Remembering...

Early this morning I was awoken by the stark ringing of the phone. As I felt around in the dark room, following the light to my phone, the name 'Amanda' shown on my cell phone. "Oh no" I kept uttering over and over again subconsciously. I only hoped that it wouldn't be what I thought. Amanda's soft voice quivered as she delivered the bad news. Matt flashed across my mind. How was I supposed to tell him this? He had hoped to be able to see him right when he got back. Immediately I put in a Red Cross message (the second one in about a 6 hour period of time) delivering the bad news with the hopes that I could subliminally ask Matt to call me so I could deliver the news a little gentler.

I lay back down, but my brain wouldn't stop.

3:30am: Phone rings and this time it's Matt. I answer, trying not to sound sleepy so he doesn't feel bad about calling so late. He had received the first Red Cross message, but not the second. I had to break the news to him and I felt so bad because he is 7400 miles across the world and I'm sure he feels so helpless. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let him come home.

It's difficult to provide comfort in an instance like this, over the phone. What do you say? I simply reminded him that he was given the privilege to visit with Grandpa Freddie before he left for deployment. It was an amazing visit. I would say that it is my fondest memory. I remember that Grandpa Freddie was sitting outside by himself when we walked up. We talked with him about everyday things and he wished Matt well, begging him with tears in his eyes to do all he could to come home alright. He said he was proud of Matt. Not a dry eye in the house! I loved his advice for Matt about love: 'Always hold your wife's hand in the parking lot, open the door for her, tell her she is beautiful-everyday, and occasionally pat her on the butt and tell her you love her.' I loved the way he stated that - so blunt, but so true. He was a lover and I love that he passed that advice down! You bet Matt follows each of those and he learned it from the best! I remember as we walked to the truck, hand in hand, Matt said, "That might have been my last visit with him, but it was a great one!" Bittersweet describes it well. Bittersweet.

This photo was taken that day. They both really do look very happy! I'm glad I got to share this moment!

Thank you, Grandpa Freddie, for teaching my mister the ways of love! Thank you for making such an impact on him and for being such a strong role model! I hope you are resting in heaven in the front seat of your favorite classic car, feet kicked up on the dash, bucket of popcorn, watching down on the lives of your loved ones playing like your favorite drive-in movie. You will be missed, but never forgotten! We love you.

To all of his children, family and friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know he was a great man and he will be missed. I hope you can find strength in the happy memories that each of you have shared with him. Let that provide you some comfort. Time will heal your pain. Big hugs to each of you!

In the name of Grandpa Freddie - HEISEL RULES!

Did you think I forgot?!

Hello one and all!

Tia: Is anyone there?? (cricket, cricket) hmm... maybe they think I forgot about 'em!?

I apologize for the delay in correspondence! I have been busy catching up on my double life! ;)

Of course I’m kidding! I’m back to my busy, busy work! Being off for 2 weeks was worth it, but now I have stacks of work to catch up on!

I had an epiphany yesterday when someone told me the date….JUNE 1!!!!! Now, we can say, Matt will home next month! Oh how that makes me so happy! Those sad lonely days are now a thing of the past because now and I have a new focus…the end is near…in a good way! ;)

Matt and I had an amazing visit while he was home on his R&R! Things he did a lot of: eating, sleeping, playing guitar and surfing craigslist! Oh, and a lot of cuddling with his honey! J  He came to me skinny and left with tight fitting pants! MISSION COMPLETE! Operation ‘Fatten up Matt” was a success!

I snapped this photo slyly...

When his mom asked him what he wanted to do most he said, “Come home and play house with Tia”. Maybe I shouldn’t have exposed his raw emotion, but I thought it was such a sweet gesture, I just had to share! Just melts a girls heart!

While he was home, we took a trip to Nashville. He wanted to check out Guitar Center and I had other things on the agenda, like, looking at furniture for instance… Matt had just a couch in the living room and it really wasn’t enough furniture to seat more than 2 comfortably, so he picked up a really nice leather furniture set from a store in Nashville. It really helps to make it look ‘homey’!

Matt modeling the new furniture! Passed the sleeping test! ;)

This is one of him being silly, but it makes me smile!

Alas, the 2 weeks came to an end and I had to send him off on a jet plane. Can’t help but think of this song whenever he leaves…

Only difference is that I KNOW when he will be home, sort of… he informed us that his redeployment date (back to the states) was going to be a whole month early!! HOLD THE PHONE…did he say ONE month?! What could my wondering ears be hearing! I just got to talk to him the other day and he said that the date has since changed, no surprise. I’ve learned not to hold my breath, but rather to EXPECT change! So, for now, the date will be sometime at the end of July. Still not holding my breath! However, early is early and I’ll take it!!

He is back at Tillman, for now. There were talks of sending him to Munoz, but when I spoke to him yesterday, he hadn’t left for it yet.

