Paul was blessed with two brothers. One is named Robert he and Paul are 14 months apart and have been very close all their lives. Robert is the current holder of the coveted “Funniest Uncle in the Universe” award given annually by our children; he has held this title 6 years running. Paul’s other brother is named Richard. Richard is in Iraq too. I am not sure where in Iraq he is because he hasn't been allowed to tell us but he has been in Iraq since last June.
Richard and his family have been thorough a lot this past year. He received his official deployment orders one week shy of getting released from the National Guard and just weeks after his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His unit was deployed about 1 year ago. For the first 6 months they were training somewhere in the southern United States and although he wasn't in Iraq he was far from the comfort and prospects of his home, family and career of choice. I know this was discouraging for him and overwhelming for his wife Gina who did not sign up to be a career army wife. He left for Iraq just days after his dad's funeral. It was tough but we were so grateful that all three of the brothers were together and in attendance in taking care of all the affairs that need attention at such a time.
If all this wasn't enough, Gina just welcomed their 4th child, a little girl to their home. She was born right before Christmas and while Gina had lots of support and love around her, Richard wasn't able to be there.
So a salute, to good men and women who go when they are called, not because they are supermen or want adventure or are even exceptionally patriotic. They go simply because they honor their commitments. And an even bigger salute to those wives and mothers and loved ones left behind who face holidays and birthdays, soccer games and parent teacher conferences, sacrament meetings and pack meetings with heavy but hopeful hearts. All who look forward to that happy day when they are together again.
