Oh Pam, I'm exhausted so that's all I can quote, but I'm still chuckling.
night
kav

Wonderful post, Pam!!! Glad that Jack is there for his brother despite the way he feels...I'm sure his letter will be a breath of fresh air when Peter receives it! Enjoyed Jack's explanation of his relationship with Sue.

Computer is back home and working just fine now....though I'm still paranoid it'll crash again!!

Something tells me that, if the situation presented itself to Jack, he would see it and act much like his brother did. I remember how he felt in the episode "The Body Shop"... thinking about his blessings of being born in the US to great parents... he really does consider others.

Great post, Pam!!!

Told you I'd catch up. And here I am.

This is great, Pam. I like Peter and his reason. My best friend's husband's brother did the same thing for a guy in a security unit. He re-upped so the family man wouldn't have to go back to Iraq on a secure detail. Occasionally, they get a call in the night from him. You captured that angle quite nicely.

I loved all of it but I quoted these bits because they really stood out for me. Lovely writing!!

Jenny

Well, all I can say, Pam is that this story makes me sad and happy at the same time...I don't know why I'm feeling bittersweet, but I think it means that you're doing great!

Certainly more like a woman to think of things like the juice with the sugar already added and the candy that won't melt!

“So are you going to share?” Sue asked after she came back from lunch with Tara and Lucy. Jack was sitting at his desk reading a letter when she came in.

“Parts of it, I’ll share parts of it,” he said with a grin.

“Why just parts?” Lucy asked trying to take it from his hand.

“Because even on paper my brother can’t keep his mouth shut!” Jack told them, moving the letter quickly so Lucy couldn’t reach it.

Pam, you forgot the rest of the scene!!! What was in the letter???

Here I'm thinking, Yay! Pam posted! And here it's only a snip! Not even long enough to be considered a snippet! But it was funny!! LOL Sure hope you'll share more soon!!!

Now we want to know what Peter is blabbing about as well...hrm?

Yes....what gives?????????????

Time to spill!

Jill

Jack – Sue sounds like a keeper so if you decide not to keep her can you put in a good word for me?

Thanks for the box. Mom just gets so worried if I ask for anything so thanks for handling it for me. Are you going home for Christmas? We don’t have any plans, in fact I think we have duty that day. It is almost better because it keeps everyone busy and they have less time to feel homesick.

The candy was especially great. Hard candy is good because it keeps your mouth from drying out. Gum is okay but tends to get gritty. We try to always have something for all the children we see gum, candy, lollipops. We want them to know we are friendly. It seems a little strange to give candy to children without the parental permission although when we have an interpreter the mother’s response is always yes.

Thanksgiving was hard. Food was okay but lack of family and football made for a long day. Had a few tempers get out of hand when we discussed which team, Dallas or Detroit, had been playing longer on Thanksgiving Day. Then we had a college football discussion and that was even worse. I find it somewhat funny because the staunchest fans are the guys who didn’t go to college – someone sure hit the jackpot when they began that marketing project.

I better get going. Will try to call on Christmas or Christmas Eve – Later, Peter

“So are you going to keep me?” Sue teased. His response to that was simply a nudge to the doorway where Lucy had hung the mistletoe.

I loved that line!!!



I loved that too!!!

That was great duckfan!!!!!

Jenny

Oh Pam I want to quote but I'm too pooped. This has been the longest week ever!! This is me being dramatic! Do I get your sympathy? Love this -- want to know if Sue is a keeper too -- and I have ideas about that Still drooling at the thought of two Jacks in the world and one of them not spoken for

kav

This is wonderful and I'm betting you've barely scratched the surface here. Looking forward to more.

What do ya mean by 2 Jack's in the world Kav???? Do ya mean Peter and Jack??? I'm confuddles. Please come back and post soon!

Jenny

A/N: I'm pretty sure that Kav is referring to Peter when she says 2 Jacks - although it could be some type of poker hand - don't play poker so I can't say for sure!

