358 (Dad)

It is now 86 days since General McChrystal requested more troops and to see pictures of the President playing golf which ordinarily would not bother me just hits like a knife. I know he has to relax and unwind, but then I think of Lisa and her inability to concentrate and focus and realize for the men and women on the ground in harms way and their families there is no relaxing. It is just the constant struggle to cope with feelings of fear, frustration and helplessness. Four soldiers died in Afghanistan today, and I checked to find out where, hoping it is not where Zach is. It isn’t which on one hand makes me feel better and on the other anguishes me as somewhere a child of parents or the parent of a child(ren) or a spouse will not be coming home. With relief you sigh and thank God that it is not your son as well as pray for our son’s continued safety all this while the president is playing golf!!!! I am trying to stay positive and be there for Lisa, she is strong and I know that while her feelings are going to be the same until he returns safe and sound, time will hopefully make daily living a little easier for her. Zach will be ok I know this – I don’t know why – but I do. I remember him saying to his mother not long ago, “don’t worry mom, I am Zach Dalrymple, I am indestructible.” He is superman! To prove it he dressed as Superman one year for Halloween, it would not surprise me if that suit made for a 10 year old is not somewhere in his room. Sometimes I have longed for him to be a little boy again but really can't wait for him to be out of the army so that we can go fishing, hunting and camping! I miss my bud! I love you Zach!