Last Night in Luxury

Here we are being less than 24 hours from leaving on a global journey for the next year, and I find myself being totally nostalgic. Some of my most favorite people showed up to help send me off! You know how great of people you surround yourself with, but you never really understand to what degree until a situation arises like Afghanistan. It warmed my heart to see all my boys this weekend to celebrate this journey! I think for one of the first times in my life I was left speechless! Most of ya'll know how I like to have something meaningful to say at times like these! Not only was I excited to see all of them, but I was pumped to see how that group has grown since college and high school with the addition of their better halves and such. We have truly developed into a family that will do what it takes to be there for one another should a time arise! Thanks to all of you for being there and making that night and this weekend something to never forget, and yet somehow forget bits and parts at the same time!

Also, I got a chance to spend time with my family. In the past things have been a bit distant; however, it seems that the more we hang out, the more we get each other and mesh into the family that we haven't been for quite sometime. I guess that goes with being around each other. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel where we will become that family that I've always longed for...one that can laugh and cut up, and make fun of one another! I love you all and it won't be long before I see you again!

As most of you know I'm a pretty emotional guy, and I've been known to leave my emotions on my sleeve. I'd like to assure everyone that while the first couple of weeks may be a bit sappy and down right depressing, keep following along it will get better and I'm sure that I'll have some things to say about local folks and their attire. I've always felt that by writing you enable yourself to get through emotions that you may have otherwise not realized were there, and gain perspective on what it is you're going through. I'm excited for this opportunity to write this blog because everyone will get to provide input on what would normally be something I would have to go through alone!

I've been struggling with this whole thing and stressing about what each new day will bring, not to mention the conditions that I will encounter. I guess that I just need to focus on the positives that lie ahead! In light of all these emotions, I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes from my favorite movie, The Shawshank Redemption

"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."

-Obviously not an exact taylor made quote, but one that in my eyes is very relavent to my situation?!

I hope that everyone is doing well, and I'll be updating my blog every Sunday so keep up the following!!


For those that would like to know my APO address is:

Brandt Cook
Fluor
Bagram Air Field
APO, AE 09354


Talk soon!