My Nephew is moving into one of the more dangerous regions of Iraq. My nephew and I are very close. I often call him " My older baby" as I have a younger son. He tells me, " I am your oldest son". And in many ways, he is, we are as close as mother and son. He sought me out when everyone in his world had abandoned and neglected him after his father died and when his mother was too ill to be there for him.
He stays upbeat for his wife and all of us. He says things like...
Don't worry about me. They are too busy shooting at each other. I will just stay out of the line of fire.
But then he will say...
Well Auntie, You know the real story, you follow the news, you know what is going on and the real danger. Soft pedal it for my mother but I know you can handle the truth..you are tough.
There are days I do not feel so tough and strong. And I have my crying spells, sleepless nights, and my anxiety levels often are at the high level. I am still grieving the loss of my mother only 16 months ago so it does not take much to start some tears flowing.
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