Jumpin' Off the Edge

The Hug So much is communicated through the simplicity of a hug. I like hugs. In the past year, I have come to realize how important they truly are to me. I crave them. Whether it be saying goodbye to my children, the end of a Rolling Thunder meeting, or connecting with a friend, a hug communicates more than words ever could. Friday night at Portland International Airport was no different. No words were spoken, yet volumes were said through touch. My son, my little boy was back from war. The absolute joy of seeing him in one piece surged through me as I held him close. The man who had offered so much wisdom to me as I struggled with life changes while going through his own hell gripped me back tightly. I wish there was a way to convey the juxtaposition of my motherly "everything is going to be okay" hug with that of the Sean's "you've got this" hug. The best hug ever! It was just what I needed. I am pretty sure it was what he needed as well. The best

The text came at 2:03pm. Planes have landed, soldiers debarked turning in firearms now. Will see him in less than two hours. Immediately, a smile lit up my face The 7 th period lesson forgotten and unimportant as I told the students the good news My boy was safely on American soil. “Mrs. Victor, are you going to get all emotional on us?” How could I not? This is the day I had been waiting for. The day my soldier son no longer had bullets flying at him. The bell rang. I was left alone. Unexpectedly, the tears came. With the tears, relief that he made it home in one piece. And the guilt started creeping in I should have been there when he got off the plane. I should have gone out for the 18 th instead of thinking they are always delayed. I should have taken more time off ‘just in case’ A colleague stopped by and Reminded me of what was important I get to see my son tomorrow night! Gratitude took over when I remembered He is

My brain often goes 800mph. Today is no different. A myriad of thoughts swirl around waiting for me to play with them for a bit. Along with the few represented here are thoughts about school, my children, future goals, my to-do list, and so much more. The three here are the ones that have taken up the majority of my headspace recently. SEAN’S HOMECOMING This morning I learned that Sean is returning from his deployment earlier than my arrival out west. I will not be one of the first to hug him tight when he is finally released into the civilian world. I called the airline to see about changing my ticket. $600 to make the change. That won’t be happening. As I was sinking into the doldrums, I realized I get to give my boy a hug. Today is the two-year anniversary of the death of SPC Lucas Elliot. I never had the honor to meet Lucas. Instead, I know of him through his mother and friends. None of who had the opportunity to welcome him home with a hug. When shifting my perspec

Ever since I can remember, I have spent the 4th of July with family or friends doing the usual picnic and fireworks. This year, I spent it alone. However, I did not stay home and sulk. Enjoy some of the images from my day. It all began with a 7 1/2 mile  hike at Umstead Park. I followed the blue triangles because we all know what my sense of direction is like.  (I don't really have one.) Due to all the recent rain, many of the bridges were deemed out of order. But I didn't let that stop me. I walked right across and enjoyed the scenery.  The river  Colorful mushrooms  When I saw a blue triangle on the ground,  I knew it was a message to stop and snap a picture.    The powerlines taunted me after last week's walk through the ones near my home after my run.  (I chose to stay on the path instead of going after the succulent blackberries.)  I did go off the path to check out the old cemetery. I was a bit curious about the pipe coming