One important note: The last day to mail anything to Matt is July 1. So, if there’s anything you want to send to him, do it before then. I asked him if he needed anything and he said no, not really. Truth be told, if you mailed him some magazines, I think he would read them! J I will be sending a package this month with some basic supplies: gum, starbursts, skittles, kit kat… You know, the essentials! ;)

Thank you all for listening, or reading rather, to the post! Our man is safe and well and ready to come back home! Keep Matt in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully in 7 weeks, we will be welcoming him back home for good!

HEISEL RULES!

All SMILES here!

EEEHEHEHE!!! 

Not to overly dramatize this, but....

MATT WILL BE HEADING TO THE STATES IN 16 DAYS!!! 

While browsing the www for a pic of an "excited face" I found this fun lil picture tip:

Although, I am prolly making a face like the chick in the middle (just a little less scary...errr I hope), there's definitely no faking going on here! My excited face is true and genuine! Who knew a smile would be the mood boosting accessory of the year! :)

Will you join me, from now til Matt comes home, making as many happy/excited faces as we can!? I'll be sure to put one on when I head out...and everytime I think of my mister! If you have Facebook, try to post a smile/excited pic on Matt's Facebook in the next 2 weeks! Let's welcome him home with all of our SMILES!

I'm gonna leave you with one last smile quote:

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.  ~Andy Rooney

Have a fabulous day! I'll check back in with you all soon!

P.S. I got to talk to Matt yesterday and he is doing very well! The weather has been bad, but it's been bittersweet because he hasn't had to go out hiking or hunting! Hooray for crazy weather, I guess! :)

Heisel RULES!

DOG Company in the news!!

Hello, Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well!! We are marking off one more month as March gracefully exited stage right and April has made it's grand debut! I could not be happier at this gesture! :)

If you look to the right of the screen over there --------------------->

You will see the NEW R&R ticker to help us count down the days to Matt coming home! Yes, it will be a very short visit, but one in which he can..... Rest and Relax!  

I got this email from the FRG leader last night and I wanted to share! First, I want to start out by sharing a pic of Matt and his Squad: (Matt is kneeling in front-middle)

Saturday, April 02, 2011

101st Pushes Deeper Harder to Root Out Enemy

Currahee, ANSF soldiers push forward through all obstacles

2-506th PIR <http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2011/04/101st-deals-death-to-terrified-taliban.html> PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – During the early morning hours, as the U.S. Army soldiers were preparing for a patrol with their Afghan National Security Forces counterparts, they received a radio call that would give them the confidence boost needed for the mission ahead. “Seventeen enemy (killed in action),” squawked the voice on the other end of the radio.

The Task Force Currahee Soldiers from Company B, “Dog Company”, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, were tasked to clear an observation post in Gayan District, Paktika Province, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan Border, March 27 to 28.

Observation Post 4 looks like any other mountain top in the sprawling Afghan scenery, however this particular mountain top overlooks the border of Pakistan. Dog Company Soldiers and the ANSF have battled insurgents for the territory since TF Currahee occupied the territory in their previous deployment.

“Observation Post 4 is a key piece of terrain that overlooks the low ground between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” said U.S. Army Capt. Ed Churchill II, commander of Co. B, Dog Company, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf., TF Currahee, and native of Agusta, Maine.

The mission itself was difficult for the Soldiers, but the conditions made it even more challenging.

According to U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Adam Petrone, platoon sergeant of 3rd Platoon, Dog Co., and native of Coos Bay, Ore., the mission occurred in mountain terrain between 6,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation.

He said the Soldiers carried approximately 100 pounds of equipment. In addition to their body armor and weapons, they also carried an extra supply of food and water in case they stayed out longer than anticipated.

Carrying all that weight, traveling over 14 miles, up and down hills, sweating during the day and shivering at night, and not once ever complaining or showing any sign of quit, is quite impressive, said Petrone while talking about the Soldiers he is responsible for.

The Afghan National Army Soldiers, along with the Afghan Border Police stood shoulder to shoulder with their partners leading the way through the terrain.

“Having our ANSF partners with us is important, it shows that they want to take charge of the security of their country and care about the future of Afghanistan,” said Petrone.

As the soldiers neared their objective, they received small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade rounds from their destination, OP 4.

“The soldiers immediately and effectively began suppressing the enemy in the face of intense fire,” said Churchill. “The men of 3rd Plt. plus the (Head Quarters) element covered 600 meters of mountainous terrain, running down the side of a 50 degree hill, in order to support the element in contact. The Soldiers directed fire, ensured security and defeated the enemy ambush with tenacity and skill.”

Churchill spoke about how his Soldiers and ANSF counterparts repelled the attack even after two Soldiers sustained wounds.

“Every single Soldier, including the ANSF, moved to the sound of the guns, and closed with and destroyed the enemy,” said Churchill.

As soon as the fight started, it was over. The Soldiers evacuated the wounded, cross-loaded ammunition so everyone had an equal share of what remained, and everyone took a different piece of gear the wounded soldiers could no longer carry. Then, it was back to business.

“I am surrounded by dedicated professionals every day, with soldiers and leaders I respect and trust with my life,” said Churchill.

