The bad, the good, the awesome and the worrisome

i left the office today at noon. Master told me it would probably only take 35 -40 minutes to get to the base. After all, i didn't have to go all the way home, i could just stay on the 40. i got in the lane to get off on 6th ring road, only to find 6th ring closed, so i had to head back to the port.Went back to turn around and head for the airport. Got to Kuwait Airways main office, the ramp was closed. Not only was it closed, there were men with guns standing there. Went to 5th ring, got off there, thinking i could catch the 40 from there. Got to the 40, the off ramp was closed. Took 5th ring to the 30, it was closed. Seems there is a conference this week of GCC coutries and the big meeting was today at the Bayan Palace, or something. i had to go all the way to Gulf Road, nearly 30 miles out of my way just to get on the 30 to head south to the base. It didn't take me 35 minutes, it didn't take me 40 minutes, it took me nearly 120 minutes. i broke the law, i used my cell phone while driving, and tried to call the base to ask someone to tell Jamie and his buddy that i would be late. The only number i have for the base is a satellite phone, expensive to use, 1st Sgt had it turned off. i called the embassy and asked them to get in touch with the base and give the message i would be late. Finally, something good happened, the message was given.

i got to the base nearly 2 hours late. They were waiting for me. The Captain and 1st Sgt. brought Jamie and Raymond to my car and introduced themselves. i asked if they could stay out later than their pass said because i was so late picking them up. The captain said she didn't think that would be a problem. My god! Jamie looks like his dad. The last time i saw him he was 6, but i remember those lashes. He has lashes to die for. If he ever needs glasses he is going to be in big trouble cuz those lashes will hit the lens everytime he blinks. His buddy is from Shanendoah. He is a member of the unit that will be coming for dinner on Dec. 25. Jamie and Raymond didn't know each other until today. i guess the army just needs to feel its soldiers are safe. i don't imagine Raymond will be joining us on the 25th. He couldn't have that kind of luck and get off base twice in one week. It was like old home week for the three of us as we drove back to the apartment. i was afraid i would feel uncomfortable with them, but that wasn't the case at all. And they were both so pleased to be able to get away from it for a bit. We got to the apartment, they were impressed with the view, and we waited for Master to get home. i was so happy we had decided to do this. i needed this and i know Jamie and Raymond had a good time.

We took them on a driving tour of Kuwait. Raymond hadn't been off the base in over 6 weeks. Jamie hadn't had a day off since October when he got two weeks leave to go home. His daughter will be 1 on Dec. 27. He has a son who is 5. They snapped photos all over the place. We took them to school so i could get the map for the others to use to get here on Thursday. Then we went past one of the palaces, the national mosque, one of the big dhows, we took them to the Kuwait Towers, and then out for dinner. They talked, Master talked, i smiled and listened and enjoyed the company of three good men. Both Master and i told them and told them if they ever have time free and want to get off, we will be happy to come and pick them up. If any of their unit get time off, we will be there for them also. Somehow i have the need to do this. i need to show how much i appreciate what they are doing. i am a child of the summer of love. i remember with much regret how the Viet Nam vets were treated. i need to wash that sin clean from my soul. This is my act of contrition. It is not a penance. i have enjoyed today, this afternoon tremendously. i hope Jamie and Raymond did too. i know Master was in His element, having real guys to talk war stuff. Not the fighting and killing and bad things, the every day stuff, like roads and foolish mistakes and silliness that happens to everyone.

My head is filled with peace and happiness. My heart has a little worry. Now that i 'know' these men i will worry about them incessantly. Jamie told me that where he is has been mortared daily. He hasn't told his mom and dad nor his wife this. He doesn't want to worry them. He told me, now i will worry for them. Raymond is here in Kuwait, i don't have to worry so hard about him. But i will. i know i will have the same protective feelings for the people i meet on Thursday too.

i hope there is enough food.

i forgot-- she is so cool

Auntie Nurse called today while is was driving to work. This is twice i have broken the law and talked on the phone while driving. She told me she was sending me some phone time. Over five and a half hours for the soldiers to use on Thursday. She and her husband wanted to do something for the soldiers. What a great thing to do for them. Now i hope they can use them. Kuwait doesn't allow phone companies like sprint and at&t to work here.

Another wonderful woman, one of my co-workers. Her sister is a 3rd grade teacher in Miami. The sister is sending 150 student made holiday cards for the soldiers.

So often we only think of the bad that people do. Here is living testamony of the good.

i am lucky to know people like this.