At half past eight last night I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, R was in her room doing work for uni and H was reading his book in the sitting room.
Then the front door opened.
I was startled and turned to see a silhouetted figure standing in the doorway.
Then a very familiar voice said 'hi everyone, I'm home'.
And so it happened that C was at last back home and amongst us.
Nothing to say but thank you Lord.
Fellow soldier's Mum due to have her boy back tomorrow God willing.
One more blog in a week's time.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Day 208 Week 29
Thought C would be home by now. But he's not and then discovered the reason is he's gone to visit a comrade, who, as H put it 'had half his leg blown away'. What can you say or think when you hear such a sang-froid acknowledgement of complete ruination.
You see Afghanistan is never very far away. And as C was flying home another boy from our village was flying out and so the baton was metaphorically handed over.
H said the Rifles' de-brief last night was very interesting and it was presented by the officer who wrote the blog for the Today programme. The gist of it was an explanation as to why the soldiers had lived in small isolated patrol bases amongst the indigenous population, instead of at the larger forward operating bases as was previously the case. During the former methodology the soldiers would travel out daily and return to camp nightly, but the problem was no assimilation was developed with the people they were there to protect, and during the unguarded nights the insurgents would return and intimidate the locals so undoing any achievements. The change of tactic has proven very successful in consolidating gains with schools built, roads created and safety zones provided, but the evidence in cost to life and limb seems exponential.
Thirty Riflemen lost their lives during the tour.
H home and reading and R home and dying her skin orange. C hopefully on his way. Fellow soldier's Mum tingling with excitement and her tone has changed completely as M is also due home tomorrow.
More prayers of thanks and reflection.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
You see Afghanistan is never very far away. And as C was flying home another boy from our village was flying out and so the baton was metaphorically handed over.
H said the Rifles' de-brief last night was very interesting and it was presented by the officer who wrote the blog for the Today programme. The gist of it was an explanation as to why the soldiers had lived in small isolated patrol bases amongst the indigenous population, instead of at the larger forward operating bases as was previously the case. During the former methodology the soldiers would travel out daily and return to camp nightly, but the problem was no assimilation was developed with the people they were there to protect, and during the unguarded nights the insurgents would return and intimidate the locals so undoing any achievements. The change of tactic has proven very successful in consolidating gains with schools built, roads created and safety zones provided, but the evidence in cost to life and limb seems exponential.
Thirty Riflemen lost their lives during the tour.
H home and reading and R home and dying her skin orange. C hopefully on his way. Fellow soldier's Mum tingling with excitement and her tone has changed completely as M is also due home tomorrow.
More prayers of thanks and reflection.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Day 207 Week 29
Well day three of home coming and it's both wonderful and very strange. Am so, so, so happy and then suddenly will feel a well of tears that it's all over. Is it disbelief? Is this real? In reality am I still in 'son posted overseas on active service' mode and this is all a dream?
The answer of course is no, this is not imagination. My son really is, thank the Lord, back in the United Kingdom and not via Selly Oak or, God bless them, Wootton Bassett.
Reflecting on the impact of the tour the overriding effect has been one of exhaustion. Exhaustion at the shear grinding relentlessness of the constant dread. Exhaustion at the never-ending mental exploration of avenues of horror which may lie around the corner. Exhaustion at the lack of sleep because the brain pings into life with a subversive chant of foreboding in the dark of the night, only to be repeated remorselessly. And exhaustion derived from a perpetual state of not knowing 'is my son still alive at this moment in time'.
Well thank God he was and we were blessed and he was lucky.
I've just returned home from yet another physio session and experienced acupuncture for the first time and hopefully it will work. H gone up to London with his father to the post-tour briefing for 3 Rifles family members. R away at uni preparing for exams. And with the grace of heaven C should be home with us tomorrow.
Fellow soldier's Mum's son now safely back in the UK too.
So many thanks Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
The answer of course is no, this is not imagination. My son really is, thank the Lord, back in the United Kingdom and not via Selly Oak or, God bless them, Wootton Bassett.
Reflecting on the impact of the tour the overriding effect has been one of exhaustion. Exhaustion at the shear grinding relentlessness of the constant dread. Exhaustion at the never-ending mental exploration of avenues of horror which may lie around the corner. Exhaustion at the lack of sleep because the brain pings into life with a subversive chant of foreboding in the dark of the night, only to be repeated remorselessly. And exhaustion derived from a perpetual state of not knowing 'is my son still alive at this moment in time'.
Well thank God he was and we were blessed and he was lucky.
I've just returned home from yet another physio session and experienced acupuncture for the first time and hopefully it will work. H gone up to London with his father to the post-tour briefing for 3 Rifles family members. R away at uni preparing for exams. And with the grace of heaven C should be home with us tomorrow.
Fellow soldier's Mum's son now safely back in the UK too.
