Time is too slow for those who wait

It's been over a month since we've heard from our Soldier who sent a very short email saying he's fine and heading back to the air base to continue the work on rebuilding it.

He sent heartfelt thank you notes with cancellation marks of Oct 1 to several dear friends who sent awesome boxes of  much needed supplies as well as fun stuff to him and his platoon. His letter was upbeat and newsy. He took a blank envelope apart to write on the inside of the envelope thus proving one doesn't need a pad of paper to write a letter. His letter without any corrections....

Thank you for your support and for going out of your way by sending that awesome box of supplies for my platoon. Your care package has brought us all smiles to our dirty faces. Last month has been interesting for the platoon. We have been split up doing all kinds of missions. From delivering mail to giving the French Army a ride. We are all doing grate. Two days ago we were stuck in traffic for some time but none of us mind because it was all the refugees going back to their homes. There are signs of destruction everywhere, but every time we roll through there’s all ways signs of growth and new life. Once again I would like to thank you for thinking of us out here. Your support has made the mission A lot more important knowing that you are back home cheering us on!

Notes from other soldiers

Thank you for everything – SGT Chavez

I really appreciate you sending all the goods – PFC Jackson

Thank you from the bottom of my heart – PFC Panfry

Thank y’all for everything – PFC Palmer

Thank you for the good stuff!! – no name

Thank you for your support – SPC Kang

Thank you for everything – SPC Butler

There are additional names that are difficult to decipher

And our Soldier, being the man that he is, copied the letter several times to send to others who were so kind to send packages to him and his platoon. 

The letter (postal cancellation October 1) reveals a window of time prior to the beginning of the Iraqi offensive on Mosul. He's doing good things and feels useful to the combined effort. And is very grateful to those he knows as Mom's calligraphy and high school friends and family friends. 

Letters and packages are taking as long a three weeks to arrive. In an age when correspondence via the Internet is done in milliseconds, waiting weeks is cruel and unusual punishment.

The latest bit of news gathered via spouses of those also serving with my son tells of our Soldier's company moving closer to the front lines to help train and advise Iraqi forces. May his training serve him well as he instructs those who are charged with driving out ISIL from their country. 

How much prouder can a mother be? There isn't a quantifier to measure proud, but if the chills that emanate from my core can be used as a gauge, I'd say being proud is off the charts.