INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

On Independence Day 2006 I had been home from Iraq for only a couple of weeks. Things have changed a lot. This year, I spent the 4th being appreciative of so much, surrounded by family, and watching dueling fireworks displays.  

As the holiday weekend comes to an end, life is filled with joy, gratitude, fulfilling work, 105 degree desert summer days (I actually like it when I can wear flip-flops instead of combat boots), and lots of swimming.

The kids have been home with me for the three day weekend, and they have officially worn me out! I'll be back to work in the morning. At home. At the computer. Seeking more jobs. Writing my heart out.

I'm happy to report that the writing jobs are rolling in and referals are already starting to happen. If I can keep this pace up, I'll be matching my old salary in no time!

My buddy David Stanford over at Doonesbury.com has re-posted one of my pieces on The Sandbox military blog.

Please click here to check that out.

Also, I was asked to respond to some questions about blogging for an article that ran in Stars and Stripes magazine.

Sitting there in the grass watching the fireworks, fully content and relaxed, I could't help but think of the men and women serving in the Middle East, and specifically in the Sunni Triangle, where I spent the majority of my time.

The kids fell asleep in the truck on the way home after the fireworks, and I was left to shine my own thoughts over this glistening city and the lights on the interstate. After I carried them in, one at a time, and put them in their beds, I spent some time on Google Earth.

I zoomed in on my old base, my old office, my old room. I smiled at my monitor because there I was looking at satellite imagery of the place, while I remembered exactly what it felt like to be there, in the darkness, looking up at the satellites.  Back then, I'd go back into my room, climb into my bunk, and lie there thinking about my family.

I'm okay now. I came home. My kids are asleep mere feet from me as I write this. Safe and sound. What more could I ask?

"Every man's memory is his private literature." Aldous Huxley

Shameless plug: Please check out my freelancing website at Desert Sun Writing. Maybe I can help you or someone you know? 

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