Monday, July 12, 2010

Half-way point...

Well, it's been more than a while since the last post, and I wanted to take some time to update everyone on what's been happening with us, while I have access to a computer that works for once! Facebook seems to be a good communication tool for some, but for those who aren't logging on all the time, I figured I'd try to maintain this blog too. A major reason I haven't posted for a few months is that I'm going through some serious health problems...a few gigantic bumps in the road strategically placed during Donnie's deployment to test our strength while we are apart. Broken record, right! But I'm hanging in there and appreciate everyone's concerns. It can feel like I'm stranded on an island sometimes, and as Bon Jovi sang, no man is an island, even if it is bloody Ibiza! The phone calls, cards, and prayers do help very much, so thank you! And, I can imagine how much they lift Donnie during his time in country. Donnie spoke with me last on Thursday, July 8 at 3am. I've been getting good at making sense in the middle of the night, a newfound skill I guess! He has warned me before that a phone call could be the last one for a few weeks, months, or until the end of his deployment. But, I've always lucked out and heard from him again. This last call, though, gave me the impression that there is a very good chance I will not hear from him again until the end of his deployment. He had been splitting his time on patrol and at the BAS (battalion aid station) and so he was able to experience some comforts every now and then, including hot meals, clean clothes, and showers, which lent to his positive outlook. The smile on his face was also from receiving a rank promotion and official warfare corpsman status while in country! However, the direction has changed as far as where Donnie is going now, and so I'd like to request everyone pray for his safety and those he protects on a daily basis. It's not much fun imagining my husband sleeping in a dirt hole every night, wearing the same clothes over and over, and eating MREs (meals ready to eat), but the danger he faces on a second to second basis is unimaginable. Whenever you glance at your clock, take a minute to think about what time it is in Afghanistan (around 11 and a half hours ahead of us) and send Donnie a little prayer :) Speaking of sending things...although he has mentioned care packages won't get to him anymore, if you have already purchased items, please don't hesitate to send them as the items will be used by other soldiers. And, you can always send Donnie a letter (it only costs a regular stamp to mail!). He may not get it for 3 months, but there's always a chance somehow he could receive it sooner - you never know with the military! If you are a Facebook member, you can add the group "3rd Battalion 7th Marines, The Cutting Edge" which provides news and support for close friends and family. As for me, I'm currently living with my parents in Thousand Oaks (with Trident, our cocker spaniel) until I find full-time employment in the desert, which can be a little like hoping for a day under 100 degrees in Palm Desert. But, I'm hopeful something will come up and I'll be healthy enough to start back to work in a permanent role! Again, thank you for visiting our site and I'll post again when there are updates. I hope this post provides some of you with news that you hadn't heard - if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me at heathermaurine@yahoo.com.

Donnie teaching a local kid to hang loose














Thank you Sharon for the Imodium!