Letters From Tim

This year we are thankful for a great deal, but most importantly for the safety of Tim and his troops who are serving a great purpose in Iraq. Tim has been deployed since May. Their mission in Iraq is MEDEVAC (short for medical evacuation). They cover the entire Southern portion of Iraq which requires them to respond to all calls for medical care, whether from our soldiers, contractors, foreign nationals and, yes, the enemy. They often fly under great danger, and are always unarmed.

We are looking forward to Tim’s two-week leave in mid-February; just in time to celebrate our oldest son’s eighth birthday. We plan to spend a lot of time together as a family. Tim will be amazed at how much the children have grown:

When Tim left, Briggs, age 7, was missing his four front teeth and just completing first grade. He loves sharks and has become an avid reader. Briggs learned to play football this year and it continues to hold enormous interest for him. Briggs is looking forward to next year when his dad will get to see him play. His favorite past time is hanging out with his neighborhood buddies. He is an excellent big brother. He has been a big help to me during the deployment. He is often my extra set of hands and a late night buddy when the others are asleep.

When Tim left, Gage, age 3, was still in diapers and sleeping in a crib. I couldn’t trust him for a moment on his own. Now he is potty trained, sleeps in a big boy bed, rides a two-wheeler (with training wheels), makes his sisters laugh, goes to school two days a week, and dresses himself. He has developed real language. He can freely converse, and is quite a chatterbox. He loves gymnastics, Spiderman, and Star Wars and often combines all three in his play. He is typically carrying some kind of weapon. When he jumps on our trampoline he looks like a popcorn kernel…he jumps with ease and no fear.

When Tim left, the twins, Campbell and Emerson, age 18 mos., were babies. They were crawling but definitely NOT sleeping through the night. Now…they run around the house chasing their brothers; they eat on their own; AND… finally sleep through the night!!!! They are no longer bald but crowned with full heads of blonde curls. Campbell mimics almost everything I say while Emerson still grunts. If I had to make a prediction…Campbell is going to be our tomboy and Emerson the girly-girl. Campbell prefers swords and Emerson likes anything sparkly, early bling! Twins are incredible to watch grow. They are one another’s best friend. I often hear them chatting in their cribs.

When Tim left, I had fewer wrinkles. All kidding aside, my growth is in learning what gratitude is. I could not have found a better man in which to build a life. I am extremely proud of him and eagerly await his return. I am grateful for our children. Despite the constant challenges of caring for four young children on my own, they have managed to make me smile everyday.

Many of you have been blog followers since the beginning of the deployment. You have witnessed the images of Tim’s departure, some of our funniest moments, and some of the most trying. You have been privy to Tim’s side of the deployment as well – his fears, his strengths, and some bottom-line cool information. We have been, more or less, an open book. We hope that our exposure helps put real faces on the war in Iraq.

Finally, how do we adequately thank all of you for your continuing, unselfish support; our neighbors, friends, family and the strangers who have shown such genuine unsolicited kindness? You have been our blessings throughout all of this. I know that there are many more good people in this world than not. We, all six of us, are learning that someday it will be our turn to “pay it forward”

In the true spirit of this season, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year. Tiffany and Tim

P.S. May you all continue to keep our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers. They belong to all of us.

P.S.S. Tim is very thankful for all of the correspondence and gifts you have sent. He told me he has a stack of probably 150 letters deep. In any case, he may not be able to thank each of you individually but please know that your kindness is not overlooked or forgotten.