The soldiers made it to OP 4, spent the night taking turns between shivering in the cold and rain and sleeping in a sleeping bag on top of the rocky terrain.

At daybreak the soldiers packed their gear and returned to base. Before they departed they received word that both of the friendly casualties were in stable condition.

“I feel that we accomplished the mission of clearing men and caches out of the OP 4 area,” said Churchill. “The insurgents are coming to realize that they do not own OP 4 as an infiltration route, and that we will continue to exercise our freedom of maneuver and deny the enemy any freedom of maneuver in Gayan District. We are sending a very clear message to the insurgents, if you come to Gayan, we will destroy you.”

Hope you enjoyed reading that!! Enjoy the start of Spring!

Heisel Rules!

SPRING!! Cross another season off!

Hey folks!!

I hope all is well with all of you! The past 2 weeks I have seen tiny signs of spring..FINALLY!!! The flower pots on my steps had beautiful flowers in bloom! What a pretty sneak peak of the season!

{This was from my recent trip to Myrtle Beach!}

I got to talk to Matt today! He has been at Tillman for a little bit so he hasn't had as much phone or computer time as he had hoped. Fear not, though, he called in to inform me that all is well with him. Actually, I think he says, "No news is good news." I tend to agree these days!! I love talking to the man, but I have to admit I get a little nervous inside when the phone rings!

So, it's just about 5 more weeks (or less) til he is state side for his R&R! He has had a change of plans, minorly. He wants to wait to have the big family visit until August, when he returns home for good. For now, since it's such a short period of time, he wants to keep it very simple by visiting with his mom and dad. I'm sorry if I got anyone's hopes up! However, I will more than make up for it when he returns for good!! Promise!

Thank you all for all your sweet thoughts, prayers and comments!! Matt has an amazing family! Ya, that's you!! Soo, put your hands out really wide, then wrap them around your body and squeeze!! That's a super big hug from me!! Love you all!!

One more pic from my Myrtle Beach trip:

{Thought about Matt while watching the sunrise. I wondered what he was doing that very moment! I sure do miss that guy!}

Heisel Rules!

7 Month Anniversary!

Holy macaroni, Batman!! Seven months down!! Whoo hoo!! I'm pretty sure you already know, but I'm doing a happy dance right now!!! Only 5 more to go...Just 5 more! I try to keep my mind set on the small goals...only 7 weeks/3 days until R&R!! Whoo hoo!

If you haven't already looked, check out the post below that has recent pics of Matt!! Oh, one more thing...Matt doesn't have any current needs or requests, but if you think of it, send him a card or letter in the mail!! He loves getting stuff from us, letting him know we are constantly thinking of him! Right now he is at FOB Tillman so if you need the address, send me an email and I will send it to you: tiaeharris@hotmail.com.

On a more serious note, I want to share with you all that on March 12 there was a casualty in Matt's company, but in a different platoon. I got to talk to Matt yesterday and he informed me that the platoon was on a seperate mission, it was instant and the soldier did not suffer. Matt did not know him personally, but it's always sad to hear of any loss. As we all are aware, there is a risk with putting your life on the line for your country and PFC Rodriguez did this very proudly. Please keep his family in your prayers as they grieve in their loss. Please continue to keep our soldier in your prayers as well! I pray every single day for his safe return to us!

I don't want to end on a somber note. For me, personally, these are reminders that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. It just makes me want to show Matt even more how much I love him, miss him, and appreciate his hard work and dedication to his country! I know that there is no doubt in his mind how much love and support he has from family and friends. He has you all to thank for that!

Talk to me, folks! If you have something to share, leave a comment below!

Heisel Rules!

Matt Chat and a SURPRISE!

I got to chat with Matt tonight!! I love seeing that six digit number coming in on the caller ID! I tell ya, nothing excites me more these days!

"Nothing new with him", he says. When I talk to him, he's usually not very excited about the daily grind there. Who would be though, right?! Lots of manual labor that's usually pretty grueling! I love that he takes care of me even from there! He is always asking about things around the houses and cars. I'm having some minor heat issues in my car and that mister of mine gave me the lowdown on why I should take it to the dealership to have it checked out. I love that guy!

He is so so funny!! He tells me to make sure that I'm taking care of Bella. For those of you that do not know Bella, she is a tiny chihuahua that weighs maybe 5 lbs. A CHIHUAHUA for goodness sakes!! haha But Matt absolutely adores her!! When I would visit and bring her, I would have to remind him to say hello to me first!! Ya, I'm a bit jealous! ;) He loves her to pieces!

Photo evidence:

Ok the anticipation is killling me...here's some new pics of Matt!!! SURPRISE!!

I love that this one was titled 'I miss Tia and want to Go home!' :)

Look at this focus! I love this one!

Nice form, baby!!

Matt in action!

Motorcycle that a local let him drive...having some fun! What are the chances he'll want one when he gets home?? haha

Title says '1st Squad'

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures! It's always great to see our man!!

Stay safe, Matt!! We love you!

Heisel Rules!!