Back Home Again

We are home at last. We traveled almost 3500 miles of interstate but it was all worthwhile. Our annual meeting of the Air Force Security Police Association was a huge success. Most of the readers probably don’t realize that the international headquarters of AFSPA is right here in San Marcos. As I write this I am looking our the window of the "International Headquarters." For twenty years Lucille and I have provided the administration for the organization. There are no paid employees; all of us are volunteers.

About five years ago we sent the board of directors our resignation. But, I’m still looking out the window of the headquarters. It seems they can’t find anyone foolish enough to do this job for nothing. It is a labor of love; for most of my adult life I have been a part of the security police career field.

I have heard some really nice comments on my daughter Kelly’s article. I am glad you enjoyed it. It is my personal favorite in the Life’s like That collection. I suppose that is because it is nice to have your kids admit that you are smarter than they thought you were when they were growing up.

Some told me they thought all of these things happened last summer. It is hard for us to believe that the little boy who was the hero of the piece is 9 years old. He is a darling--tough as nails but as sweet as he can be. He was terribly abused by his bifather when he was less than six months old. He has trouble knowing just how to handle his relationships. In kindergarten his teacher had a series of bears . . . a blue bear was for good behavior. You graduated to a yellow bear if you got into a little trouble and a green bear meant you were in deep kimschi. Darian was practically handed a green bear when he walked into the room each day.

He has matured a lot and his sweetness is really coming through. He has a sister who is 15 and the total exact opposite in personality to “the boy.” Kylie is petite like her mother. She is super talented, making a name for herself in the local theater scene. Although she was a spoiled “only child” when they adopted Darien and he is a big, rough and tumble boy, she is wonderful with him . . . very patient and loving.

We got to visit them last week. I told Kelly, I was running her article again. She promised me another one soon, so stand by.

It is good to be home. We do love to travel but it is always nice to be back in your own bed. The cats missed us. They were glad we were back in our own bed so they could get back in their places, plastered to my side or sleeping on my chest. They are just about ready to forgive us for being gone so long.

We had a busy and fun trip. I missed you all and hope you enjoy Life’s Like That.

Jerry