So many thanks Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Day 206 Week 29
The euphoria continues thank God. Am just really happy all the time. Gone is the gnawing, insidious, dread that was the ghostly soulmate for so long. Can it be true that C is actually, finally, thankfully on the last stretch?
Apparently it can.
Yes life still has its irritations, and nothing is ever totally perfect, but to be rid of Afghaniphobia is the greatest blessing anyone connected to that seething political abyss could wish for.
And yet the knowledge that more of our young, fresh faced boys and girls are at this very moment terror-ridden in that acrid dust bowl of contradictions somehow taints the personal relief that 'our' own has returned, and we really do nearly have him home. The truth is they're all 'ours' and it is at our behest that they tread the fine line between lucky life and stolen death.
God bless those still serving.
And God knows we must never forget those of us who gave their tomorrow for our today, or the countless maimed and traumatised who can still be tucked away as if forgotten.
H rang out of the blue this afternoon and it would appear he has temporarily slipped beneath the Navy's radar and is blissfully home for a few days. R text and said 'did you ring' so thankfully that means she must be OK. Heard that C is in 'recovery' today after being on the lash in Edinburgh with the boys last night, and heaven knows he deserves it.
Fellow soldier's Mum's son due back tomorrow please God.
Is it all really winding down for we blessed few Lord?
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Apparently it can.
Yes life still has its irritations, and nothing is ever totally perfect, but to be rid of Afghaniphobia is the greatest blessing anyone connected to that seething political abyss could wish for.
And yet the knowledge that more of our young, fresh faced boys and girls are at this very moment terror-ridden in that acrid dust bowl of contradictions somehow taints the personal relief that 'our' own has returned, and we really do nearly have him home. The truth is they're all 'ours' and it is at our behest that they tread the fine line between lucky life and stolen death.
God bless those still serving.
And God knows we must never forget those of us who gave their tomorrow for our today, or the countless maimed and traumatised who can still be tucked away as if forgotten.
H rang out of the blue this afternoon and it would appear he has temporarily slipped beneath the Navy's radar and is blissfully home for a few days. R text and said 'did you ring' so thankfully that means she must be OK. Heard that C is in 'recovery' today after being on the lash in Edinburgh with the boys last night, and heaven knows he deserves it.
Fellow soldier's Mum's son due back tomorrow please God.
Is it all really winding down for we blessed few Lord?
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Monday, 26 April 2010
Day 205 Week 29
Was just about to sit at my laptop and blog more uncertainty as to loved ones and whereabouts when my phone rang.
It was C. I screamed. He said 'Hi Ma. Just got back in Edinburgh. Twenty four hours to wind down in Cyprus.'
I just cried 'oh my baby. You're home. You're home. You're back. Thank God'.
And he said 'I'll ring you with more details when we can both be calmer later'.
And I cried, and laughed, and cried some more and then shouted out into the ether 'My baby's back'.
I'd been ringing C's phone for four days and each time it went automatically to voicemail which told me he was still abroad, and now he wasn't.
Sent a text to everyone including H and R and thank you to everyone for all the love and best wishes.
Fellow soldier's Mum due to have her boy back tomorrow.
Lots of thought and prayers for those not returning.
Thank you St Therese for taking my boy under your wing and thank you Lord for this day.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
It was C. I screamed. He said 'Hi Ma. Just got back in Edinburgh. Twenty four hours to wind down in Cyprus.'
I just cried 'oh my baby. You're home. You're home. You're back. Thank God'.
And he said 'I'll ring you with more details when we can both be calmer later'.
And I cried, and laughed, and cried some more and then shouted out into the ether 'My baby's back'.
I'd been ringing C's phone for four days and each time it went automatically to voicemail which told me he was still abroad, and now he wasn't.
Sent a text to everyone including H and R and thank you to everyone for all the love and best wishes.
Fellow soldier's Mum due to have her boy back tomorrow.
Lots of thought and prayers for those not returning.
Thank you St Therese for taking my boy under your wing and thank you Lord for this day.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Day 204 Week 29
Twenty-nine weeks. Can't believe it was so long ago that he went out. Twenty-nine weeks and over two hundred days.
The profundity of it all really has not sunk in and am just praying for some news, any news, but obviously the most desperately wished for is that he is safe and sound and back in the UK. But still nothing.
The bush-telegraph at home is well and truly activated and everyone keeping in touch with each other either via e-mail or phone but no one seems to know anything.
Think I might ring the regiment tonight.
Heard from H and he briefly said the US was fantastic but is concerned as his friend is unwell. H still not heard from the Navy re confirmation as to what they want to do with him, and so he may flukily be home next weekend, by when hopefully C might just have made it home too. R upstairs in recovery watching emergency Hollyoaks omnibus and actually being really sweet.
Fellow soldier's Mum hanging on to every minute too and nice new friend coming over after dropping his son off. Ankles still poo.
We're still praying Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
The profundity of it all really has not sunk in and am just praying for some news, any news, but obviously the most desperately wished for is that he is safe and sound and back in the UK. But still nothing.
