This is my final update and it will be short. This is to let you all know I made it home – safe, tired, and sound (well, I can’t say I was ever “sound” to begin with….but you know what I mean…). In the past 64 hours, I have been on a helicopter trip, two hour-long convoys through Kuwait, dragged battle gear around the desert, took two 8-hour airplane rides – with a stop in Ireland for about an hour – and spent about 4 hours in Baltimore awaiting two – two-hour flights to reach home. In that time, I’ve gotten about 6 hours sleep….but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When I got home, we went to Red Lobster – and I had some wonderful food – I tried to explain to the waitress how bad the food was in Umm Qasr – and how delicious this food was (it was re-heh-ally good)…so the manager “bought” my dinner…..
So I said all of my goodbyes last time – but wanted to leave you with a few photos of my final days in Iraq….
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| FINAL GOODBYES…… – Haleem, myself, and Eng Amjad. |
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| Haleem, myself, Mustafa (contractor) and Eng Amjad |
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| Capt Esmele, Eng Amjad, and myself |
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| Larry (gov’t worker) Capt Esmele and myself on final helo flight out of Iraq |
So I just want to take a quick second to thank all of you – those who wrote – it was GREAT hearing from you – I tried to answer every email – and it REALLY helped pass the time. For those of you who sent items – THANK YOU. Your generosity was appreciated – and anything that was given to me – was heartily appreciated – whether it was to me – or for the Iraqi children – what a great group of Americans I know.
And for all of you…. thank you for sharing my adventure. Again, it helped pass the time during those hot July/August days – and get me through until I could get home. It was kind of my “therapy” to sit and write a few notes each week about some of the craziness I saw (or participated in)…... I also had personal milestones here - “celebrated” my 37th anniversary and my 55th birthday. As well as I mourned my brother’s passing – so maybe you all don’t realize how much you have helped me cope in this time as well.
So as for me….what is next? Well, I need to get back to my “day job” – as well as I have some children, grandkids, assorted nieces and nephews that I need to tell my stories to. And trust me….I will tell them. I love being a grandpa…..they gotta listen – or I ‘rat them out’ to their parents…..heh heh….
I will tell you this – I had no access to church and I was away from sitting down and eating/talking/visiting with my friends and relatives – those were the things I missed the most. I will never take them for granted again. Cherish those times….they are what really matter.
And of course, I also need to spend some “quality time” with my girl. The stress on her has been the hardest – so I need to make up for some lost time. The great thing is that I always knew that no matter what, she was there supporting me, praying for me, and letting me know that she was waiting for me.
I said this when I came back from Afghanistan in 2004 - like all good, wonderful tales of adventure…..it always ends with the same 6 words…..
so for “Mr. Wide’s fairy tale adventure in Iraq”….he came home to his wonderful family and friends…….
“And they lived happily ever after….”
God Bless You All – and God Bless America….
Mr. Wide
مهندس واد بروير
Bonus Photos
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| My arrival at the Dayton Airport on December 7, 2011 |
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| My most excellent meal at Red Lobster |
