The End

One year ago today, Ryan left to attend the basic training program prior to his deployment. One year later (one day shy of this anniversary), he is home, safe and sound, in the warmth and comfort of our home.

To all the people who serve our country on the front lines and on the homefront: thank you for all that you do.

Until the next deployment . . . which hopefully will not come too soon . . . So long.

Love,
Ryan's Girl

Home At Last

Ryan came home yesterday on September 17th.

Disclosure: City #1 and City #2

As promised, I said I would reveal the two cities in which Ryan spent most of his time when he had been in Iraq. I will not be revealing any more information than is already available on the internet.

City #1 is actually Camp Taji, the main operating base that Ryan was stationed at.



This one is kind of funny. Gives you a view into a soldier's quarters under the parody of MTV "Cribs" . . .



City # 2 is Tarmiyah, Iraq. This was obviously the more unstable of the two cities. Here is a very informative clip:



To view more about Camp Taji:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/al-taji.htm

Here's an interesting description of Tarmiyah, Iraq by a soldier who was stationed there several years ago:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2007/09/iraq-diary-welc/

Reunion

As I start to bring this blog to a conclusion, the structured pattern will begin to loosen. For example, excerpts of Ryan's love letters are no longer necessary: I can now contact Ryan almost instantly on his cell phone. I forgot how luxurious that can be.

When I first saw him last Friday . . .

I had been driving in a windy storm on vaguely familiar roads. I followed directions that I had scribbled down on the back of a thank-you card, and was squinting through the blur of rain and rhythmic movement of windshield wipers. I was warned to drive slow, to be careful . . . but my excitement probably steered me 5-10 mph faster than I would have otherwise driven.

I made it through the security checkpoint with the proper identification, including a military ID that Ryan insisted that I get prior to his departure. After navigating through the unmarked roads of the campus, I found myself in a deserted driveway belonging to a recreation center. The rain was still coming down in a misty cascade.

After I dialed Ryan's cell phone, I waited breathlessly for him to answer. It rang once. Then again. I looked to my left out the window and saw a smiling figure in desert camouflage move toward me across a very wet lawn. The gait was distinct and easily recognizable: my child walked the same way.

Part of me was in denial. I squinted, not believing the prescription of my glasses. It had been so long.

I opened the door, the rain instantly wetting my hair and face and stinging my skin through my t-shirt. I stepped a few feet forward.

"Is that you?"

I have no idea what he said, but was very aware of the strength of his arms. Suddenly, I was in a Ryan cocoon.

And it was wonderful . . .

Debriefing

Debriefing continues in New Jersey. What does this encompass? Medical assessments, equipment appraisals and paperwork.

Still not sure as to when Ryan will be finished . . . It really is a day by day situation . . .

Dedication Monday: You Are My Sunshine

A few more days . . . Not quite sure when exactly he will be home for good (for now).

I was so thrilled to find this version of this song: two of my favorite artists singing one of my favorites! I usually sing the chorus to my child as I put her to sleep at night . . . And I think of my family members when I hear the melody . . .

Week in Review

The Anniversary of 9/11 . . . Other than that, it seemed as if the same issues were in the forefront of media coverage (healthcare, economy, etc.).

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/weekinreview/?scp=1-spot&sq=week%20in%20review&st=cse

To watch Ryan and 300 0ther troops arrive in Fort Dix, New Jersey, check this out:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=6981370