Mike came home from his first attempts at Ranger school on March 21, 2012. He spent half of April at Fort Carson, Colorado training for deployment. May was business as usual, and we finally started getting back into a routine. In June we took a good two week vacation. On Saturday, June 23, 2012, Mike loaded up the jeep and headed back to Fort Benning, Georgia to have another go at Ranger school.
4th Training Brigade, Attempt #3
June 27, 2012
His Love
Hey Babe-
I hope you are doing well. I haven't heard from you so I assume you passed your run and just have the ruck march left to tackle. I'm on the back porch with Chloe. Its hot, but we've had a nice breeze the past couple days so I can let the dogs on the porch to play. They like it. I hope the weather is okay for you. I wonder if hurricane Debby is giving you rain. I'm getting ready to pack up and head to Pigeon Forge today...My dad called this morning with this list of activities he wants to do while I'm home. Hiking, lake, climbing center, hanging pictures, etc. He said he would also help research new wheels for the jeep. :) He likes to do that. I think he is excited I'm coming home. He cleaned my room up yesterday and everything. Well I just want you to know I love you to the moon and I miss you bunches already. I'm praying for you always. You are so strong and smart. Keep working hard for us babe.
<3 SJ
June 28, 2012
His love
Hey Babe-
I wanted to write a quick note this morning before our activities today. I'm at my parents. i got in last night. Today Jacob, Dad, and I are hiking the chimneys! I'm really excited about it. They have been complaining of the heat. Its suppose to be 103 degrees in Pigeon Forge tomorrow. They just don't know what hot is. Its been over 100 after dark at home all week. How hot is Benning? I hope not too bad. In the news...Colorado is up in flames. The pics of the neighborhoods burning are insane. Pike's Peak is on fire! Also, Egypt has a new president. He is a member of the Muslim brotherhood, hates Israel naturally, and wants to join forces with Iran...Not cool. Also, today is the big day for the judgement on Obama-care. I'm praying its unconstitutional. Its a historic day, and I'll be sure to write you the results tomorrow. You should be doing classes today so I hope you are staying awake. Okay, got to go hike!! Love you!!!
<3 SJ
June 29, 2012
His Love
Hey Babe-
Oh the things to tell you today...First something nice...Mom prayed for you at breakfast this morning. For God to lend you his strength and wisdom. Be on the look out for it. :) We just saw on the calendar you jump tomorrow so we'll definitely be praying for that. Okay the bad news, Obama-care was approved by the Supreme Court 5 to 4. 3 of the 5 were women...stupid girls. The one black guy voted against. Its a mess now. Romney says he'll repeal it if voted to presidency. Since 70% of the country was against it maybe it will boost Romney's camp. We'll see.
Anyhow, Mom and I are playing mother duck to the four duck eggs that Tucker didn't kill. We crafted an incubator and found online how to tell if the egg is still viable. They look good and we saw one baby duck moving inside! You turn the lights out and shine a flashlight on the egg and see the shadow. Hopefully, they will hatch in the next week and then we have to rehabilitate them into the wild. It's not exactly legal because in TN you can't take home wild animals, but the mama probably got eaten by the huge bobcat that is running loose. We are under the instruction though of a wildlife rehabilitator that Mom found so hopefully we do it right. We are having fun nonetheless.
I hope you are doing well. I've prayed for you to have good men in your squad and for your success. I love you so much and I'm so proud of you!
<3 SJ
On June 29th, I received a call from Mike. He had completed RAP week and done well. However, he had injured his back somewhere on one of the courses. Friday morning, June 29th, he made a wise decision to report the injury and go to sit call. He spent the day getting x-rays and speaking with the PAs and a doctor. He needed to heal before he could move forward with the course. He allowed some time to rest and then assigned small tasks each day while he waited for the next class to start. We were able to talk on the phone every day. He spent his 26th birthday alone at Ranger school. I also made a weekend trip to Fort Benning during this time so we could make a decision about adoption.
He did not have to repeat RAP week so his 4th attempt at Ranger school began on July 26, 2012
For further reading:
These letters are very candid, and through sharing them, you can take a deep look at our life in 2012. You can read about the behind the scenes emotions and discussions that we have had regarding our biggest revelations and announcements. These letters were our main communications, something not so common anymore. From this unique perspective, you will see how a love can grow deeper and lives can change despite the time spent apart.
Just a warning, Mike's letters were, at times, written under extreme sleep and food deprivation. Some of the things he says are a little...off. He rambles, gets repetitive at times, and sometimes doesn't use eloquent word choices. Please forgive him and find the humor in his misery.
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