Happy Holidays

Well we are quickly approaching the holiday season which gets me to think about everything that has occurred this year. Well the year started off on a strange foot with my wife and I trying to leave the past behind us and make pleasant memories together with OUR family. One thing that we did that I didn't think I could ever do was to join the Army. I left on February 2nd and the next 3 months were the toughest weeks of my life. On graduation day I received the greatest reward, not the fact I graduated basic training at age 39, but instead the support and unconditional love from my soulmate who came to my graduation because she loves me and was proud of my accomplishment. It surprised me because I've never had a woman care and love me so completely. The Army has been very tough on us by keeping us apart. It has taught us that our love is strong and will endure anything. Soon we will be reunited and at that time we have promised never to be apart like this again. Through the summer it was rough, but I had a moment of reflection when I came home for a month and a half. It caused trouble for me with the Army but I'm glad I had that time with my family. I needed to bond with them and I feel that I am closer to them and they are closer to me. It also showed my wife that my number 1 priority in life is her and the children. If I didn't have them n my life, I wouldn't be able to do this. THEY ARE MY STRENGTH AND MY INSPIRATION!!!!!! Now that we have almost made it through our first full year as a family, we have 2 less family members. Two of my stepchildren have left to live with my wife's ex-husband. Before they left, I had an opportunity to sit down with them and just talk, it felt good to bond with them one last time. They both told me how much they love and will miss Shelli and I. Christmas to me is a time for thankfulness, love, and togetherness of family. We will be together as a family through the holidays and after the new year when I have to leave to return to the Army, we will be looking forward to the day I gety my orders and we find out OUR new home together. I love my family and appreciate that my dreams have come true with them.