Peter- Glad you got the box. Sue, Tara and Lucy are now on a mission to collect candy, pencils, and other small toys to send you. This is just a warning as the tendency around here is for things to get over done. Myles has even agreed to participate (I think Tara had some influence there). I know that anything resembling a cross is off limits but are their other things we should be concerned about? I don’t want to start another international incident in the region, this one seems to be more than big enough.

Our Thanksgiving was good. We stayed here. The entire team stayed here actually. It was one of the first times we have all celebrated Thanksgiving together. I invited Mom and Dad to DC but they were content to celebrate at home with friends and extended family. We had our own share of discussions about football. Myles of course proclaiming that Harvard was getting the shaft in the college poll. Sue said innocently that she didn’t even know Harvard had a football team. She did, of course know that, but only Sue could get away with that comment. If things continue the Badgers will play in the Rose Bowl not sure against whom – the Pac 10 race is fairly tight this year.

Anyway, the girls are clamoring for my letter so they can mail the box. Take care and don’t worry I ate your share of the pumpkin pie – Jack

PS I will make you your own pumpkin pie when you come home and you don’t even have to share it! Sue

“Maybe I won’t keep you!” Jack teased. Sue just blew him a kiss and headed out of the bullpen with Tara and Lucy to mail the package.

He smiled, watching her leave, wishing that she was going with him to Wisconsin but understanding her reasons for going to Ohio. Jack had wanted to have Christmas with her, but she had understood the importance of him spending it with his parents.

Peter had called while he was home but being that he was home, Jack didn’t get to say much more than Hi and listen to his brother tease him from half a world away about having a girlfriend.

He was tempted to tell Peter he was just jealous but the realization of those words struck him before he said them. He instead had just promised “She’s looking forward to meeting you too.”

That was an excellent post duckfan!!!!! I loved how Sue is getting so flirtatious!

A lovely post!!

Jenny

Peter is in trouble now!! The Girls have taken him under their wing!!!

I love Sue's teasing of Jack - I pretty sure Jack is going to keep her!!!

Joy

Yes Jenny, I was referring to Peter. Think about it. We all love Jack but we know he belongs to Sue. Now here is Peter -- blood relative of Jack with the same heroic streak -- we can only imagine that he has the same gorgeous brown eyes and... Oops sorry about that...but remember, Peter is unattached and he is now under the girls' wing so to speak -- perhaps they will mail him a girlfirend??? Would she fit in that box? Hmmm. might eat all the candy during transport. Better be a penpal to start with then. Sorry -- I'm loopy. I'm getting a tad nervous because there does not appear to be any angst in this yet -- other than Peter being in mortal danger, I mean....just wondering is this a lull? The eye of the hurricane? Should I store up chocolates?

kav

Geez Kav,you are a truly amazing person!!!

Not sure about the stocking up with chocolate, but i have a huge supply of brownies and cookies. They're supposed to be for my bible group later in the week, but i may need a few for possible scary moments. Oh no! I've just had a really scary thought!!! *whispers to Kav* Did you get it? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?? Wow, that would be really weird!

Jenny

It's nice that the brothers are able to keep a fairly light-hearted rapport, considering how serious the situation really is...I'm sure that Jack's letters are a nice escape for Peter! I'm betting that Jack is starting to realize just how lucky he is to have the life that he does...

Looking forward to more of this!!

I think storing up chocolate is a good idea no matter what but I do hope there will be no angst!

Christmas Eve

Well it might be Christmas day. We just finished our church service. I’ve never been to an outdoor service on Christmas. We were lucky if we could have an outdoor service on Easter in Wisconsin.

It was a nice service. We are fairly secure here – no blackout at night – so we had candles and everything. Do you think it’s strange to celebrate Jesus’ birth in the middle of a war? I mean his teachings were about peacefulness, treating others the way we should be treated and here I am in the midst of a country that is falling apart.

I can’t say that I don’t understand that though. These people have been oppressed for so long and now that they suddenly have the freedom to express themselves it almost like they don’t know how to do it. I don’t think they hate us I just think they are in shock. I would guess that most countries go thru this in some way. I mean the United States was born out of a fight, why should this country be any different?

