I come to graymatternotes  every chance I get (internet connections are sometimes flaky).  Why?  Because I look for every bit of connection with you that I can find.  I do love you very much.  You please me, woman.  You take care of what is mine and that is what a woman is for a man.  You take care of Festus, the house and, most of all, yourself.  You are the greatest that I have to call my own.  You make me trust you and that is just fine.

I do not often write when I come here.  I start to but then I get sort of emotional and I stop.

Things are not bad here.  Or, rather, they could be worse.  I feel safe.  The men around me are very well trained at protecting themselves and, to some extent, me.  We look out for each other and there are extraordinary measures in effect to keep harm from us. 

My job here is a complicated one.  When it is all said and done, there will be over ten people who work for me just to help me accomplish my mission.  They are all smart.  Some are brilliant.  Most are leaders.  All are excellent followers.  We will each lean on one another to ensure success.  That is how the Army works.

I have met many Iraqis already.  They are a dignified people.  I have also been in contact with those that would cause harm to the citizens here. I have never seen such evil in my life.  It is all a part of duty.  It all adds a perspective to life.  It all helps us (soldiers) to appreciate the treasure that is America as no one who has not served can.  I often say that if you want to understand Freedom, ask a battle-hardened marine who has had to fight for some else’s.  He knows the true value.

I think of you often.

If you love your niece, she should come to you.

Any quintessence must be tested from time to time in order to prove the metal.  Love must be tested for its trueness to be known.  Consider this your test.  Consider this my test.  Consider this a test of love as a quintessence.  Will we be stronger when I return?  If not, were we ever strong at all?

I breeze to you as on a summer's morning.  None but the ends of time can keep this soul at bay

With Love,

Graymatter / TPS