My families adventure on the road to oz via Germany

The reality of conflict and war and army life

Last night V and i went out for a farewell meal with our friends, not because we are leaving but because they are deploying to Iraq this week. When they get back (which i hope to god they do) we will hopefully be on are way to oz.

It was such a fanatstic night, we drank to the future, a safe return from Iraq for them, then we had a toast for our fallen friends.

It wasn't till it was time for us to leave the bar to come home that it hit us all that this could be farewell forever.

AS with the army life you get posted and people come and go. WE have been lucky that 18 years ago when i first met my bro Mick and had such an intense relationship and had a bond that will last for life. V and Mick are like brothers and i was the same with him. In army life that is very rare.

so i was delighted that my bro was in Paderborn, although we had not seen each other for over 15 years, it was like we were never aparted.

His wife has become a dear friend and she to is deploying to Iraq. On having a final farewell hug we were all in tears, partly through the drink but because of the fear of the un known.

Paderborn is becoming a ghost town as the soldiers leave to serve once more for Queen and country.

A while back V got his photos out from when he first passed out into the army, out of those not many are still in the army and sadly a fair few have died in conflicts since 1990.

AS a wife over the years ive supported scores of wives who have found army life difficult, ive held them when they have been told their hubby had been injured , ive been their holding their hands when the husbands have sadly died.

This time is different as V isn't going and it feels strange when the boys friends talk about their dads leaving. C my middle son his two closest friends their dads are going away. Its heart breaking hearing them talk about their daddy may not come home , like its a normal thing.  Famlies who are part of the army have a tough life and although im glad that V will never see conflict again, he still has the memories of serving in the Gulf in 1990 when he was travelling in convoy when it was hit by freindly fire, he lost many comrades that day. I will always remember the anguish i felt when i heard it on the news, not knowing if V was injured or not. The guilt when he survived but my neighbours husband didn't.

So tonight, i remember those people i have known who have died since 1990. I shall also say a prayer for those deploying shortly, for a safe return for them all.

No matter where i am in the world i will remember them

Untitled Comment

12:46, Mon 10 November 2008 .. Posted by Professional Princess

My nephew is meant to be in Afhanistan in the RAF Regiment but it has been delayed due to an operation to straighten his toes which is taking ages to heal as he has been left with a stiff foot. Selfishly I am relieved he isn't going.

He has left a message on his facebook page to wish his regiment all the best and to 'stay safe' in Afghanistan.

My thoughts are with EVERY single one of our armed forces men and women, I am so proud of them all and for the job that they do - I shall wear my poppy with pride and pray that our lads all come home safe and sound.

And to those that might not - lest we forget.