It just seems though that as I sit and listen to a church service that there must be a better way. Not just a better way here but a better way everywhere. It brings whole new meaning to the question What Would Jesus Do? Although I guess if I were Muslim I wouldn’t ask that exact question.

Hope Santa is good to you – I’m off to sleep now, Peter.

“This one is for you,” Jack said as he tossed the letter on Sue’s desk the next morning.

She looked at the address then asked “What?”

“He’s asking questions that are way out of my league but certainly well within yours,” Jack responded. Sue looked at him curiously as she picked up the letter. Lucy came to stand over her shoulder and read it also.

“Wow, I can’t even imagine that,” Lucy said “but somehow I can see it in my mind – the tents, the soldiers and the candles burning in the darkness – it gives me chills.”

“Can I write him back?” Sue asked Jack later.

“Of course and check my mail while I’m gone on this trip with Bobby. You can open and read any letters that he sends,” Jack told her.

“I don’t know,” Sue started but he interrupted her “If he needs something I don’t want him to wait until I get home.”

“Okay, how long will you guys be gone?” she asked.

“I think we just have to drive to Colorado, pick up the witness, stop in Chicago for day, then bring him back here. Shouldn’t be too bad but I’ll miss you,” he explained.

Pam, such profound questions and something to ponder!!

Peter has a real treat with Sue writing to him!! I can't wait to see what she tells him!!

Poor Jack, having to be away from Sue for a while!! It shows the closeness and trust that he and Sue have that he wants her to open Peter's letters while he is gone!!

Pam, I love your story!!!

Joy

That struck me right off the bat...the considerations that shouldn't have to be made to celebrate Christ's birth.

I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for either of them.

I love Jack handing over the hard questions to Sue But he's right, if anyone has the answers -- or accepts that there just aren't any answers -- it's Sue. And she's going to start writing to him!!!

This makes me nervous. Why would you go to the trouble of explaining all that if it didn't mean something?Holding my breath now until Bobby and Jack are safely back.

Hmm, duckfan me thinks you had better keep Bobby and Jack safe!! And Peter, and oh heck, everyone!! That was a lovely post!!

Jenny

Peter – What would Jesus do? I don’t know. I have thought about it ever since Jack gave me your letter a couple days ago. He and Bobby had to make a work related road trip to Colorado (I would be suspicious but they drove across the country in January – not exactly vacation) so I thought I would write you back.

We read your letter in the Bullpen that day Jack brought it in. I hope you don’t mind. It has been really helpful for Jack to share this with the team. I think it has helped all of us really. We’re pretty inter-connected so it’s nice to know what is going on with each other.

How amazing that church service must have been. I can only begin to imagine the emotions that you must be feeling. Maybe that is what Jesus would ask us to do – worship in the midst of the worst scenarios. I’m thankful that even in a country that is devoutly Muslim you can celebrate and worship as well. I don’t know what I would do if someone were to take away my religion or tell me I could only worship in a certain way.

I am reminded of the imperfections of mankind as I read your letter. I guess maybe Jesus would ask us to pray without ceasing. To trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding, to remember that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. To know that our God is gracious and forgiving when we ask for forgiveness. I could go on and on but it will only bring more tears to my eyes and that upsets my dog. Just know that you and your team are prayed for daily by many and that what you do is important. Blessings, Sue

She swallowed hard, wiped her tears, rubbed Levi’s ears then asked “Want to walk down to the post office? I doubt Jack has any stamps.” The golden wagged his tail and ran to the door, then came back ask if to ask “Where is Jack?”

“I miss him too, he’ll be back in a few days,” Sue promised, pulling on her coat and gathering her things. She had come over to check on Jack’s apartment, water the one plant she had given him and answer Peter’s letter but now it was time to go home.

Pam, you wrote Sue's reply to Peter so well!! It sounds exactly like Sue!! I also want to compliment you on how you handled Peter's question on what would Jesus do!!

You're giving me a lot to think about with this story!!!

Joy

Wow, a very powerful letter there duckfan!!! I loved that in the midst of all the serious nature of the letter we had this bit



That was just brilliant!!!

Jenny

Love the letters, Pam. You really bring up family and faith along with teasing. It is so nice to read. Sorry I got behind.

