I have to apologize up front for this particular post as it is a little self centered (given that I am in every photo). That being said, I have mixed feelings about this post as it captures moments from our last trip down to KAF.The pictures directly above are of Wendall, Joe and I. These are the two guys that I worked the closest with as we spent all day, every day together. Two absolutely "top shelf" guys who I would work with again in a heartbeat.
The one picture is of Tom Wolfe and I. Tom was my Troop Commander 33ish years ago when I was in the British Columbia Dragoons. That was my short, sharp military career in the militia....my assessments always read "has trouble with authority". Tom is a great guy and it was really nice to meet up with him after all this time.
Our medal parade was the final one for CivPol in KAF. The members receiving medals are all part of the same group heading home in a couple of days. The folks who just came in to replace them, are all posted in Kabul and there will be no more postings in KAF or Kandahar. Really, the end of an era.
I keep getting asked by the various people I work with if I am excited to be leaving...I answer the question by saying, I not excited to be leaving, but I am extremely excited to be going home. This has been one incredible experience and oppourtunity for me, however it is time to go home....everyone and everything I love and cherish is not here, but back home. That's where I belong.
I have retyped this message many times ..not because I had trouble posting an signing onto blog spot..(Like so many of us did throughout the year).But because there are so many emotions going through my head at one time I cant put the feelings onto this page.
ReplyDeleteEmotions of how proud I am of you, as your Wife ,as your best friend and as the mother of our 2 fantantic girls.
The year was filled with sadness of seeing you come and go after your brief visits back to Canada.
The year was filled with laughter as the daily routines of lives go on.
The year was filled with pride from us attending the Remembrance Day ceremonies and reflecting back on the many young men and women who lost their lives while trying to make a change.
and from seeing all those fantastic pictures on your blog that helped many of us keep in touch with your happenings.
I thank you for those blog postings,I know at times you would be dog tired and barely able to hold you eyes open..but you would still post another blog to all your Fellow Bloggers.
So my dear another journey under the Critchley belt and off to another adventure.
I will be here holding my arms open waiting for you..".Where you belong"
Very Proud of you
Spud
Wonderful post as usual Son..........Also how can I do better than your wife's comments, as it should be. Also what a tribute to the men and women who help with the Militia here and also the Sea and Air Cadet. It goes on, we are going to James' Air Cadet Parade this afternoon, can't count how many parades have attended, in the family......The leaving will be one of those Bittersweet Moments in life.........but like you say, a new chapter will be starting. And I must say with a bang!! THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR. God Bless, see you soon...........love Mum and Dad
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done Dave and Spud
ReplyDeleteWe can only imagine the physical discomforts and the emotional discomforts that you have both endured during the last 12 months.
It is by travelling to such a country that you have a greater appreciation of what you have when you come home.
Thanks for taking the time to write your blog. it adds a dimension to our understanding of that part of the world.
We find ourselves following Afghanistan much more that other situations on our globe. We note that 3 Aussies were downed in the last week, including one from a soldier who was supposed to be his collegue.
We find ourselves counting down to our big trip. We leave in 30 days Michelle tells me, or to be more precise, its 30 sleeps.
I picked up a golf club yesterday as part of a social club that I am in My first round in 4 months, so more then rusty and it was blowing a gale. I was playing in a Matchplay tournament and apparently that person I was playing against is not to popular. I was 4 holes down with 6 to play and the Captain came up to me and gave me a kick in the ass.
I told him that I can not play in the next round,as we are away, so i would have to forfeit anyway. The Captain leans in my ear and tells me that I can still kick him out of the Matchplay anyway.
RIGHT. Competition now starts. PRESSURE is on. The winds stops playing and I am BACK. I am on the 17th and I have a 1 metre putt to win the hole and square the match, and I MISS!!! I win the 18th and we are all square.
I tried to settle the game with a toss of the coin. (as I had had enough) The opponent, who has previously penalised me a shot for cleaning my ball at the wrong time, and is really keen on the rules says no way.
So off we go. We split the 19th, we split the 20th, we split the 21st, and we split the 22nd. I look at the clock and I am supposed to be home by now. Mobile phone rings, I am not looking. The 23rd hole is make or break. I have had enough!! I am in the bunker, I need to get the ball really close, and I leave the ball in the sand, and I leave it in the sand again, and again, and again. Its time to go home!!!
It was only 2 kilometres uphill back to the clubhouse. NOT HAPPY and very tired after nearly 6 hours on the golf course. The 20 people who waited for the result just laughed at me as I staggered up the last part of the hill.
Hopefully I can smash a golf ball down Whistler and see how far it travels!!
See you soon
Daz
Dave....BZ! see you soon, looking forward to all your stories.
ReplyDeleteDave, i can only imagine the feelings and thoughts that are going running through your mind as your time comes to an end. I am sure there are feelings of yeah i finally am going home to the people who love you the most but also maybe feelings of hmmmm so much more needs to be done in that country. I also know that your blogs let every one of us know that you were safe which made us all breathe a little easier.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see you in July and hear more of your stories because you are a great story teller. Enjoy your time at home and see you in July for the wedding event of the year. Well at least in our family it is the event of the year.
Love ya
Thanks Dave for sharing your experiences and pictures. Again really impressive. I am amazed at the notes you have gotten back from your family. I know how important it is to hear from home when so far away. Your support network is phenominal. Enjoy your last few days saying goodbye to your friends over there and have a safe trip home. Next time you guys are in Kelowna give us a call.
ReplyDeletevern
Great post Poppa! Its so nice to see you looking happy and healthy in your pictures. The past year I have very much enjoyed reading your blog, and was very excited each time you would have a new post. Im so proud to have you as my dad. I love you and cant wait to see you! 3 more days!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteSarah