a kentucky sort of day

Sometimes out of nowhere a blessing sneaks up on you like a storm stalking you from the western skies. Today’s blessing just so happened to be a storm. A cold rain. Overcast skies. A Kentucky winter day. It was a taste of home. The bleakness of gray skies brings a peace and comfort only matched by mom’s apple pie or a gentle kiss. The feeling of belonging. The feeling that you know this place, this time, this person in a way which is known only to the two of you. It quiets your soul. An ambiguous idea I know. More, to attribute such thoughts to a rainstorm may seem silly. But so it is with things which remind you of home.

The past few weeks have made for a sea change at Camp Buerhing. The ‘surge’ has past and the number of personnel has dropped from 30,000 to a more manageable 2,000. Those remaining seem to be hunkering in for the holidays. Holidays away from your friends and family take a certain amount of energy. You go through all the expected phases: nostalgia turns to longing, longing to anger, anger leads to disappointment, then ultimately acceptance. But as I’m learning people tend to overcome and make the best of even the least desirable of situations.

Christmas decorations are sprouting up everywhere. First it was a string of lights in our TOC (tactical operating center). Then a tree decorated with squadron patches taken directly from our flight suits. Next came tins covered with snowmen and sleighs filled with homemade fudge sent from mothers and lovers. Just last week, the fire department put up a large, lit star and a sign saying ‘Merry Christmas Camp Buerhing’. The decorations have even touched my room. My aunt and uncle send a little tree and lights and my good friend Shayna sent snowflakes.

It goes to show you can make the best of any situation. I suppose it is the day that is important, not the weather or the place where you celebrate it. To see the men and woman here, so far from their homes, making merry in the best way they know truly exemplifies a celebration and I can not think of a finer way to spend Christmas.

I hope and pray you find joy in your situation.