We just got married
I thought I would have you for awhile
Then you got that call to leave
Duty calls you have to go, you smile.

We have one night left
I won't see you for maybe a year
We spent the night holding each other tight
Kissing and making love through tears.

I watch you as you leave
My heart breaking deep inside
Not knowing if I will ever see you again
I try to hold back the tears to show my pride.

But you know I am crying inside
You blow one last kiss my way
I can see the sorrow in your eyes as well
I have to turn and just walk away.

My heart is already breaking for you
Why do we always seem to be apart
Love is suppose to be a joyful time in life
But it always seems to be breaking our hearts.

Everywhere I go I am reminded of you
People I see always asking about us
At times I can hardly speak a word
Why do they always make such a fuss.

Are they so unkind or just don't know
Being apart from you is just killing me here
To many things I see reminds me of you
Sometimes the pain is just to much to bare.

How do I go on without you here
Knowing I may never see you again
I sleep with your picture at night in bed
The one where you have nothing on but a grin.

Sometimes that's all I have to keep me going
Knowing when you come home your free
We can start our lives over one more time
Please promise you will come home to me.

--Top--

My Heart Will Never Leave

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

I look not back
So you will not see,
These tears, flowing from me.

I go with pride to serve my country,
In the cause of those that wish to be free.
It is a foreign land,
But I am proud to serve my Uncle Sam.

Though I will be gone for one whole year,
You will always hold my heart here.
My love for you will not waver or die,
And I will write daily, I swear I will try.

That final kiss as I left today,
Will have to sustain me through my stay.
I will wear my armor, religiously,
So the man that left, returns safely.

I know how tough this will be on you,
But will be tough on me too.
Stand tall, my love, for this sacrifice is also yours,
Unfortunately, there is no medal at the end of your tour.

But you must know this,
With all my heart, you I will miss.
Your little smile and twinkling eyes,
Your cute little feet and those thigh-highs.

I will keep my head down and do my part,
To bring home this love filled heart.
I will sweep you up and take you home,
Never again will I be gone.

Unless the enemy lands on our shores,
From then on my dear….I am yours.

--Top--

First Letter Home

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

We just got here today,
Already, we are called into play.
The enemy is hunkered down,
In the very dangerous part of town.
They tend to hold out until the last man,
In some perverted need to defend this land.

God I miss you and the kids,
One of my buddies is headed home,
Cause he was hit.
I worry so much about you and the girls,
I don’t understand why they are doing this
To their world.

Every person, even the children
Are potential threats,
Ten year olds with AK-47s
Is scary as it gets.

Well hon, this is it for today,
We are moving to a new location
And must be on our way.

I love you,
Give the girls a hug,
I will send you a present
Of a Persian rug.

Hugs and kisses
All around,
Pray those snipers misses,
And peace can be found.

All my love
Sean

--Top--

First Letter For My Darling Sean

by Judy Costea

My Darling Sean,

The kids are doing just fine
It's hard to explain to them you being away
When we told them daddy would be here
Now daddy is gone again, so we need to pray.

Honey it's so hard going through this again
Being separated after what we went through
I know you are obligated to serve your country
That doesn't stop my heart from missing you.

Please Sean, keep your head down for me
Don't take any chances you don't have too
I know how you are when it comes to people
You would give your life to do what you have to do.

But you also have to think about whats here
We are missing you so much already dear
Please be safe we love you and need you so
Remember to keep my heart aways near.

I have to run sweetie to put them to bed
We will say prayers for daddy to be safe tonight
God this is killing me Sean, being separated again
Please baby, know I love you, your girls say goodnight.

I will end this letter with a kiss for my love
Please keep yourself safe from any harm
We need you to come home to us safe Sean
I already miss you and your sweet little charm.

Hugs and kisses from the girls
A touch of my perfume for you
Remember the last night together
We vowed to somehow get through.

I guess it's up to God
Don't forget He will be with you
Talk to him when things get bad
You know he will help you through.

Love from the girls
Kisses from me to you
Seina

--Top--

358 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

The mail caught up with us today,
Your perfume gave your letter away.
I read it to all the guys,
It made so many of us cry.

We tried hard to hide our tears,
Cause real men don’t cry, especially here.
I tucked your letter under my vest,
Close to my heart, close to my chest.

These little glimpses of home,
Mean so much to us while we are gone.

One whole week has gone by,
Since I had to fly.

Three hundred and fifty-eight days,
And I will be on my way,
Back to the arms I love,
If it is God’s will above.

I miss you so much hon,
I am tempted to shoot myself
With my own gun,
That would not be honorable of me,
And would dishonor our family.

The people here are friendly to your face,
But I wonder, behind our backs what they say.
We were getting candies and chocolates for a while,
On guard duty at a new school we gave it to the kids,
Which brought big smiles.

It made me miss my girls the more,
But I was happy to do this little chore.
The teachers weren't happy at all,
As all that sugar kicked in,
The kids were bouncing off the wall.