The bush-telegraph at home is well and truly activated and everyone keeping in touch with each other either via e-mail or phone but no one seems to know anything.
Think I might ring the regiment tonight.
Heard from H and he briefly said the US was fantastic but is concerned as his friend is unwell. H still not heard from the Navy re confirmation as to what they want to do with him, and so he may flukily be home next weekend, by when hopefully C might just have made it home too. R upstairs in recovery watching emergency Hollyoaks omnibus and actually being really sweet.
Fellow soldier's Mum hanging on to every minute too and nice new friend coming over after dropping his son off. Ankles still poo.
We're still praying Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Day 203 Week 28
Limbo. That's just what it is, limbo. A state of not knowing. Between the devil and the dark blue sea, as my Grandmother used to say. But in this case hopefully the devil is not as active as he has been in previous months.
Read the blog of the Officer Commanding 3 Rifles on the BBC website and it was simply awesome. That's a word that's bandied around with abandon these days but in this instant it is absolutely appropriate. He spoke with quiet dignity about the privilege it has been to work with, and obviously command, the men in his charge and he simply listed their names as a tribute to their courage and loyalty. And of course he could never forget those not returning or already home as a result of injuries sustained.
God bless them all and rest their souls where needed.
Realise to my shame, that yesterday was St George's day, and feel quite strongly that we should celebrate the same as the Irish, Scots and Welsh do their patron saint. Anything that unites us instead of dividing us can only be a positive, and we should celebrate the characteristics and traditions that are intrinsic within the finer aspects of 'Englishness'. This is the nation that spawned parliamentary supremacy over hereditary power, the rule of law and religious tolerance. And anyway Shakespeare was born and then went on to die on the twenty-third of April and as he rightly holds the mantle of being our national philosopher, that in itself is an excuse for a national blast. My mother used to tell me that if ever I was troubled or needed to understand how or why I felt something, then if I looked to the Bard I would find the explanation.
Am going to consult the complete works after this.
Heard from H and he's back in the UK and popped down to Brighton to see friends. Still doesn't know where the Navy want him to go and he hasn't heard from C. R gone up to town for an interview and hope it goes well for her. Fellow soldier's Mum and I are mirror images of each other and am just itching with anticipation that he could, actually, please God, be on his way home.
Please Lord can we have a happy ending.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Friday, 23 April 2010
Day 202 Week 28
Still no news of when C should arrive home God willing.
Had a call from C's gorgeous girlfriend's Mum this afternoon and she was very emotional. She had been watching GMTV in the morning and at the end of the seven o'clock news after a round-up of travel horror-stories relating to volcanic fallout, she'd heard the newsreader say 'but the good news is C, who has been serving in Afghanistan, is due to return home to his family and mother E this weekend'.
Trying to find a copy of the broadcast but am blown away by the kindness of people wanting, loving and wishing C Godspeed back to us all. As indeed all of us do for all of them out there.
Dear friend called in this evening to say hello and lift spirits and it sort of worked.
No news from or of H. R out with girlfriends in the golden, warm evening sunshine. Fellow soldier's Mum heard that her boy, M, is to be delayed by two days because of the delays.
We just want our lives and families back to where they were, nothing more.
Thank you Lord for the day given.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Had a call from C's gorgeous girlfriend's Mum this afternoon and she was very emotional. She had been watching GMTV in the morning and at the end of the seven o'clock news after a round-up of travel horror-stories relating to volcanic fallout, she'd heard the newsreader say 'but the good news is C, who has been serving in Afghanistan, is due to return home to his family and mother E this weekend'.
Trying to find a copy of the broadcast but am blown away by the kindness of people wanting, loving and wishing C Godspeed back to us all. As indeed all of us do for all of them out there.
Dear friend called in this evening to say hello and lift spirits and it sort of worked.
No news from or of H. R out with girlfriends in the golden, warm evening sunshine. Fellow soldier's Mum heard that her boy, M, is to be delayed by two days because of the delays.
We just want our lives and families back to where they were, nothing more.
Thank you Lord for the day given.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Day 201 Week 28
Had a call from C and the good news is he's OK but the downside is he's still in Afghanistan.
Would appear the chaos from the volcano has precipitated more travel backlog for the military as well as civilians, and he has no idea when the will return to his homeland but thinks it could be in the next few days. Let's hope so. He assured me that as far as he was concerned, the tour was well and truly over, and all he and the men were doing was waiting around for an aircraft home. Definitely no active service. Well that was what he said anyway.
And he still has to go to Edinburgh before coming home.
Saw the doctor and have been referred urgently for physio and heat treatment on recently damaged ankle and he felt certain the pain and new swelling in formerly damaged symmetrical joint is as a result of ungainly gait.
Saw a dear friend for coffee earlier on and that lifted the spirits, and am waiting for another dear friend to pop around now.
Feel awful. Feel scared I'm never going to be normal again. Just want to get out of bed without searing pain reminding me that I can't walk.
