To air is human
Andrew is on his way to the Middle East for a four-month deployment.
After flying through the night last night, he texted me this morning from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, United Kingdom, where he and his unit are enjoying a brief layover.
It's cold and rainy, he said. Everything you imagine England being.
You'll get your fill of hot sunny dry where you're going, I said.
That's a fact, he texted back.
By tomorrow, as we all go about our day, he will be settling in at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a tiny country in the Persian Gulf, on the far-eastern side of Saudi Arabia.
And I will begin counting the minutes until October sixth.
That business concluded, if all goes as planned, our son will turn his attention to Officer Training School and the USAF pilot training program.
Having been encouraged by many in his unit, Andrew has decided his logical next step is learning to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker and similar heavy aircraft.
A week or so ago he made his first solo flight in a tiny light plane, cruising high over Knoxville, practicing his landings and takeoffs as his instructor looked on from below.
I love airplaines. They are fascinating.
But I hate to fly. The thought of it fills me with morbidity.
So I'll have to train my own mind to not imagine my son being borne along at 30,000 feet over enemy territory, refueling fighter jets while in flight, even as I pray fervently -- as millions of mothers have done before me -- for his safe return to God-blessed America.
Meanwhile here in South Carolina we are gearing up for Dagny's first birthday party, on Saturday. Her actual birthday is on Sunday, June fourteenth.
That should keep me busy for the immediate future.
In related news: The pool is open! Come see me.
While at home for a barely-48-hour-visit last week, Andrew continued the work TG has been doing in his spare time, to get the water sparkling.
Good lad. I miss him already.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Monday
Reader Comments (7)
I can only imagine your anxiety, I'm anxious for you. While we are very proud of his commitment, we can't help but worry. God Bless him. Enjoy your sparkling water, and certainly enjoy that sweet baby's birthday. It's almost our anniversary, I think I may be alone, my hubby will be away at training. Our city is hosting the Pan Am games and he will be co-coordinating security. I may just pop in and make him take me to dinner. Take care, prayers for all of you.
@Irene ... I would appreciate your prayers. It's hardly even real to me; I can't put him there in my mind. God will have to help me and I know He will. Yes, our anniversary looms and no matter what your beloved is doing, definitely make him take you to dinner. I'll be thinking of you both! Pan Am Games ... how exciting! xoxo
Yes, He will. God.
And, I'll be praying with you.
I've never been in your shoes, so I can only imagine.
Dagny will be ONE already? I know you'll have a lovely
party for her, and we want a lot of pics since I know
you kind of love taking them. Happy Birthday to the sweet little girl. :)
God bless you, Jenny!
xoxo
@Sally ... Yes, one, and she is changing so much every single day. We can't believe it either. Thanks for your prayers on behalf of our boy and you know I'll make you look at pictures, haahaha. xoxo
Well, we shall just have to keep you entertained until he gets home safely...WHICH HE WILL...!!
Happy birthday to Miss Dagny!!
hughugs
I will keep you and Andrew in my thoughts and prayers, and hope for an uneventful swift return.
He sure is something. Cut from the exact same cloth as his parents.
I can not believe Dag is already ONE! What? Where did the time go?
Love that family of yours.
Sal
Jenny, I'll be thinking of Andrew. I have another friend whose son is a Marine and in the Middle East. It's interesting that you fear flying, and Andrew is up there in the sky refueling planes! Hugs to you from Co - I'll be glad when your boy is back on home turf.