Construction has been going on in my area for a while now and every morning I have to drive through it. Depending on when I leave I can avoid most of the traffic. Yesterday morning, I caused it and learned a very valuable lesson. One of the construction workers must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed and decided to take it out on me. That's what I thought at first. Traffic was moving fairly well but I didn't move over far enough for this guy. He began swearing and cursing. I ignored it and smiled. It was still dark but I was close enough for him to see that smile. The next thing I know I hear something shatter. He had thrown a rock at my car and broke the tail light. Maybe he thought he would miss or maybe he was looking for a reason to get fired from his job, I had no idea. I stopped the car, put my blinkers on and got out. I walked back to him and stood nose to nose with this jerk. Several of his fellow workers stood nearby in total shock. No one in their cars said or did anything, except for one man who got out of his car and stood by his door. He told me later he didn't know if I would need help or not. The worker took one step back, took off his hard hat and apologized saying he didn't realize that I was a military officer. At that moment I wanted to be wearing anything else but that uniform to see what his reaction would be. What does my uniform have to do with it? What happend to simple respect. Whether wearing a uniform or a burlap sack, everyone deserves the same respect they themselves would hope to get. He said he would pay for the damage and I gave him my name and a number to where he could reach me. Then I looked into his eyes and saw nothing but pain. That's when my gut told me what had happend to this man. I got in my car and drove to work. About 10 o'clock I received a message. It was from the construction worker. He left his name and number and I called him later that evening. He had made arrangements for my car to get fixed and he also told me that a few days ago he found out that his son was killed in Iraq. He was 22. My gut had been right. We talked for over an hour. His son will arrive home tomorrow and I plan to be there with Michael when the plane lands. I'll help him and his wife do all the things that are so difficult to do. I will attend the funeral and will cry along with and for his family. And I will cry and pray for a 22 year old young man who gave his life for his country and I will pray and cry for all of the men and women who gave up their lives so that we can be the kind of country we are. Please try not to judge others like I did this man yesterday.

 He will not be fired, I've seen to that. But he has taken a leave of absence.

It's been quite some time since I've made an entry. Been a busy summer. I've had to deal with a teenager who thinks he knows everything. And since he made that very clear to us, he was grounded most of the summer. Took away the three things most important to him, his freedom, computer and phone. He held his ground for a long time till he realized that his smart attitude was getting him nowhere. He was digging himself in deeper. Other than that it was an uneventful summer.

Spent some time with extended family. Did the usual summer things. Now that fall has finally arrived I'm trying to get a bit more organized around the house. Not easy with my schedule but I'm getting there.

Someone made a comment to an earlier blog that I should think about teaching if I don't want to retire (30 years in the Army). Well, that's what I'm doing now. It's great. I teach mechanics to soldiers right out of BCT (basic combat training). Some of them found it hard to believe that a woman was going to be instructing them. In this day and age I don't know why. Women can do anything. I have gained their respect and they are a great bunch of young men, and one woman. I'd like to see more women get into this field.

One of my sons is in the Army and will be heading to Korea in November. He's looking forward to the adventure as he calls it. I'll miss him, but it's all part of the job.  

Doing some much needed training this weekend. Will be out in full gear in the heat and humidity.  I'll return on Monday and hopefully get a few days off. The heat is unbearable.

My son called today. They are getting ready for Arlene. I'm worried of course but that's the mother in me. The soldier says he'll be fine. He'll do what's required of him.

Stay cool.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. I did have to work a little this morning. A small fuel leak in one of the jets. I'm usually the first one called and decided to take care of it myself rather than interupt someone elses weekend. I know I can take care of it quicker.

I'm planning on enjoying being with my family and doing some much needed yardwork. I'll talk to my son who is stationed down south at some point.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. Keep all of your loved ones close.