Nice new friend been in Bath for the day and am looking forward to speaking to him later.
No news from H and C wondered if he was stranded too. R being brill and wandering around looking fab in a face mask, don't know why as she has such a beautiful peaches and cream complexion but I guess I was just the same at her age.
Fellow soldier's Mum in limbo too.
Please bring them home Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Would appear the chaos from the volcano has precipitated more travel backlog for the military as well as civilians, and he has no idea when the will return to his homeland but thinks it could be in the next few days. Let's hope so. He assured me that as far as he was concerned, the tour was well and truly over, and all he and the men were doing was waiting around for an aircraft home. Definitely no active service. Well that was what he said anyway.
And he still has to go to Edinburgh before coming home.
Saw the doctor and have been referred urgently for physio and heat treatment on recently damaged ankle and he felt certain the pain and new swelling in formerly damaged symmetrical joint is as a result of ungainly gait.
Saw a dear friend for coffee earlier on and that lifted the spirits, and am waiting for another dear friend to pop around now.
Feel awful. Feel scared I'm never going to be normal again. Just want to get out of bed without searing pain reminding me that I can't walk.
Nice new friend been in Bath for the day and am looking forward to speaking to him later.
No news from H and C wondered if he was stranded too. R being brill and wandering around looking fab in a face mask, don't know why as she has such a beautiful peaches and cream complexion but I guess I was just the same at her age.
Fellow soldier's Mum in limbo too.
Please bring them home Lord.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Day 200 Week 28
Two hundred days. A whole two hundred days. And to celebrate had the most incredible, fantastic, momentous news ever wished for.
C is no longer in Afghanistan.
Yes, can hardly believe it, but C is no longer in that desperately ravaged, alien land playing a hideous game of kill or be killed.
Finding it very difficult to write tonight as for all the world never once did I imagine all those dark, scary, lonely, terrifying weeks ago that I would find out by virtue of a virtual chat room that my younger son was actually, in his words, 'a third of the way home'. Now, of course, the task is trying to calculate with limited information and unknown geography, just where in the world he is.
Sent the round robin text message and as ever was blown away by the love and best wishes of everyone.
Never dare I wish this day would arrive. Never did I stop praying it would.
Saw on the MoD website that today is also the day 3 Rifles officially hand over control of the menacing terrain around Sangin to the Marines and in superb British phlegm was informed that the first task to be undertaken was a renaming ceremony. So it is that the loos are now 'heads', the cookhouse is a 'galley', brews are 'wets' and scoffs (food) are 'scrans'. Good to know priorities are recognised.
Heard from H and he said simply 'Ma the best news'. R being sweet and took me out in the car. No more news about my wandering soldier boy.
Nice new friend looking after me and fellow soldier's mum also daring to see a light at the end of the tunnel which may, possibly, not be an express train coming from the opposite direction after all.
Downside is ankles are vile.
Thank you Lord and please still keep your arms around him.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
C is no longer in Afghanistan.
Yes, can hardly believe it, but C is no longer in that desperately ravaged, alien land playing a hideous game of kill or be killed.
Finding it very difficult to write tonight as for all the world never once did I imagine all those dark, scary, lonely, terrifying weeks ago that I would find out by virtue of a virtual chat room that my younger son was actually, in his words, 'a third of the way home'. Now, of course, the task is trying to calculate with limited information and unknown geography, just where in the world he is.
Sent the round robin text message and as ever was blown away by the love and best wishes of everyone.
Never dare I wish this day would arrive. Never did I stop praying it would.
Saw on the MoD website that today is also the day 3 Rifles officially hand over control of the menacing terrain around Sangin to the Marines and in superb British phlegm was informed that the first task to be undertaken was a renaming ceremony. So it is that the loos are now 'heads', the cookhouse is a 'galley', brews are 'wets' and scoffs (food) are 'scrans'. Good to know priorities are recognised.
Heard from H and he said simply 'Ma the best news'. R being sweet and took me out in the car. No more news about my wandering soldier boy.
Nice new friend looking after me and fellow soldier's mum also daring to see a light at the end of the tunnel which may, possibly, not be an express train coming from the opposite direction after all.
Downside is ankles are vile.
Thank you Lord and please still keep your arms around him.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Day 199 Week 28
Ankles poo and really painful and hate being back to being an invalid. Want to be back in the world of the animated living and not stuck in a shrunken existence yet again.
Still cannot complain if the reality is that C finishes the tour intact and I'm the one less than perfect. That's precisely the way it should be.
Delicious supper of macaroni cheese with garlic and onions, all with a warm broccoli and runner bean salad with my dear friend, colleague and buddy. She came round to see me this evening after college and it was great to see her and catch up with the news about everyone at work, and just want to be back doing my job again. Work is definitely good for the mind and to be gainfully employed in a worthwhile role is certainly salvation.
Britain still cut-off from the skies and the spillage appears to be growing as the demonic volcano has seemingly been spewing again.
