Communication

The following is a collection of snippets from recent phone conversations, e-mails and texts between Nick and I while he's been in Afghanistan for the past few weeks. I've recorded them here so we'll remember (years from now, in our blissful retirement) a little about how these trips went for our family.

"Did you get settled in OK? How is it?"

"It's fine, and I know it sounds weird, but I feel really comfortable here."

"Really? Because the clip on NBC Nightly News you referred me to last night did not scream 'comfortable.'"

"Oh? I'm not even sure what it was about. What did they say?"

"Just that these U.S. soldiers are trying to train the Afghan troops to provide security, and every now and then an Afghan soldier will open fire or bring a bomb and blow up the U.S. soldiers and you just don't know who you can trust there."

"Well, I know that's going on, but here, were I am, I feel very safe."

"Good! Hey, I got that rancid smell out of the dishwasher. A little bleach did the trick."

"That's great news!"

***

Hey, Nick---

I took the side off Henry's crib a couple days ago so he can climb in and out on his own. He's going to sleep fine still, but last night he fell out of bed three times -- poor guy. It's a soft landing, but no one likes waking up on the floor so suddenly. Tonight I'm going to try to get the white rail attached so he'll have a stopper. Perhaps we'll both sleep better as a result.

 ... and this morning when Calvin woke up and came in my room he said: "Some nights we see the very first star but today I saw the very last star and I thought about that it was Papa. It was so far away. Then I saw jet scratches and it really made me think of Papa."

That boy loves you in the deepest parts of his soul.

***

D--

Thank you for the great letter.

I love hearing about your days with our kiddos.  They are very special and I am glad you are there to guide their lives everyday.  Please tell them I love them and miss them dearly. 

Still firming up my plans to get back.  I will let you know as soon as I do what the plan is. 

I love you!  See you soon!

--N

***

"Hey, Calvin has soccer on Saturday, which is great because you'll be home Thursday so you can watch the games. Oh, and that will work out perfectly because Liliana has to be at a birthday party also on Saturday. I could take her while you watch soccer with the boys."

"I'm coming home on Sunday."

"Oh."

"Sorry I won't be able to help you out."

"No, that's OK. We'll work it out."

***

Hey Liliana!
  
I heard you had trouble with a friend at school.  I know it is disappointing when a friend treats you like that.  It happens to me sometimes too, but what I find works is to be nice, but not a pushover.  That means that you stand up for yourself but in a nice way.  I know you have a good heart and trust that you will do the right thing.  Sometimes people like that are not the best friends to have anyway.  

I love you very much and can't wait to see you soon.  I should be home in just a couple days.  Thank you for writing me--It makes my day!

Love,

Papa 

***

"I'm really sorry I didn't call earlier. It got really busy."

"No, that's OK, of course. It's just that you'd been calling every morning for a couple of days and then you didn't today, and then I texted you and I e-mailed you, and ... well my mind get's going and then I'm on the newsfeeds, looking for headlines about Afghanistan, which I know is silly, but ..."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I knew you were probably just busy. On a positive note, through my searching I learned the weather in Kabul is really lovely this time of year. The temperatures are similar to what we're having here in D.C."

"Yeah, it's really nice. The weather's been perfect."

"Do you have a cold? It sounds like you've been coughing."

"No, I think it's the air quality. With all of the generators and desert smog, you can actually see the air, which is really awesome."

***

"Hey, D, what's up?"

"I'm sorry to bother you again, but I need some parenting help here. Henry just fell on the steps and his teeth went through his bottom lip. I got the bleeding to stop and he's not crying anymore, but do you think I need to take him to the emergency room?"

"Well, if --"

"Hold on, I think that's the nurse calling back. I have to go."

***

"Hey, it's me. The nurse says I should take him in, just to rule out stitches."

"Yeah that's probably a good idea. Thanks for taking care of our baby."

"Thanks! I'll call you later."

***

"Hey, how's Henry?"

"He's fine, no stitches, just some glue to help it heal. And he did great in the ER. He was so brave and sweet with the doctor. But I'm at the commissary so I really need to go."

"OK. I just wanted to check on Henry. Talk to you later."

"Do you need anything while we're shopping?"

"No. I'm good. I love you!"

***



Hey D--

Attached is my itinerary.  Looking forward to tomorrow!  Made it to Germany safe and sound.  I think we are going to go out to an Octoberfest for a bit.  Should be pretty fun.

I love you!

--NG

***

NG--

Thanks for the details about your plane arrival. We'll be at the airport at 4 with bells on!

Off to soccer now (Liliana got a ride to the party) then to Michaels to find some sort of tiny bells we can all wear when we pick you up tomorrow. :)

Can't wait to see you!

--D