FOB Smart at 1700 - Tuesday
This day has been full of surprises; one was entirely unexpected and warmly received. Whatever the day, whatever the surprise, I am always eager for them, as they break up the regularity of my life. Who knows what tomorrow holds - maybe more surprises. If so, I hope they are mostly good for the bad seem to really drag a brother down at times. No matter though, I greet life as it comes now. Whatever happens will happen no matter how much I want it to or do not want it to - and I am good with this reality. In fact, I think it helps to know that I have no control over anything but my own actions. It sort of places perspective in the center and allows me to navigate better.
Today I watched a fellow USACE member depart for his second R&R of his tour here at PRT Zabul. When he returns in a few weeks I will have already be long gone from Afghanistan. It seems I have watched many people come and go in my short time here - a year is seemingly short at the right side of it! In all of these observations, I can say that each time I felt that all-too-familiar pang of sadness in seeing them go and happiness in seeing them so happy to leave. Chicky will have another six months to go before he finally ends his back-to-back tours here in Qalat. I look forward to greeting him in Texas someday, far away from the heavy reality of this place; maybe on the Gulf Coast over shrimp and cervezas.
I received nine more photos of Kaesen this morning and a few of Kaesen's new TV/DVD setup. He was very excited to have this in his room again. At only four years old, he is just now getting into watching educational or young children-oriented movies or programs. We have always marveled at his apparent resistance to sitting still for such. While he may enjoy a few shows, it seems he still prefers toys and playtime over TV lounging - which is awesome, especially for him! I am looking forward to participating in his playtime so much. As well as walks with him and our dogs, camping, road trips, special meals out, bedtime, bathtime, naptime, and every other activity and "time" imaginable.
For those of you counting down with me, I now have less than 19 days remaining in Afghanistan; 21 days until I reunite with Kaesen in Seattle, and roughly 70 days until I have finally moved to Seattle and opened a new regional office for Fulcrum. In addition, the total count this morning was 85 pounds shed and 195 pounds on my digital scale. Talk about "wow!" I am feeling very good right now.
143, Kaesen.
Good night and good day.
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