Heard from H and the US Navy has redeployed the ship so he will not sail back to Blighty on board and so suppose he is technically one of the stranded across the pond. R home and revising hard for her first year university exams. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum says M told her that they will fly them back to Cyprus and then coach back to the UK, and so hope that applies to C too.
Please Lord let this cliff hanger end happily.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Still cannot complain if the reality is that C finishes the tour intact and I'm the one less than perfect. That's precisely the way it should be.
Delicious supper of macaroni cheese with garlic and onions, all with a warm broccoli and runner bean salad with my dear friend, colleague and buddy. She came round to see me this evening after college and it was great to see her and catch up with the news about everyone at work, and just want to be back doing my job again. Work is definitely good for the mind and to be gainfully employed in a worthwhile role is certainly salvation.
Britain still cut-off from the skies and the spillage appears to be growing as the demonic volcano has seemingly been spewing again.
Heard from H and the US Navy has redeployed the ship so he will not sail back to Blighty on board and so suppose he is technically one of the stranded across the pond. R home and revising hard for her first year university exams. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum says M told her that they will fly them back to Cyprus and then coach back to the UK, and so hope that applies to C too.
Please Lord let this cliff hanger end happily.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Monday, 19 April 2010
Day 198 Week 28
Well the situation just becomes more and more absurd.
The Royal Navy being dispatched to foreign ports, in the form of Ark Royal and Ocean, to collect an estimated hundred thousand stranded Brits still abroad. And HMS Albion off to Spain as the Prime Minister has promised to bring 3 Rifles home, and planes can land there.
What a finale.
Don't know if C is one of those stuck in Europe or Afghanistan. Just hope and pray if it is the latter that he's not still on active service, but fear that wish may just be that.
Dear friend came and visited this evening. Good leg bad and bad leg not much better. Want to be able to walk properly. Everything's gone topsy-turvy again.
Not heard from H. R just gone out for dinner with friends. No news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum's computer is playing up so hope that's why haven't heard from her, and that things are good for her too.
Please Lord let this bizarre climax reach a safe conclusion.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
The Royal Navy being dispatched to foreign ports, in the form of Ark Royal and Ocean, to collect an estimated hundred thousand stranded Brits still abroad. And HMS Albion off to Spain as the Prime Minister has promised to bring 3 Rifles home, and planes can land there.
What a finale.
Don't know if C is one of those stuck in Europe or Afghanistan. Just hope and pray if it is the latter that he's not still on active service, but fear that wish may just be that.
Dear friend came and visited this evening. Good leg bad and bad leg not much better. Want to be able to walk properly. Everything's gone topsy-turvy again.
Not heard from H. R just gone out for dinner with friends. No news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum's computer is playing up so hope that's why haven't heard from her, and that things are good for her too.
Please Lord let this bizarre climax reach a safe conclusion.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Day 197 Week 28
Heard from C via a chat room and he told everyone, 'of all the things I thought could delay our return to the UK, I never considered a f***ing volcano'. Says it all really.
Seemingly the dust cloud was spawned by a baby volcanic eruption in Iceland, and historically whenever that has occurred then Mummy (living next door) has always followed suit and blown her top in response. And no one can remember the name of this troublesome child as it's very long and Nordic. Jury out as to whether it is male or female.
If you want to make God laugh then make plans.
C's return has been delayed.
Had a lovely day hobbling, with dear friends, around a small section of the grounds of a stunning former home turned posh hotel situated in the Thames Valley. This establishment so beloved of premiership footballers for their weddings is both divine and infamous, as it has a salacious link to a political scandal of the nineteen sixties which subsequently brought down the then government. Joyful journey there and back, as was passenger in a fabulous convertible and it was fun playing 'Thelma, Louise and friend sans Brad' with dear ones.
Dear friend on the stumble, told me that she has received the second letter from C in three days, and he is not doing 'the post' as was lead to believe, but is away from his Battalion and 'handing over'. This dear friend has religiously e-blueyed C every Sunday during the tour, and am now terrified he's not safely confined to barracks, but is still exposed to clear and present danger.
Please Lord continue to keep him and his fellow soldiers safe.
Not heard from H post demi-marathon. R arrived home with the lark and C's best friend as a chaparone at sunrise and has been very sweet today. And no more news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum in exactly the same boat.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Seemingly the dust cloud was spawned by a baby volcanic eruption in Iceland, and historically whenever that has occurred then Mummy (living next door) has always followed suit and blown her top in response. And no one can remember the name of this troublesome child as it's very long and Nordic. Jury out as to whether it is male or female.
If you want to make God laugh then make plans.
C's return has been delayed.
Had a lovely day hobbling, with dear friends, around a small section of the grounds of a stunning former home turned posh hotel situated in the Thames Valley. This establishment so beloved of premiership footballers for their weddings is both divine and infamous, as it has a salacious link to a political scandal of the nineteen sixties which subsequently brought down the then government. Joyful journey there and back, as was passenger in a fabulous convertible and it was fun playing 'Thelma, Louise and friend sans Brad' with dear ones.