Busy weekend so I got behind. But I'm caught up and I love this story even more Pam. I just love all the letters going between Jack and Peter - and now Sue. I love the simple, developing relationship between Jack and Sue. And I love Peter's willingness to ask the tough questions and Sue's willingness to try and respond to them.

Wow! That was a really powerful letter..and how true too!

Jack was right -- Sue was the one who could handle that question -- with a little inspiration from you, of course! Loved the bit about the one plant...and the roadtrip? I think I remember something now....

kav

Sue (and Jack and anyone else who is reading) – Thanks for the package. I can’t say that I’m enjoying myself but I can tell you that giving pencils to children who don’t have any definitely makes things better. It is funny because the news out of Iraq tends to be negative but for the most part our work isn’t. It is the work of a soldier, of course, but at the same time it is the work of people trying to help other people. My team spent their two days of R & R working to rebuild a school. We needed the opportunity more than we needed the rest. Most of the people in my unit come from normal lives. They are good ambassadors for freedom. They understand that it doesn’t mean agreement but rather the opportunity to disagree. The have wives, sisters, mothers, daughters, girlfriends and they understand that education should be equal opportunity. We don’t want to change this country or their beliefs we simply want to make it safe to go to school, to speak your mind, to grow up and have opportunities regardless of your gender.

I will look forward to the pumpkin pie, Sue and I will promise to not share any with my brother!

I’m rather intrigued by your dog. Jack has mentioned him (or her?) before. The dog seems to be incredibly sensitive, so hopefully Jack is taking notes! Take care, Peter

“Well, Levi, I guess it’s your turn to write a letter,” Jack told him. Levi woofed as if in agreement.

Another wonderful post, Pam!!

I can feel the dedication and commitment Peter and his team have to try and make Iraq a better place!! Building schools, giving pencils to children, trying, by example, to show equality to all people and genders!!

Levi, I can't wait to see what you're going to tell Peter!!! LOL

Joy

All caught up! Not having a computer for four days was not a happy thing!

Love the way you are weaving this, Pam!

Now Levi, let's hear it!

I just loved Peter's thoughts on the soldiers' perspective of their work in Iraq.

I had my coffee before reading this and really, it wouldn't have made a difference. It still put a smile on my face. I read the reports of the soldiers doing the small things, the stuff the media NEVER talks about and it is the real news. Men and women doing what is right on a neighborhood scale. The smallest things bringing the greatest joy. You rock.

Maybe Levi can fill Peter in on all the goings on between Jack and Sue and then Peter can push Jack in the right (fuzzy) direction????? Great post!! So serious and yet lightening too!!

Jenny

LOL! Go Levi! I think that he will be able to write the perfect letter to Peter alright!

Wow, Pam, just got caught up. This is really wonderful. Wonderful depth, emotion and insight. You are writing everyone so well. You have captured a casualness, an intimacy within the team that we all know is there but is hard to write. Sue's quiet strength...for Peter, for Jack, continues to shine through.

I can't remember the line exactly and didn't quote it when I was on that page but loved the truth behind the thought on what Jesus would do...worship Him in the middle of our worst circumstances or scenarios (my paraphrase...sorry ).

A/N: The global neighborhood, I like that Trece...
And Tracie - thanks!


Peter – Levi (Sue’s dog) is truly a wonder dog! Such a wonder dog, in fact, that he doesn’t write his own letters – he has people for that. Sue is deaf and Levi is her hearing dog. He alerts her to people, sounds, etc. She can read lips but only if you are looking at her (obviously) so Levi lets her know when someone is talking. Sue is fluent in American Sign Language also and I’m learning it. ASL has come in handy during stakeouts and her ability to understand a conversation when no one can actually hear it is truly amazing. You will like her. Levi is also really good at sensing her moods and yes I have been taking notes.

Any word on when you will be home? I’m thinking you said six months and that would be March. Since it is now February this box contains a variety of Valentine’s Day themed prizes. Minus the chocolate of course, the girls were worried it would melt and make a big mess so I think they ate it – with Bobby’s help of course. I was debating on sending you a donut but Sue informed me it would either be stale or moldy by the time it arrived. I figured you would eat stale but probably not appreciate moldy, so I ate your donut – Thanks!

