My son....

[giannadiaurelio]

I could hear the emotion in your voice last night when you called to say goodbye. My heart broke for you. It must be a scary experience to wait to board that plane to take you half-way around the world, into a place where there is nothing but trouble and turmoil. I so wanted to be able to reach though those phone lines and give you a hug, and I prayed that you will return to your family safe and sound.

You have wanted and dreamed of being a soldier since you were a young boy. You have trained and worked hard to get where you are, and I am so very proud of you.