All my military kit's been packed and dropped into the camp for it's move across to England. My MFO box (spare storage space basically) is packed with an iron, duvet and a pillow. All that remains is for me to pack my laptop and associated bits, my wash kit, and a spare set of civvi clothes for the no doubt tortous bus journey down through Scotland and England, which will take me about 10 minutes!
My life is now sorted/on hold for the next year. All that remains is for the Army to take over and tell me what I'm doing for that same period. I'm looking forward to it but am of course concerned. Not through any face to face with the Talib fighters; but the invisible IED threat. I would hate to come home with no legs. It makes me think how am I going to play football or run about and play with my son. Equally on my mind, I don't want any of my lads getting hurt either. We have guys out at the minute in theatre, and knowing their injuries from various things, it does sit in the back of your mind. I may be young at 27, but the majority of the lads are nearly 10 years younger. Just one of things unfortunately. The sort of thing that you will deal with as and when, really.
Unfortunately I have not been able to say goodbye to my 2 year old, Adam. I won't go into why, and the underhanded and very low method of how that came about either. Suffice to say, that going away just before Father's Day and being denied the right to see the one person my life revolves around before you go and face probably the most dangerous situation in the most dangerous part of the world is the nastiest thing I have ever had to deal with. A damn shame; especially if the worst happens. The worst thing is that Adam's mum knows I still adore her, and Adam knows his daddy adores the ground he walks on. I was originally going on tour to get the money behind us to get married. Things took a turn for the worst, and I'm still deploying, but unfortunately without her. The fact that this person has tried to destroy the relationship with my son in an attempt to (1) stop me deploying, and (2) hurt me as much as possible really is a disappointment for me and my family and friends. It's given me no pleasure whatsoever to see the destruction this person left in her wake, at any cost.
Adam, if something happens to me while I'm out, and you happen to come across this in a few years, never doubt one thing. Never doubt the fact that I adore and love you, and you're all I live for. Your mum and I had a great life and we made you. Be proud of what you can achieve, and never let anyone tell you can't. I'll always be there with you, kiddo. All my love, Dad xxxxx.
All that remains to say guys is cheerio, take care, and keep enjoying PR
I will update this blog as much as I can, but the nature of wireless in theatre is sketchy at best!More...