Dear friend on the stumble, told me that she has received the second letter from C in three days, and he is not doing 'the post' as was lead to believe, but is away from his Battalion and 'handing over'. This dear friend has religiously e-blueyed C every Sunday during the tour, and am now terrified he's not safely confined to barracks, but is still exposed to clear and present danger.
Please Lord continue to keep him and his fellow soldiers safe.
Not heard from H post demi-marathon. R arrived home with the lark and C's best friend as a chaparone at sunrise and has been very sweet today. And no more news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum in exactly the same boat.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Day 196 Week 27
The day absolutely perfect weather wise and it's really quiet spooky not to have jumbos straining overhead once a minute as the UK still subject to a flight ban.
Hope that doesn't affect flights returning from Afghanistan.
Had a really lazy day as leg very painful and feel like I'm going down with the cold nice new friend caught from his son. Leisurely lunch of fish and bread and cheese all washed down with some delicious white wine and am now ready for bed.
Can this really be the beginning of the last week? Have we really reached this juncture? Can all the horrors be in their final seven days of existence?
Please God it is so.
Just looked H's facebook page and he's about to run the half marathon at eight thousand feet in the New Mexico desert and the proceeds from sponsorship will be divided between Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and the Rifles' Benevolent Fund. Well done H. R in a strop because I was worried about her. And again no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum feels just the same. as I'm sure all the other Mums, Dads, brothers, sisters, and loved ones do.
Please Lord keep them spared.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Hope that doesn't affect flights returning from Afghanistan.
Had a really lazy day as leg very painful and feel like I'm going down with the cold nice new friend caught from his son. Leisurely lunch of fish and bread and cheese all washed down with some delicious white wine and am now ready for bed.
Can this really be the beginning of the last week? Have we really reached this juncture? Can all the horrors be in their final seven days of existence?
Please God it is so.
Just looked H's facebook page and he's about to run the half marathon at eight thousand feet in the New Mexico desert and the proceeds from sponsorship will be divided between Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and the Rifles' Benevolent Fund. Well done H. R in a strop because I was worried about her. And again no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum feels just the same. as I'm sure all the other Mums, Dads, brothers, sisters, and loved ones do.
Please Lord keep them spared.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Friday, 16 April 2010
Day 195 Week 27
Had a wonderful day. Well it would have been perfect if C was home and with us.
Went down to the south coast in the glorious weather, and limped around one of the ancient cinque ports which was the Elizabethan town where my aunt used to live, and then down to Dungeness and another lurch this time along the shore in the shadow of the grim nuclear power station. Took lots of photos including one of Derek Jarman's former home with it's eclectic garden, and more of the quaint narrow gauge railway and the whole place looks like something out of the outback and not England. Lovely lunch including delightful fish, which is a must when visiting the seaside, and now home for goulash and new potatoes.
Bizarrely all aircraft flights have now been grounded over the UK for two days as there has been a cloud of volcanic ash hanging over us emanating from an eruption in Iceland. Strange to see the sign on the M25 saying 'Heathrow and Gatwick closed'.
Then had a worrying call from a dear colleague and hopefully her friend will be fine as he has to undergo tests and that's always a worry.
Had fellow soldier's Mum and her son, M, on my mind today as we are both tingling with hope and nervous anticipation that maybe, just maybe, our boys can actually come home.
Not heard from H. R just gone out looking ravishing in what appeared to be a handkerchief and a pair of tights, 'I'm, like, going out now, bye'. And no news of or from C.
Thank you Lord for your support so far and can you just keep them safe until the tour finishes, please.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Went down to the south coast in the glorious weather, and limped around one of the ancient cinque ports which was the Elizabethan town where my aunt used to live, and then down to Dungeness and another lurch this time along the shore in the shadow of the grim nuclear power station. Took lots of photos including one of Derek Jarman's former home with it's eclectic garden, and more of the quaint narrow gauge railway and the whole place looks like something out of the outback and not England. Lovely lunch including delightful fish, which is a must when visiting the seaside, and now home for goulash and new potatoes.
Bizarrely all aircraft flights have now been grounded over the UK for two days as there has been a cloud of volcanic ash hanging over us emanating from an eruption in Iceland. Strange to see the sign on the M25 saying 'Heathrow and Gatwick closed'.
Then had a worrying call from a dear colleague and hopefully her friend will be fine as he has to undergo tests and that's always a worry.
Had fellow soldier's Mum and her son, M, on my mind today as we are both tingling with hope and nervous anticipation that maybe, just maybe, our boys can actually come home.
Not heard from H. R just gone out looking ravishing in what appeared to be a handkerchief and a pair of tights, 'I'm, like, going out now, bye'. And no news of or from C.
