Saturday
Jul312010
Keep your head down
July 31, 2010 
I’ve been sitting at my laptop staring at the screen, sorting through some more recent photos, trying to get some inspiration for my post for today. What do you say when you have nothing to say? My mind is weary, my body exhausted and recovering from injury. I have things to do, which I’m physically unable to do right now (I’m a clutz and slipped and fell off my front steps – they were wet from the sprinklers). My dogs are barking like crazy, please excuse me while I investigate ...
And then inspiration knocked on my door. Literally. Except I didn’t hear it – I heard my dogs … see above.
There, headed back to his pickup, was my former neighbor – a young man that I watched growing up in the home right across the street from me, a home where a nice older couple now lives, who I’m only just getting to know.
But this young man is home for about three more weeks. He’s in the army now. Done with basic training and home from Maryland where he attended school for four months so that he could receive training on what his duties will be while he is in the service of our country. He has a high and tight and has bulked up a bit, with the body of a man, but to me he’s still that young boy from across the street who once gave me a play by play of what I did all evening long one summer night when I decided to leave my blinds open for some extra light.
I felt an immense sense of relief when he said he’ll be heading to Alaska for the next few months, once his leave is done. Oh good! He’ll be safe…then he dropped the bombshell that he’ll be headed to Afghanistan after that, packing up and leaving at a moment’s notice. Tears immediately filled my eyes, as well as a few swear words coming out of my mouth – clearly not my best moment.
He tried to reassure me that he will be with the best unit there is and he’ll come back … one way or another. Sh*t, J!! More tears. Just keep your head down…keep your head down, please.
More reassurances as he told me that he’s already been shot at. WHAT?!? Yes, in training. Apparently they have live rounds going off overhead as they crawl on their bellies. Keeping it real.
Keep your head down.
I asked him if his mom was freaking out, but she apparently doesn’t know yet. Dad does, but I guess they are waiting a while to tell mom. Better tell her soon.
Big hug. Be safe. Keep your head down …
Reader Comments (8)
Oh...our neighbor's boy - same age as my eldest...who practically grew up in our house - joined the army and who is now back here after twice being deployed to Iraq. He left - a mere boy..and returned a man. Chiseled and hardened and strong.
Me too - I cry whenever he tells me about where it is he's going next..and I wonder how his mother makes it thru each day.
Thanks for sharing your story. We'll all be thinking of your neighbor...keeping our fingers crossed that he does return safely - both in body and in mind.
It breaks my heart, Toni (and Marcie). I hate it. I hate war. I have images in my head of women everywhere weeping for their sons. And their husbands. When will we ever learn. When will we ever learn....?
On another note, I do pray your wounds are healing! We're just too dang old to fall anymore. Talk about upsetting the applecart!
Toni, I won't get into the philosophical and just say that I am always praying for those in harm's way. And now your neighbor is as well. And stay off of your feet please.
What to say, war is awful !
Oh, yes, you brought tears to my eyes...I can't imagine it, as a mother, I just can't.
Will keep him and you in my thoughts...hope you are on the mend, take care of yourself.
it's funny, we're somewhat removed from it here - by that i mean, the knowing someone, or knowing of someone, who is out there. but it hits home in your telling of it!!!
I simply can not grasp (comprehend) the bravery of the young men who serve their country and defend their beliefs. And, as a mother...oh my! My stomach would be upset the WHOLE time of deployment.
I'm like Petra -- "war is awful!" And, like Ginnie -- "When will we every learn?"
Love your image, Toni.
I did a post recently about sailors and angels and wives left behind. This reminds me of how I felt when I wrote it.
If only our prayers and love were enough to keep them safe.