Hello APRIL!

Hello APRIL and hello everyone!

April is finally here and we are off to a decent start. It has been a while since I posted on the blog. We are in month 10 of deployment and by now Mark's job has stayed consistent enough that I find myself asking him a lot less questions about his job. I feel like I have a really good understanding of what he does day to day which has taken several months to learn but I think this is partially why I have less updating to do here on the blog.

Just a few things- the memorials of the two fallen soldiers that occurred in March were very moving and very personal. I was in attendance as were many wives and other soldiers. It was standing room only. Both soldier's families were in attendance, and many individuals spoke of each soldiers bravery, values, desires, and of fond memories. I hope it was touching to the families and aides them in their healing process. The other two severely injured soldiers that were in the same vehicle as one of the fallen when they hit a roadside IED were also present. They are looking amazing and are well into rehab. One is out of the hospital and back at home still taking part in intense rehab, and the other will be home soon. They were both in good spirits- but you could tell the pain they were going through to be at that memorial. I can only imagine some of the thoughts and emotions they had that day.

As for Mark, he wrote in an earlier e-mail the following:

"I have about 35 Soldiers in my platoon and they are amazing. Being a platoon leader is everything I had hoped for and more. That said, I am way ready to get back home. My Soldiers are still great. They continue to do outstanding work. They are dedicated and committed- especially to each other. There are some frustrations about the whole deployment and Afghanistan- they are all ready to go home. I can't blame them. I am ready to go too. I am indeed missing everyone- and it's starting to get hot here again. I just need them to stay focused until we land back home. We have two months and some change remaining on what will be a complete year long deployment (deployed last June) They need to keep their heads in the game- that's one of my greatest concerns."

Mark looking a little thinner these days-

but smiling and a spotted care package on the left!

As for other updates- the company commander (who's wife I am also good friends with) came and spoke to the wives and families on post over his R&R. It was an open question/answer session that was helpful to many. After the session, the commander sought me out to inform me that Mark is doing a really commendable job as a platoon leader. As the commander stated- he has one of the harder platoons but has been doing a really good job. It made me smile- but I wouldn't expect anything otherwise from Mark. That's just what he does and its the kind of person he is.

One more thing regarding Mark, with the middle of April quickly approaching if you would like to send a package/letter to Mark I would suggest doing so in the next month. After that space and time will be limited! The END is in sight!

As for me, I'm getting anxiously ready for graduation which is one month exactly from today! I am finishing up my last clinical affiliation which I have been loving (except for the hour commute each way to work). AND I have a potential job offer coming in the next week or two! All in all a very exciting time. Lots of things too look forward to in the very near future and then the ultimate thing - FINALLY having my husband home! It has been nearly 300 days since he initially left. I can't wait- this deployment is almost over!

With love,

Angie