the night, but I was able to maintain my bearing and grit through it without a tear. After seeing two of my best friends and my mom in tears as well as my dad nearly in tears, I almost went in. That night and well into the next morning ranks in my “best moments of the year.”
As I reflect back on the week just past, I take solace in knowing I have the greatest family and group friends any one person can ask for and I’m extremely proud of all of them. We’ve managed to maintain some form of constant communication over the last 10+ years and I hope we continue on our fantastic voyage through life.
Friday, 2. January 2009
It was good to see you one more time before your departure. Just to be in the midst of one of my best of friends and those from UNA. It was also great to look back on the many experiences that we shared at UNA and in the seven years that we have known each other. Being among you and yours was a blast. I will be sure to blog, and blog often.
Wednesday, 7. January 2009
Hi Son, Just thinking of you, miss you already LOVE YOU!!!!!
Monday, 12. January 2009
John, you had a going away dinner? I had to be out of town already……yeah, that must’ve been the case. did you take any of the food over seas with you? ok i’m sure you didn’t. Besides, you probably didnt have much of an appetite!