Thank you Lord for your support so far and can you just keep them safe until the tour finishes, please.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Day 194 Week 27
Went to the GP with dodgy ankle (good one, not bad one) in the morning and have some sort of 'itis' which means swelling will continue and may need steroid injections in a month if it does not settle down. Ho hum if that's the worst that happens will be fine. Don't care what happens to me just want C home.
Went down to the river and watched a scene out of heaven at dusk, then popped into a pub in an ancient area of woodland where they filmed Robin Hood with Kevin Costner, which was one of C's favourites when he was young, and now am grabbing a Thai curry and then bed.
No news from H and hoping it's going well Stateside. R babysat half sister today and is now out. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum and I holding each other's invisible hand at the moment.
Please Lord it can be fine.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Went down to the river and watched a scene out of heaven at dusk, then popped into a pub in an ancient area of woodland where they filmed Robin Hood with Kevin Costner, which was one of C's favourites when he was young, and now am grabbing a Thai curry and then bed.
No news from H and hoping it's going well Stateside. R babysat half sister today and is now out. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum and I holding each other's invisible hand at the moment.
Please Lord it can be fine.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Day 193 Week 27
Just back from a beautiful walk by father Thames and a pint in quintessentially quirky riverside inn and all bathed in the most glorious sunset. The sun was a huge red orb as it fell below the horizon.
Had the most dreadful night's sleep last night, was back downstairs at four in the morning pacing the floor with night-terrors reinstated and had forgotten how awful the middle of the night panic attacks were. Then received an e-mail from C and he said it's crazy as they're handing over to the Marines and loads of stuff to be done.
Back to praying and clock watching.
No news from H. R has been working on the essay all day and is now out with friends. C on the MoD website as they posted a story on his platoon working with the ANA to develop relationships and skills levels.
Fellow soldier's Mum holding on as well.
Please Lord can we have a happy ending.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Had the most dreadful night's sleep last night, was back downstairs at four in the morning pacing the floor with night-terrors reinstated and had forgotten how awful the middle of the night panic attacks were. Then received an e-mail from C and he said it's crazy as they're handing over to the Marines and loads of stuff to be done.
Back to praying and clock watching.
No news from H. R has been working on the essay all day and is now out with friends. C on the MoD website as they posted a story on his platoon working with the ANA to develop relationships and skills levels.
Fellow soldier's Mum holding on as well.
Please Lord can we have a happy ending.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Day 192 Week 27
Please God this is the home stretch. And just like any race to the finish am fully aware that anything can happen.
Day cold but yet again gloriously sunny and it's my dear aunt's and sister-in-law's birthday so lots of happy returns, love and best wishes for the year ahead dispatched to both.
Spent the afternoon with a friend who's having a really hard time thanks to the father of her children attempting to abdicate his responsibilities, and never cease to be horrified at the way some people can turn their back on their offspring. How could anyone deny their children? Blood should always be thick even if it is shared with new water.
Heard from fellow soldier's Mum and we're both wishing and hoping and praying for a happy conclusion to the tour.
H enjoying the trip to America and he still hasn't said if he's returning home only to fly back out to join the US Navy or whether he'll go straight to join them in Virginia. Hope he managed to get his uniform finished. R had a day socialising with friends and now out in my car. And no news of or from C.
My nice new friend having a couple of days being a good daddy with his son, watching football and cooking sausage and mash for dinner.
Please Lord let it be well.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Day cold but yet again gloriously sunny and it's my dear aunt's and sister-in-law's birthday so lots of happy returns, love and best wishes for the year ahead dispatched to both.
Spent the afternoon with a friend who's having a really hard time thanks to the father of her children attempting to abdicate his responsibilities, and never cease to be horrified at the way some people can turn their back on their offspring. How could anyone deny their children? Blood should always be thick even if it is shared with new water.
Heard from fellow soldier's Mum and we're both wishing and hoping and praying for a happy conclusion to the tour.
H enjoying the trip to America and he still hasn't said if he's returning home only to fly back out to join the US Navy or whether he'll go straight to join them in Virginia. Hope he managed to get his uniform finished. R had a day socialising with friends and now out in my car. And no news of or from C.
My nice new friend having a couple of days being a good daddy with his son, watching football and cooking sausage and mash for dinner.
Please Lord let it be well.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Monday, 12 April 2010
Day 191 Week 27
The day sunny and veering from warm to bitingly cold.
The dissident republicans have set off a bomb in Northern Ireland in response to policing being handed over to the province and cannot believe for a second that anyone in their right mind would want that beautiful land to return to mayhem. Maybe that's it, they're not in their right minds, they're actually bonkers.
Maybe the necessary criteria in the motivation behind a desire to climb the greasy pole of power is a tendency towards bonkerdom.
Would explain an awful lot about the state of the world today.
Dreadful train crash in Italy killing nine people and injuring many more.
Spent the day in the company of my nice new friend, and we called in at work so that I could collect my salary slip and then complete R's university loan application and NNF met two of my dear colleagues. Then it was off to gorgeously sunny Windsor for a stroll around the town and saw a soldier and wanted to speak to him, but somehow it didn't seem appropriate. Then back to NNF's flat for a change of clothes and now home for beouf burguinion, roasted shallots, roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables.