We heard rumors, that girl scout cookies are on the way.
That will brighten up our day.
We will probably give them to some starving family,
As a way of getting closer to home, you see?

Well, gotta go my love,
Give the girls a big hug.
Tell our moms and dads,
I am doing fine, it is not too bad.

I miss you so,
But if I don’t close,
I will miss the post.

All my love to you and the girls.

Sean

--Top--

Letter #2 Back To Sean

by Judy Costea

My Dearest Sean

I got your letter today
It seems like already a lifetime
I miss being in your arms at night
I can't seem to get you off my mind.

I sit sometimes in your big ole chair
I smell the scent from your aftershave
I am trying to find things to keep me busy
Sean, I promised for the kids I'd be brave.

I'm doing pretty good when the kids are here
It's when I am by myself that it all hits me
I feel my world has been torn apart again
This time, I'm more scared than I used to be.

Sean, Lacy fell today and skinned her knee
You'd thought she was dying by her screams
She needed daddy to kiss her booboo away
Told her she would have to ask you in her dreams.

Leann got another back tooth in today
She has been running fever all day long
Throwing up almost like she has the flu
I think I should have doc see what’s wrong.

Lily is doing good, she is nursing longer now
The doc says she is finally gaining weight
I was so glad to hear him finally tell me that
She nurses like no tomorrow, for pete’s sake.

I will need to call dad, let him look at the car
It has been running sluggish for a few days now
It tries to cut off on me when I stop at the lights
Until you come home I'm stuck with this old cow.

Sean, I got a call from mom yesterday afternoon
Remember Mary, her husband was sent over seas
He was killed the other day, service is tomorrow
God Sean, don't know what I would do if it were me.

Sean Please honey keep you head down low
I want you to come home to the kids and I
I don't want to get a knock on my door like that
Oh God Sean, I know I would just want to die.

We set a place every night at dinner for you
The girls say daddy will be home soon tonight
Lets leave his plate on the table for him okay
So I just leave it there, I don't want them to fight.

Well my darling , I have to get them in bed
The baby is getting hungry, wants to nurse
I need to close this letter for now my loving Sean
Before I forget, need to get the stamps in my purse.

Please be safe my darling Sean
We need you more than you'll ever know
God I miss you so much sweetheart
Well I guess I better close so I can go.

I included the new picture of Lily for you
She misses her daddy so much too
All the rocking you did at night in your chair
She cries at night now cause your not here.

Kisses from your little girls
Kisses and Hugs from me
Be safe my husband
Come home to us please.



Love: Lacy, Leann, Lily and Seina.
God be with you and keep you safe.

--Top--

His First Kill

by Ferrell L. "Huck” Hickson

Dear Seina

Today I got my 1st kill,
It was really against my will.
It came down to him or me,
Thinking of you all,
It had to be he.

I thought about his family,
Would they ever understand,
Could they ever see.
Why I had to kill this man?

It wasn’t something
I wanted to do,
But it was the only way
I could get back to you.

My bullets riddled his body
As he went down,
And there were pats on the back
And congratulations all around.

Don’t they understand,
This is a life that will never be
Reunited with his family.

I try hard not to show
How I really feel,
About this man I just killed
But I don’t have time to mourn his loss,
As mortar fire and bullets are raining in
From this mosque.

We pulled back to this wall,
When two of our own are hit and fall.
They are crying out in agony,
And I ran out and dragged them to safety.

I don’t know what I thought,
I just knew, they were friends,
With whom I had fought.

I don’t know how long it will be
Before I can make this post,
But hon, right now I need you the most.

Love you. Give the girls a hug for me.

Sean

--Top--

Letter #3 Back To Sean

by Judy Costea

Oh My God Sean, I'm so sorry
I know that was hard for you to do
I know it will be hard to deal with
But you're right it was either him or you.

Oh baby, I feel like hell for you
I wish I could hold you in my arms
Tell you it will all be OK, don't worry
But I am so glad you didn't get harmed.

Sean, Please don't take any chances
I know you will do what you have to
But I beg you honey Please be careful
These girls here and I really need you.

Oh God, this letter scares me so Sean
To think you ran out there to get them
While bullets flying over your head everywhere
You tell me don't worry but you know I am.

I'm trying so hard to be brave you know
But each day on the news I hear so much
It scares me so bad at times you being there
Sean, I miss you baby, I miss your soft touch.

I lay in bed at night sometimes talk to God
Asking him to keep watch over my love
I sure hope he hears me Sean, cause I'm scared
I know this fear is something I need to let go of.

I need to put my trust in you and God
That you will do what you need to
And God will be with you every step you take
But Honey, sometime it becomes too much to do.

I know God was there for us both before
He will see us both through this one time too
I'm just asking you Sean to please be safe
Don't forget you have people here that needs you.

I just put the kids down for the night
Lacy drew a picture for me to send to you
Leann also had to make Dada something as well
I know you understand how much they miss you too.

