Meeting Mr. Elmo
Despite the long hours, today was a pretty good day. I got a chance to meet Saham (elmo) and Rafudi’s father. Our mission today was to secure the area in preparation for the election and make sure that there were no vehicles on the road. He drove with his wife (one of the two) and a bunch of his children and was stopped at one of our check-points. One of the soldiers from my platoon recognized a little girl in the back of the truck as one of my kids and told her father that “Joey” was just up the road. They all drove up to visit, which was pretty fun. Elmo’s father is a very nice man. He told me that he has seen the picture and that he really liked the letter that I sent him. He told me that I am often a topic of conversation at the house. One of Saham’s (Elmo to you) little sisters was in the truck bed and kept interrupting her father to call me over to chat. Also in the back were a few of Saham’s older sisters who I hadn’t got the chance to meet.
Thankfully we had an interpreter with us on this mission so communication wasn’t a problem. I explained to the father that, with his permission, I’d like to send the kids stuff from America and check up on them from time to time. He thanked me and said that he would like that very much. I got his cell phone number (many people from the local villages carry cell phones as their only means of communication). I also described to him my system for sending packages and letters. We shook hands and said goodbye as he headed back home.
When I was home on leave family and friends often asked me if I had met Elmo’s parents. The situation here is difficult to describe, so many people don’t realize that a visit to their house would have been nearly impossible. I did not expect that I would ever meet the rest of the family and was surprised and delighted that they ended up finding me. For the last few weeks I’ve wondered whether I was going to leave Iraq without having accomplished a few of the things I set out to. Now I feel like all loose ends have been tied. It’s a good feeling.
5 Comments:
Thank God it is nearly over for you in Iraq. I continue to pray you be out of harms way soon. I want to thank you for your writings. It has given me such a different perspective of this ugly war. I will miss your writings. Thank you for being so candid. My prayers remain with you till you are on US soil.
Faye van Damme Central Point OR
Good work.
I cried through the last few posts. I am so glad you met Mr. Elmo and so glad you are almost done. It has been so nice to read your journal through the months. It makes me feel like I have some type of idea of what my brother is going through over there.
Thank you,
Joney
Hey, Joey –
It is wonderful to know that you will be heading home soon, after such a remarkable tour of training and duty. It has been an incredible experience for me to read your blog entries over the past several months, and to see the war in Iraq through your eyes. I cannot thank you enough for being so generous in sharing your experiences, your insights, your growth, your humor and your candor, through your straight-forward writing and superb photos. Your courage, caring, and integrity speak well not only of you, but of your family, your community, your country, and your comrades in arms. You have represented all of them so well, and have made such a positive, lasting impression on those you have come in contact with – “your” Iraqi kids, especially. I am so glad you will keep in touch with and support Saham’s family after you return. What a gift of love! Belated congratulations on your promotion and your commendation – each well deserved! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! I pray for your safe return and smooth transition back to home routines and civilian life. I am so proud to know you. I look forward to running into you somewhere around town, and welcoming you back in person. You are Terrific!
Val Martin (formerly of Palisades)
Soooooo...this is the stud who fathered all of those children?! Whew! :o) It's great that Elmo's dad got to meet the wonderful American who has taken such good care of his children for the past year plus. I'm glad it went well and that your relationships will continue. Just be sure he knows who you're promised to, Ellie, not Elmo. We love you Joey and we'll see you soon for a big bear hug! Love, Pam
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