My Letter to Ryan

My best friend's son is coming back from Iraq on September 15th. I have watched him grow from a little boy to now a man of 21. He is coming home to some things that are way different than when he left. Prepare yourself Ryan. My letter to you:

I know that you sometimes read the blog. I'm not sure if this one will be of help or not. But here is what you are coming home to:

First, as I am sure you heard lol you have a brand new daughter that you have never held. I am not sure how that will feel to you and I'm not sure that you can prepare yourself for it either. Either brace yourself for a flood of wonderful emotion OR brace yourself for the responsibilty that you may feel, either way, brace yourself.

Second, Ryan you have a new marriage that you probably need to work on. It's hard for a young mother to remember that you love and support her without the constant physical and emotional needs being met as she meets her new responsibilities. Remember that she is drained from months of going "solo" with the new life that now requires her every moment of attention. Give her some time and some support, don't expect more than she can give. It will come.

Third, your mother has changed quite a bit. She has tackled a major life choice head on and it has changed the dymamics of the family. You have never seen your mother like this before.

Fourth, I don't know first hand, but some things never change, I hear your sister is still a brat ( I say it lovingly). But, I tend to believe your mom.

Fifth, you have changed. I am not sure exactly what has changed but so many months away in a controlled environment had to make an impression that others won't understand right away and you may not feel the full impact until you are back.

At any rate you are coming back to family and friends that love you and a new life that holds tremendous promise. But you have to be ready for it, it's all new. You can handle it, you certainly aren't a little boy sitting on my deck anymore.

Love ya and can't wait to see you!