R out with friends and has asked H to get her a 'NY teeshirt pleeeeeese', adding the reminder that she was the one who got them up at the crack of dawn on Sunday, like. H staying in a forces hostel in the epinymous city. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum weary and wants her boy home.
Please Lord let them all come home to their loved ones.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
The dissident republicans have set off a bomb in Northern Ireland in response to policing being handed over to the province and cannot believe for a second that anyone in their right mind would want that beautiful land to return to mayhem. Maybe that's it, they're not in their right minds, they're actually bonkers.
Maybe the necessary criteria in the motivation behind a desire to climb the greasy pole of power is a tendency towards bonkerdom.
Would explain an awful lot about the state of the world today.
Dreadful train crash in Italy killing nine people and injuring many more.
Spent the day in the company of my nice new friend, and we called in at work so that I could collect my salary slip and then complete R's university loan application and NNF met two of my dear colleagues. Then it was off to gorgeously sunny Windsor for a stroll around the town and saw a soldier and wanted to speak to him, but somehow it didn't seem appropriate. Then back to NNF's flat for a change of clothes and now home for beouf burguinion, roasted shallots, roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables.
R out with friends and has asked H to get her a 'NY teeshirt pleeeeeese', adding the reminder that she was the one who got them up at the crack of dawn on Sunday, like. H staying in a forces hostel in the epinymous city. And no news from C.
Fellow soldier's Mum weary and wants her boy home.
Please Lord let them all come home to their loved ones.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Day 190 Week 27
Over half a year of this trial over, thank God, but as the saying goes it's not over until the large lady sings and I don't hear any arias just yet.
Dreadful plane crash in part of the former Soviet Union, killing a whole swathe of Poland's leadership including the president, and the result has been devastating.
On a lighter note yesterday evening was definitely almost perfect. Plans changed at the very last moment so H had dinner with NNF and I, the spicey meatballs in a vegetable and tomato sauce washed down with a delicious red wine and it was scrumptious. Then off to the local for the surprise gathering in honour of H's twenty-fifth and it was absolutely brilliant - everyone in really good form and a hoot. R, C's friends, fellow soldier, gorgeous girlfriend and my dear friend and family all in attendance along with NNF and it was fabulous.
C was extremely missed and we did, of course, toast absent friends. Seemingly he is now at the main base sorting out the logistics of delivering the parcels from home sent by loved ones to the boys and girls on duty. And the time in the hour glass is slipping very slowly by.
Today, NNF at work and had a really pleasant stroll/lurch through idyllic countryside beside a stream flowing through watercress beds with my dear friends who were such good company, and now it's home for dinner and bed. Feel ridiculously tired, considering am cruising through the life of Riley, and the mattress is beckoning but suddenly all hell has broken loose as the cooking has just set the fire alarm to screeching point. Couldn't put the blooming thing off and now am sitting with doors and windows open and must remember to clean out the oven tomorrow.
H text to say 'New York, New York have arrived'. R out for late lunch with friends and not dining with me after all. No news from C.
Heard from my NNF and he's at work. No news from fellow soldier's Mum so hope she and M an family are safe and well.
Yet more prayers to the Lord for his continuing support.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Dreadful plane crash in part of the former Soviet Union, killing a whole swathe of Poland's leadership including the president, and the result has been devastating.
On a lighter note yesterday evening was definitely almost perfect. Plans changed at the very last moment so H had dinner with NNF and I, the spicey meatballs in a vegetable and tomato sauce washed down with a delicious red wine and it was scrumptious. Then off to the local for the surprise gathering in honour of H's twenty-fifth and it was absolutely brilliant - everyone in really good form and a hoot. R, C's friends, fellow soldier, gorgeous girlfriend and my dear friend and family all in attendance along with NNF and it was fabulous.
C was extremely missed and we did, of course, toast absent friends. Seemingly he is now at the main base sorting out the logistics of delivering the parcels from home sent by loved ones to the boys and girls on duty. And the time in the hour glass is slipping very slowly by.
Today, NNF at work and had a really pleasant stroll/lurch through idyllic countryside beside a stream flowing through watercress beds with my dear friends who were such good company, and now it's home for dinner and bed. Feel ridiculously tired, considering am cruising through the life of Riley, and the mattress is beckoning but suddenly all hell has broken loose as the cooking has just set the fire alarm to screeching point. Couldn't put the blooming thing off and now am sitting with doors and windows open and must remember to clean out the oven tomorrow.
H text to say 'New York, New York have arrived'. R out for late lunch with friends and not dining with me after all. No news from C.
Heard from my NNF and he's at work. No news from fellow soldier's Mum so hope she and M an family are safe and well.
Yet more prayers to the Lord for his continuing support.
Speak soon. A soldier's Mum x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)