The training the group embarked upon at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina is nearly complete. We finish on Wed. From there we receive our flight schedule arrangements to Kuwait and then Afghanistan.
Sunday is always a day that is slow because there is no training. As the old expression goes....idle time is the devil's playground. I can see by the actions and looks on the people's faces that a lot of introspection is going on. The next phase of our deployment is upon us and with it comes the uncertainty of what lays ahead.
I overheard someone once say that those that succeed best at business were those that had the best ability to handle or manage risk. That may be true. But if one thinks about it all that is at stake is money and professional reputation.
Introspection and managing uncertainty is truly the the domain of the deploying military forces. All outside distractions are stripped away. One is uprooted from family. Everyday challenges are removed and the focus becomes preparation for the task at hand. The evenings and down time are when the mind begins to wonder. You all get it. The personal management of uncertainty.
What does one lean on for solace in managing uncertainty: Shipmates, family, God, knowlledge that the chain of command has your best interests at heart. The last one is what creates the most angst. Let's hope so.
Coping skills include compartmentalizing thoughts in your mind.....Well, enough about that subject.
I know today back in the New York metro area Lilly is making her 1st communion. Great! Love you all. Hope you all check out this blog. Made especially for you. Elizabeth.....show everyone how to use it.....
Meanwhile back in San Diego.......the kids have two weeks of school left and summer preparations are being made for them to spend some time in Portland, Arizona, and New York. Should be a great summer for them. Hope they get to see all of you.
Lastly, I would be remiss without saying God bless and best wishes to Brian and the Jamisons. Brian starts work in Memphis Monday. Love you all...in my prayers...
A lot of uncertainty for clan Hall in general. Let's pick those lemons and start making lemonade.
Love to all.......especially Natalie,
Fran
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Hi Fran,
ReplyDeleteJust had Natalie and the boys over for Kaden's 5th Birthday. What a hoot.
I know you must be very proud of those little honyaks( cowboy slang for the little ones). They are just terrific little boys. I think I most identify with little J.P., being the 3rd brother in the family, he's gotta be one 'tough little monkey'. Anyway, we had a lot of fun, some laughs and of course, talked a lot about you too. Some good thoughts are coming your way and we pray this next transition goes well for all you guys. Love from all the Jerges. Ned Jerge
Hey Franny- Our circumstances differ in safety- but are very similar in uncertainty and having a little hole in your heart for missing someone you love. After reading your comments I can't help but think of a business expression Brian refers to "Think Yiddish Act British." Not bad advice. Lily's party was a joy. The Leonard's do it right. Good food, lots of laughter. Mom distributed your blog to a bunch of people so hopefully you will be hearing from the Jersey/Brooklyn contingent. Stay in touch, stay safe- you are heavy on our hearts. love, maris
ReplyDeleteHi Fran,
ReplyDeleteNat sent the link to your blog. Thank you for sharing your experiences so far. Please be safe. I hope to visit Nat soon (when I'm in the SD area). Hard to get to SD from 29 Stumps sometimes especially with the 2 kids!
Take care.
Alice Moss
We missed you and TJ and Brian yesterday for sure--not to mention Natalie and the boys. I can only imagine how you are feeling. The blog is probably a good way to get it out, so that it is a good thing. Trying to teach the people the ways of the world wide web is slow and requires a lot of patience. I know you can relate! ha ha.
ReplyDeleteWe love you so much. Thinking of you and praying for you and all the Halls & Jamisons all the time. xoxo liz (college grad) & john (college financier)
Fran:
ReplyDeleteTeam Hall forfeited the game yesterday - too many players did not show up at Kerry & Nick's -- they are too busy scanning the globe!
Jennifer, Ella and I think of you often. Whenever we see pictures of wounded people in Afganistan in the newspaper I tell Ella that you are going to help them get better. She has her medical kit at the ready to come and join you.
Ella and I went to the Aquarium in Coney Island today. Ella asked if we could go on the big ferris wheel, the Wonder Wheel (150 feet high)so we did! I forgot that the Wonder Wheel does a little roller coaster action once you get up high. I was holding onto Ella and I said, "Ella, my eyes are closed, are yours"? "No, my eyes are open mommy, this is fun"!
We miss you and love you and be safe.
N, J & E
Hey Fran,
ReplyDeleteCDR passed on your blog at the C5 meeting. Great way to keep in touch. Hope all is well, we miss you here, it is pretty quiet, not as much fun! Stay safe!
K
hi fran:)
ReplyDeletethis is my first try at a blog! sunday with the boys and natalie was a riot - we're saving your seat:)
cookies and brownies soon to be enroute!
dee:)
hi frannie your blog is grewat maybe you should have been a writer instead of a doc !!!! have a safe trip across keep us informed stay safe christians lax team went 14 and 0 those kids were good !!!CATHERINE IS ALSO PLAYING LAX THEY START EARLY ON THE ISLAND TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS POP
ReplyDelete