An Update on Bri

Bri had called me last week when my "graduation" ceremony had started. I felt horrible not being able to take her call. She had told me to call her afterwards, when I did I got no answer. I called a couple times the next day trying to see if I could catch her. On Sunday she called and she only had 15 minutes before she needed to be doing something so we only got two minutes to chat. She told me that she was doing ok and that she had bumped her head on the Humvee (spelling?). But she needed to go and she would call me back as soon as she could.

At around 8ish (CA) time she called me. We said hi and she asked how I was and then I asked how she was, "Alright" was her reply. I know that one well. I asked her what was wrong and she started to cry. She said it had been one of those days. Someone in her that she has been paired with quite often has been slacking on her part and has lost 4 items (not sure what they were) for the unit during training, as I understand it- don't quote me. She had tried to talk to this person and the irresponsibility continues. Brianna is very hard working and when someone is slacking on their part and letting other people down she will do what she can. She knows that she is responsible for this person and vice versa so she has had a tough time dealing with the lack of responsibility especially when her life depends on it. Bri has had little time to do anything. They run a pretty tight schedule and she finally had an hour today to do a little bit of her laundry. Bri says that they are constantly moving, training, and going through various things.

I told Bri some stories about my students that made her laugh because they did little things that reminded me of her and other times that they had thought of her. I told her about this cute book that my class had made for me and there was this really cute picture of her with one of the guys who really adored her. I reminded her of a funny homevideo of us when we were really little and my mom kept on trying to get her attention- Brianna would have none of that and here I stood smiling at the camera waving and saying, "hi mommy." Bri was off in the background with the wheels turning and it is clear on her face. She knew immediately which video I was talking about and starting laughing. I also played our song for her- "Ain't No Mountain High" to help lighten the tension for her. I'm sure my off key sing was something that she was laughing about in her head but was being sweet in not saying anything!

Please continue to keep Bri in your prayers. She needs them! She will be off this weekend and I'm sure resting up breathing a little bit. Anything goofy or silly that you can inform me of that I can relay to her would be greatly appreciated. I am going to be sending something to her in about a week so email or call if you have anything you would like sent her way that is memorable to both of you!

* Note to Bri-
oh do I wish I could be there to give you a hug right now. I am so sorry that it is not going well and that I can't do anything to help. I wish that I could come this weekend and see you while you are off or get you a plane ticket here even if for just a day! I'll buy some lotto tickets and see if I win the jackpot and Honey, I will buy you a ton of tickets to come and visit! Or for me to come and visit. Sorry you had to hear my awful singing tonight on the phone. I know I'm not great, you can tell me to stop any time ok! I might not because I hope that making a fool of myself will help you laugh! Stay strong. Don't let anyone get the best of you! make sure you laugh a little, if there is anything that I can give you to make you laugh, let me know! I love you tons girl. Always have and always will!

Love you,
Meggs