GETTING OUT OF THE SHOWER

Awesome post Lee . . . the ending was precious.

I like your new look! Thanks for the catch-up and the status on your literary efforts - congratulations. I am particularly interested in your biography about Brig Gen R. Fisher, out in time for Christmas??? Glad all is going so well.

Captain, after I have read the article in Times which you and your blog was featured, I have always been admiring you.. I know that being a soldier is never an easy task..It will take one a thousand courage, more than just passion, and sincere commitment to live up to your responsibility of maintaining peace, order and unity in the complex and chaotic world we live in.. The war in Iraq, which you have not just been a great witness of, but might as well as a fearless safeguard to is a very admirable deed. i know that you have taken a very great risk, not just with your own self but with your family and the people who love you.

Righteous people in the world often give their deepest sentiments and sympathy unto those helpless and poor victims of war..I am one of them. But I know that deep inside me, I still haven't understand the feeling, the uncertainty, the cry,the weariness, and the frightening danger amidst a war. Yet through reading your blog, you have let me understood and to a big extent allowed me to even feel such misery amidst war.

Captain, I do admire your blog so much because it proved to me that not all wars are battled through swords and gun but sometimes you can just sit in a corner, pull out a mighty pen (a laptop, maybe) and still create a big difference in the world.. But more than your blog, I admire you for having such wisdom that has not been tainted by the cruelty and darkness of the war.I admire you for the courage of being a soldier. I believe that more than all profession or job on earth, being a soldier is the most commendable one.

Through your blog, I have come to realize how cruel the world become.. I have been deeply moved when you said that until now you are hearing the prayers of war victims over loudspeakers..I have felt their pain and even felt your struggle their in the hot desserts of Iraq..

Finally Captain, I salute you for all of these..If only all people on earth would have the same will and outlook as yours, then the world would certainly be a much better world to live in..

Thumbs up for you Captain!..

Hi Captain! Good day! I am a student of the University of the Philippines and I have read an article in Times Magazine featuring your blog. My grandfather was also a soldier and he was also with the World War II. He was also one of the Filipino soldiers who went to Korea for the Korean war. I remember him telling a story about his life at Korea and how he missed our grandmother then, he was nearly killed because a bullet nearly "went inside" his head and if it weren't for his helmet, I never would have seen him today. Somehow I find it hard to believe that he was saved by his helmet, nevertheless, I was really thankful for it. Now, his helmet is one of his most prized possessions (he still has it kept in an old chest with a hole in it..hehehe).

I know being a soldier is never an easy job. My mom's brother, Uncle Glenn died in an ambush in Bohol (a province of the Philippines) three days before Christmas. My Grandmother was very devastated, I could still remember seeing her cry holding my uncle's picture. There were stories about how he died. My mom told me that he died because he was wearing his uniform instead of wearing civilian clothes. They were in this place in Bohol wherein there were many rebel sightings and they were about to get their permission to go home for the holidays, but my uncle and one of his companion (who was also a soldier and was also wearing his uniform) was killed, they were shot. I still don't know until now if the one responsible for his death is already in prison or if he or she is still alive. You know what Captain, I admire all those soldiers who died for their country, risking their own lives to protect it. But sometimes, I wonder how they would feel seeing, from heaven, their loved ones crying for their loss. Like my Grandma when my uncle died. I really pity her, being so young then, I felt so sad because it was the first time i've experienced lossing someone.

Anyway Captain, I like how your blog portrayed the life of the soldiers and the people living in areas where war and misery is felt. Your blog is somehow a peaceful way to reach out to the people and tell them that there is still hope; that amidst the gunshots and smoke and blood, there is still a place where you can find refuge and light and harmony. I admire you for seeing some of the positive side of the world. I do pray for world peace (like what the movie Miss Congeniality aspire to have), and I know that even if it is so hard to achieve, if we put our hearts, wishes and prays into it, we will have the world peace that we've always wanted.

And Captain, I hope that through this blog of yours, many people will realize that there is a brighter side of life. I hope that through your wisdom, they will understand how important it is to smile after they have frowned and to stand after they have fallen.

Thank You Captain!!!

God Bless...

Hello Captain! I'm also a student fron the University of the Philippines.=) As what my other friends have commented, you blog is very inspiring and moving. I discovered your blog when you were featured in TIMES magazine and from then on, I was really interested in visiting your blog some time. I just have the chance now.

Anyway, I didn't expect that you are also a poetic one. I like how you play with words. It gives me an idea of how are you feeling. I don't know how does if feel to be in the battlefield, but I have my own battle too-- studying! And I do agree with you that taking a shower means a lot especially after a very hectic and pressing moments! At least for a few minutes you get refreshed. That is, of course from my own point of view. And I thought, if that's what I'm feeling, how much more invigorating is it to you?

My father is seafarer. And for that, he's always away from home. We can't see him for almost a year! Every time there would be a news aired on the television about ships sinking or tsunami somewhere, our (me and the rest of the family) hearts start pumping-- hoping that my father's safe. And what a relief we would feel after hearing that my father's not in the sunken ship. With that, I understand what you're family is feeling. And how (I know) they would pray hard and wholeheartedly each night.

I hope that one day it will not just be after "getting out of the shower" that you would feel relaxed.. You deserve a break! haha.

Ciao Captain! Have a nice day!!

Hello captain Kelley, I am Dennisa Jane D. Pepito, also a Mass Communication student of the University of the Philippines. Your blog was mentioned in our class discussion and having read about you simply admires you.

I know being a military/soldier is not an easy job. It needs a lot of courage and responsibility in serving the people and the country. Also, being a journalist is not an easy job. It also needs a lot of courage and responsibility in sharing true and real information to the readers. A journalist have to be careful with the words and action to be credible enough, so that the readers will continue believing him/her.

How much more doing both professions at the same time like you do? Truly, your courage is admirable.

Despite your situation you still manage to give time to your passion in writing. At the end of the day you always look for a chance to sit down and write something about anything. Yes, this is a good escape form the nature of your job as a soldier.

I agree with what you said that "No one knows better than the soldiers on the front lines."

I just remembered our photography professor when he said that the media shows bias in portraying the views of war. They usually show only the gloomy side of the war, which was I believe is really true.

I do wish that I would be like you. I want my pen and my paper to be my best pals and be an outlet for letting my emotions out through scribbling down all my thoughts.

Thank you very much for the inspiration. :-)

Hi, I've always loved your posts. I like the poem about your Saturday. You are a blessed man, aren't you?