To: m_monahan@yahoo.com
From: l_morrison@gmail.com
Subject: re: I got the package!
Attachment
Hello Mitch,
I sent this around to all the relatives, or rellys, as we call them. You may be bombarded with e-mails in response, so I apologize up front if this is a problem. We do enjoy baking, and now the ladies have a great excuse to get together at least once a week. Between you and my cousin Ben, now there are two of you overseas and the ladies are certain you're starving, so expect many sweets.
The kids really enjoyed their picture drawing, and I know some of the nieces have decided to send you more of their creations. (You'll need two more suitcases upon your return.) I overheard a few of the nephews discussing baseball cards, so expect those, too. Oh and a few of the older ones were wondering if you like comic books? They weren't certain, since you've been raised to the status of superhero yourself. (You're a Marine, and Granddad has been telling stories about the amazing and wonderful things Marines and ONLY Marines can do.) Therefore, they weren't certain you'd want to read about other superheroes. I thought I'd let you handle that one. <vbg> (Yes, in case you were wondering, I am a wimp!)
I'm busy with a project right now, almost finished. So, it's calling me to get it done and mailed. I'll write more later. Bentley has also detected vicious squirrels in the backyard, so I must open the door for him to rid us of these heinous beings! Yes, the saga continues. He's tireless in his pursuit. <g>
Yours,
Lainy
Sitting back in his chair, munching on a pink sugar cookie with yellow stars and green sprinkles, one of the few Al had left him, Mitch grinned at Lainy's latest installment. Her e-mails always made him laugh. Knowing Bentley was well cared for and enjoying himself helped, too.
He clicked on the attachment, and got what he expected. Another great picture of Bentley. Lainy wasn't in the picture, much to his disappointment, but he saw an unfamiliar tag hanging from his pet's collar. Leaning forward, he squinted at the tag but still couldn't read what it said.
He clicked on the tag and although blurry, saw a yellow ribbon made out of what looked like metal. Instead of reading “Support our troops” as many of them did, Lainy must have had Bentley's custom made. The yellow metal ribbon read, “Support my dad”.
To: L_Morrison@gmail.com
From: M_Monahan@yahoo.com
Subject: You got Bentley a new tag
Hello Lainy,
I saw Bentley's new tag. I like it. Does that make me a bad person to love the fact you're so supportive? You barely know me, and you're taking care of my dog, and me, and I love it. (I wish I could thank you in person. Or at least send you something in gratitude. Do you like sand?)
You have such a caring way about you, and your family has totally adopted me. I've never had a family before, even one on loan, at least none for very long. While a bit intimidating, since I've no idea how to act, or perhaps more importantly, how to react, I am enjoying the outpouring from you and yours.
Bentley's all I've known family-wise, but that's a long story. I didn't even have the opportunity for foster homes. I grew up in an orphanage, and that's all I know. How do I react to all of your gifts and good deeds? So far, with only a heartfelt thank you. Since you're foster mother to my dog, perhaps you could coach me on this?
I wish I could do more for you. Tell me what you need and if it's in my means, it will be yours. Much thanks and by the way, I've gotten e-mail from about half your family I think. Wow, you weren't kidding about having so many rellys. (I like that term. We shorten everything here in the military, so this works for me.) I've been able to answer all of them, which has helped to relieve the sheer lack of activity here.
I suspect we'll be called up soon, though. Our training is almost complete and we will soon have more duties, I hope. Which I should warn you, if you don't hear from me from time to time, please don't worry, if you're inclined in that direction. I might be out in the field and not able to get to a computer. I WILL contact you as soon as I return, though. You'll be my first priority. Please pass the word along.
On a more serious note, I've put you down as one of the people the government will contact in the event of my death. (The other is my assistant at work.) Most Marines realize this is a part of the job and we treat it as such. If I die, I have served my country and fallen in the line of battle. Few Marines would want to die any other way.
This is my life and what I've committed to do. I'm here because this is what I've chosen, and now I feel even more needed with the advent of you and your family. I like having a family to fight for, and now understand the intensity in some of my colleagues. They’re here for their country, but also for their families. I can enter into that now. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mitch