Yes, it's hush-hush. No idea where he's at, and no idea how long he's gone, though I do know they don't go for long tours, usually just 3-4 months. Guess this is our welcome to Special Forces.

The two of you must be really anxious about all of this. It's never easy but at least when you know ahead of time you have some time to work on your feelings. But to just drop it on you like that....now that's quite the bomb to drop. Do you have any idea how long he is over there for? Or are things really hush, hush? You prob. don't know where in Iraq he is either, do you?

Kind of shell shocked, to be honest. We always knew they did things differently in his new unit, but we had no idea he was there.

Oh man, David! You and your wife must feel like you were just kicked in the gut. How are the two of you doing with this?

So the other day, my oldest son calls from Georgia, says he needs me to take care of this bills for a couple of months. I figure he's going to school there. I find out tonight he's in Iraq. Isn't that about a kick in the pants?

Hey there David! So good to hear from you, sir! So when is your son deploying? I knew you mentioned that last time we talked. I'm sure it is a rather anxious time for you and your wife. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm doing well. Just pretty busy myself. Nothing much happening with the bariatric position. I've picked up a few hours on the hospital bariatric unit but the census in general is really low in the hospital so nurses who are losing hours are the first ones to be picked up. I do have a 4 hour shift there again on Weds. Other than that the practice isn't saying anything but I certainly am keeping myself on the fringes of their minds. I did hear that they are actually going independent in November instead of Jan. So its happening a lot sooner. I also am hearing rumblings of them pulling out of the current hospital. If that happens the baraitric unit in Spectrum will certainly fall apart. My surgeon's practice is the main source of patients for that unit. BIG BIG changes thats for sure. I remain cautiously optimistic. I was told recently to keep myself available but not pushy and that's what I am doing.

Camping was fantastic! The weather was perfect and we had a really good time. Just wished it hadn't ended so soon. Not sure if we will be doing any more. We were going to go this past weekend but cancelled when we found out it was going to rain ALL weekend. Which it certainly did. Maybe next month when the colors change. We'll see.

Well good to hear from you, David. Miss our talks. Maybe some day you and I won't be so busy and we can catch up. Take care and keep up the good work!!

I'm doing good, just busy with work and life. Family is all good, getting ready for one of my son's to deploy overseas and one to move to Florida for the next two years. Glad we got them all together last year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, doesn't look like we'll be able to have them both this year. How've you been? Any progress on the bariatric position? How was the camping trip?

Hey there stranger. We haven't talked in AGES? How are things going with you and your family?

Have fun...or hope you had fun, depending on when you read this!

Hey sir!! We're heading out in the morning so I won't be around until the 18th. You have a great time up in SanDiego with your son. Talk to ya when we get back.