FLTC: from Iraq

[BeingMe]

Hey, FLTC! Take care out there in Iraq. My niece's H just died there (he was a medic in the green berets) in June. Such a shock! My son-in-law was deployed there last year with the Air Force. So, this is why your thread caught my eye.

I know someone who is also very inflexible, and is always right, and that person is not happy. She is always ill with one thing or another, and I think it's the stress of constantly keeping track of her rightness, and making sure everyone knows ... she is a control freak too. And, boy, can she speak loudly. Oy! This sounds like you W. I have to wonder if this type of personality is linked to their childhood ... maybe their parents are like this, or they were never heard growing up, and are making sure they are now, or they are holding some resentment that even they are unaware of. All I know is, it's not a way to live a life, which is too short to spend it being angry, bitter, and resentful all the time.

It is tough to be away from your children, but they are still going to love you, and you can keep in contact with them constantly, and continue when you get back home. Your W obviously has some real issues, and there is very little you can do to change her ... she has to see it for herself. All you can do, IMO, is work on you, control your journey, and be the best you that you can be.

I am going to be 50 this year - ugh -(so, wondering if I'm not too old for this, but seeing your age has given me inspiration) and have applied for an admin position as a civilian in Afghanistan (assisting the Canadian Forces) ... thought I needed to give back to my adopted country just a little. I started out in the military after leaving school, many years ago, so thought it something I can do without actually having to shoot a rifle.

Anyway, keep safe out there. If any of y'all need an email buddy, then let me know. I totally support the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. You guys sure do put your lives on the line, and I admire your bravery.