Big Valentine party here this weekend, Myles had one last year also. Better go the girls are telling me to hurry – more later (lots more)! Jack

“Did you tell him?” Sue asked, glancing at the folded letter in Jack’s hand.

“Tell him what?” Lucy asked coming from behind Sue. Jack signed “L-U-C-Y” and Sue quickly explained “About Levi, Peter was curious about Levi, so I was wondering if Jack had explained.”

“Oh,” Lucy said with a shrug reaching for Jack’s letter to place in the box. Sue frowned but Jack smiled and signed “O-K”. She nodded and went to put the finishing touches on the box.

Levi the Wonderdog...he's just spiffy!

Why do I think that's not what Sue meant? Tell him what??

Wow oh wow...Pam! This story is fantastic!! You've really touched my heart with...someone said it...the "casual intimacy" of your tone of writing. You manage to bring up some very difficult topics, but it a loving way that makes them bearable. That's a real gift (one I don't have) - I'll have to study how you do it. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

And I'm sure that Lucy was thinking more on the lines of Jack spilling his guts on how he's in love with Sue... Lucy's always looking for ways to get them together! Wati!...Are they together?

They're engaged, aren't they????

A/N: Ami that was a huge compliment - thank you but you're wrong about what you have and don't have in your own writing!

Hey (sorry to lazy to add all the names) – The Valentine box got here in record time. The donut would probably have been fine! I will consider that offer a raincheck which I will cash when I get home. As for when that will be, haven’t thought about it too much. Too much speculation makes people antsy and no one with a gun needs to be overly antsy. Hoping for March – I’ll keep you posted.

We worked at one of the election areas yesterday. It was truly amazing to see the number of people who turned out to vote. Such a simple process, one that we tend to take for granted. Some of these people traveled miles to stand in line all day so they could vote. The purple finger was a mark of pride. The women were especially grateful. We had many thank us for providing a secure area for them to vote. I don’t know about secure – it was certainly nerve racking but again amazing. My team has taken a lot of pride in their role here. To be a witness to history, someday when our children come home from school having learned about Iraq and its struggle we can tell them – I was there. I saw those purple fingers up close. It was an overwhelming day and I can tell you that I’m certain the troops here will never skip an opportunity to vote.

I think of the chances I’ve had to witness history and the opportunities that have risen out of those. I remember the first Gulf War, I remember Tiananmen Square, I remember the Berlin Wall coming down, I remember all too well September 11th but I also think of the time I spent in Korea when I first joined the army. I remember standing in the DMZ that first night on duty watching the North Korea soldiers on the other side of the line. It is with a sense of awe that we can let some paint on a sidewalk separate two countries. Step over the line, you will be shot. It is sobering and frightening and even though there are no lines here, it is similar. To stand in line to vote, to risk your life because while we have patrols and sharpshooters and lookouts, we can’t guarantee that someone won’t drive up with a car bomb or a backpack filled with explosives, yet people come out because it is their country. I better hit the sack – long day tomorrow – thanks, Peter

“I didn’t know your brother had been stationed in Korea,” Myles stated.

Jack nodded “It was his first post after all his training, 2nd Infantry Division. It is headquartered at Camp Red Cloud. I can’t remember the name of the camp where he was but their slogan is “In front of them all” because they literally were face to face with North Korea. I went and saw him. I stood on that line outside the buildings in Panmunjom, stepped over the line inside the building because that is the only place you can do so without causing an international incident. It’s frightening to say the least. You have to sign a form saying you won’t hold the US government liable should anything go wrong. Tells you that this is a country still at war, a hostile zone. And you have to dress up – no jeans, no shorts, men in dress pants, military in dress uniform and women in skirts that go past the knee.”

“And now he’s here in Iraq, finding similarities amongst all the differences and having the presence of mind to put them all down on paper,” Myles surmised.

WOW. As always, such powerful writing duckfan!!! You are truly talented!!

Jenny