while he's over there

your cell phone is in your pocket;he clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

you walk down the beach, with family and friends; he patrols the streets, searching for terrorists.

you go out to lunch and complain because your food is taking too long; he eats whatever and whenever he can.

your housekeeper cleans your house and washes your clothes; he wears the same things for days, but makes sure his weapon is clean.

you go to the mall and get your hair done; he doesn't get a chance to brush his hair or teeth sometimes.

you hug and kiss the ones you love; he holds his letters close and waits for the next call or letter from home.

you get frustrated and angry with your kids; he gets a letter with pictures of his baby, who he's never met.

you criticize our government and say that war never solves anything; he sees the innocent killed and here's gunfire and bombs and remembers why he is there.

you are asked to do something you don't want to do and get mad; he does exactly as he's told to do even if it puts him in danger.

you hang out with your buddies and have fun; he prays that his buddies don't get injured and that he will see them again.

you crawl into your warm, soft bed and get comfortable; he tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.

- adapted from an email chain i received the other day

i also received this photo the other day. Â steve isn't in it; however, these are guys that he's over in iraq with right now.

if anyone is interested in sending letters and/or care packages to the guys in iraq, feel free to email me and i can send you an address.