Feb. 22 & 23, 2007

2-22-07
Hi,

I knew that she would be a trooper my grandmother is stronger than even she knows. I know that she will be bouncing around before you know it.

Here, it is the same stuff most days, sleep eat work gym sleep eat work gym. the time is going by pretty fast. I found out a tenetive leave date already, aint it great to know people? yea it is. I am not going to send dates and times over the email but know that there are no suprises. I have started to play chess again every now and again. not nearly where i was when I was semi pro but I do still win when i play. I miss you alot and cant wait to see you this summer.

Ryan

2-23-07

hey,

I am glad to hear that Grandma is doing better. I sent some flowers for her, they should be at your place soon. also the pictures are on the way. I miss you and love you.

Ryan

His mom wrote back: Dear Ryan,
Mom loved the flowers you sent. They are blooming spectacularly. They are this lucious red, like a 1930s red. six petaled lillies with a couple sprigs of red berries and a background of golden rod. I brought them in her hospital room and set them on her tray. She looked pleased. And when I announced that the flowers were from you she got a look of wonder on her face and asked,
How'd he get them out of Iraq?
She recovered nicely when I said you ordered them off the internet. She really loves them and told me to email you and tell you so.
She said don't raise your hand and volunteer anymore, but come home and see us real soon. She was really moved that you thought of her. She has a special place in her heart for you.
Her second tube in her lung doesn't seem as good as the first and she is working hard to breath and keep her oxygen level up, but maybe its because it is the second hole and the first isn't healed yet. This is hard; seeing her disappointed, working hard to eat or talk. She was so determined to get out and fly to Mexico with Marianna, Frank and the boys, but the doc says no way.
She told me to tell you to quit smoking now. Gasping for breath is a bad way to go.
Must sound mundane, smoking side effects, to you who is in war where co-workers are outside getting blasted. I'm sorry. Just come home.
You know your job; stay in embodiement. You have people to comfort and supervise and train. You have a long life ahead of you. I love you, Ryan. Thanks for making your grandma, and my mama, so happy today.