Happy New Year

I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on the last year. There are many words I could use to describe the emotions I have felt over the last 12 months, but I can sum it all up in two words........

1) SADNESS- Some of the things that made me sad were:
Missing Marlee's birthday two years in a row
Missing another anniversary with my wife
Missing my family reunion
Missing my baby cousin's wedding
Missing my baby baby cousin's first bday party
Missing deer season with my brother and stepdad
Missing Marlee all dressed up for trick or treat
Missing all of the rides that all my friends were having
Missing tucking Marlee in every night
Missing cooking breakfast for Marlee
Missing mushroom season
Missing the first day of squirrel season with Dad
Missing seeing Shad Henry at the hospital when he was born


2) HAPPINESS- Some of the things that made me happy were:
Marlee getting to spend an entire year near her grandparents
Being home for Father's Day
My wife supporting me and giving me the strength to do what I do
Seeing so many in my family while I was home
Hearing the joy in my relatives' voices when they talk about Marlee
Seeing my best friends before they went off to California
Meeting so many new friends while I was home on leave
Melissa doing so well in school
Shelby marrying the love of her life
All the cards, letters, emails, and boxes of goodies sent to me from the family

What makes me the happiest is the fact that my friends and family are safe and healthy in the best country in the entire world. I have seen people I know die over here protecting the freedom that we all so enjoy there in the United States. I guess the combat losses did not sink in as much as they did on Christmas Eve. We had all the Soldiers lined up and down Disney Drive here on Bagram to pay our final respects to a fallen comrade, on Christmas Eve. That meant that Soldier's parents were going to be notified that their son was lost on Christmas Eve. We all talked about it. Many of us were sad that we were not home for the holidays, but the ceremony put it all in perspective. Knowing we were alive, and that we could all call home on Christmas to our loved ones that were safe in the states made us all grateful.
I have some moments that I can never get back, sure. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
I sincerely appreciate all the support I received while I was over here. When I look back on 2008, I will remember lots of inspiring letters, emails, phone calls, etc that got me through the hardest year of my life. I miss all of you, and can't wait to get home.

Have a safe and very happy New Year!!

Airborne!!




Chris Lucas
101st Airborne Division
United States Army

You guys were a big part of getting me through this past year!! You guys are like family to me. I can't wait to meet so many of you in person. Be safe on New Years, and I will see you on the trail soon!!

Happy New Year and God Bless you Chris. Thanks for sharing.

God Bless you and your family, Chris! Thank you for all that you do! Happy New Year!

Chris,

I don't have the words to express how much I appreciate you and all the other military. Good bless you and your family.

Happy New Year........... Get home soon.

No words needed my friend...........just be ready to throw up a toast of Makers Mark to the homecoming!!

All the best to you and yours as well.

Airborne LT wrote:

No words needed my friend...........just be ready to throw up a toast of Makers Mark to the homecoming!!

All the best to you and yours as well.

You just get F-in home as soon as you can

Happy New Year LT.............

I cant wait til we get a chance to ride together.
and finaly meet.... :D

To everyone !! LT, we love ya man! You'll be here before ya know it.