Letter 8

Dear Ara,

I read your horoscope today and well, I think it is full of it. I am sure that relaxation is the last thing on your mind. I got your letter last night and I am hoping that you have gotten the others I have sent but if you have not then – you will be all caught-up when you get that one from last night. It was several handwritten pages long. I miss you a lot. It is strange with both you and Alex gone. Mathew and I are both very quiet, I know it is hard to believe that, but we are. Any ways I am learning to cook for lots less people. Meaning I have leftovers out the GAZOO in the fridge.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and while I am thankful for much the idea of sitting at Jerrod’s and stuffing myself doesn’t sound all that great. Then XMAS, oh ugh, decorations, yuck. Everything is so, buried in the attic. I hate the thought of having to find it again for a few weeks of having it up. Although I guess I should that, way when it is over I can get rid of part of it when I take it down. Not the keepsakes just the junk that is broken or doesn’t work.

I know you don’t have much of a chance to write and so I know that there will not be much word from you. I will have to trust that you’re ok. I know you are becoming stronger – Even if you don’t think you are. You ARE, although it may take you some time to realize you are. Ok at the bottom of the form letter it said If I wanted to I could contact the Drill SRGT, do they think I am stupid. That would only cause you grief and so much more than it would be worth. I will not be giving anyone that information. I want you to have the least amount of extra grief that I can give.

So Friday I will be running around paying bills, then Sat and Sun I will probably work on the upstairs. I don’t know If I will attempt going through the attic crap or not. That depends on how strong I feel that day. I would rather move dressers than go through that stuff in the attic. Your stuff, Alex’s stuff, My stuff, and stuff that doesn’t really belong to just one person. In other words, lots of SHIT.

Oh hey before I forget. If you have time to write to anyone please send Heather a quick note.
I hope you have not bitten off your tongue. Can you believe it. Mathew actually wrote a post card to you. I don’t know if you go it. It had a lot on it. No, I didn’t have to threaten him within inches of his life either, it did take him a while though most of the evening and it was hard to read. He said on one line he hoped your big mouth was not getting you into trouble.

I’m not sure if you have been able to see much of SC from what I understand it is a very beautiful place. I guess the only time you would really have had was from the airport to the base. I hope you looked at it and can remember what it was like. I am sure you will see it from totally different eyes when your training is all done. I may not write tomorrow, I’m not sure. If I can get Jerrod or Susan to take some pictures of us, I will print some and send them to you as I was told that pictures were allowed. By the way, you don’t have to keep all my letters. I have copies of the typed ones. And your poem. I am enclosing another copy of it just in case you did not get it. This letter will probably go out the day after Thanksgiving as I have a backlog (three) that need to go into the mail today. I will give Autumn & Josh your mailing address, tomorrow. Anyhow, I need to work some today so I am going to stop for now.

Love – you, your MOMMY --by the way I wanted to rescue you when I seen your writing on the top of the form letter, so I hope all is well. STAY STRONG, and quit doubting your decision, it was right.

Love you!
Mom