Leann is still running fever from her tooth
So you know she is crabby right now
When I talk about you she gets mad with me
She trys to understand, in her own way somehow.

All she knows is Dada is gone again
And she misses you so much at night
It's when you spent most of your time with them
That's when she becomes crabby and wants to fight.

But then I think we all have been through a lot
So I don't get upset with her, I understand
They really miss their wonderful loving daddy
You know what, I miss my handsome loving man.

Our moms and dads say to tell you hello
They are glad we are keeping in touch
I told them we wouldn't have it any other way
Because we are in love with each other so much.

Daddy looked at the car for me today
He said the gas filter needed to be changed
I thought you had just done that a month ago
Well he will do it if I fix dinner in exchange.

I need to go honey, got to get up early
Take Leann back to the doctors in the morn
She seems to be getting worse with fevers
She is so tired a lot lately almost overworn.

I will let you know more about what he says
In the next letter that I write to you
For now I am going to close this letter
Just know we all think about and Love you.

Next letter I send out to you
Will have something sexy for your eyes
I will do something special for my man
Maybe a picture of me in your favorite high thighs.

Be safe my love, keep down low
Don't take any chances, I love you
A kiss on your letter of my lips with red
Keep it near your heart, saying prayers for you.

Love always and forever
Your Seina

--Top--

351 Days to Go

By Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

We lost a mail truck yesterday,
It was hit by a roadside bomb,
And the mail was all over the place.

We picked up all that we could find,
For we knew those dog faces
Wanted to hear from those left behind.

I am so glad I found your letter,
I have settled down a bit,
I feel a little better.

I have worried about that old clunker,
Take the money from the bank and buy a new one.

INCOMING!!!! Everyone to the bunker.

I am okay babe,
Just a normal occurrence
Happens every day.

Tell Leann, daddy heard about that boo-boo,
And daddy said he would blow a kiss to you.

I feel so sorry for the average man on the street,
For very few have enough to eat.
It is the little ones, that break my heart so,
Gaunt little bodies and it seems, no hope.

I save rations and try to share,
I want them to know,
We really do care.

Tell our moms and dads,
I send my love,
Tell them that not all these people are bad,
Once they know what we are made of.

Tell Mary, I am sorry to hear about Fred,
The two men I dragged to safety,
They are also dead.

One had a daughter about Lilly's age,
He had never met her,
He was sent here with the first wave.

The other we were the only family he had.
The men in the squad took it bad.

The losses don't get any easier to take,
But is the cost of freedom we are willing to pay.

Enough talk about work, I miss you so,
This is a place even my friend God won't go.
May have to talk with him later tonight,
Ask him if we are doing right?

I guess he knows best,
Maybe this is just one more test.
Anyway, your letters, are my sanity,
So please, please don't stop writing to me.

So many here get those Dear John letters
Go out of their heads,
Then they go out do something stupid
And end up dead.

Enemy assisted suicide,
All for the sake of lost love
They died.

Seina, I can't live without you,
Please, be brave, whatever you do.
I will come back if it is God's will,
I don't care, who I have to kill.

I will be there, to hold you.
I will be there, to kiss you.
I will be there, to fulfill your wildest passion.
Just hold me in your heart.

Love Sean

P.S. Big hug to you, Lacy, Leann, and Lilly.
351 days and I will be free.
P.S.S. What would you say,
If I told you,
Our embedded reporter is none other than...
Linda Lieaday?

--Top--

Letter #4 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My Dearest Sean,

I am so glad you received my letter
I was shaken up by the news today
So scared when they announced it
Some soldiers had been taken away.

I am glad you have settled down
I know in a place like that you never do
You are just accepting what is going on
That is why you feel better, I know you.

I know your heart too well, remember me
The one who loves you, puts up with you
I know this will never settle down inside
But you do what you have to, to get through.

Oh Sean, I so miss your charm and wit
You always know how to make me smile
No matter what life holds we can get through
Just remember I will be here waiting across the miles.

Honey the car can wait til you get home
Right now my concern is the kids and you
Daddy worked on the car for me, it's running
When you get back we'll look for something new.

Sean, my God what is going on there honey
What do you mean it happens everyday there
Normal occurrence, is that what they call normal
How can something like that be normal anywhere.

Oh Sean, I am so scared Honey, I can't do this
I am so afraid I wont be able to hold up here
I need you so bad, it seems like forever already
I'm sorry honey, I know you have enough to worry about there.

Lacy was the one with the boo boo honey
If she knew you called her Leann she would cry
But I told her anyway, daddy blew a kiss her way
That will make her boo boo better and go bye bye.

I know you feel bad for the little one over there
But you remember you have to eat some too
You need to keep up your strength to fight
Sometimes I don't know what I'm going to do with you.

You would give the shirt off your back to help
Just remember honey I want to wear your shirt too
LOL.. Save a shirt for me to put on when you get back
You know how good I look in your shirts don't you?



I miss wearing my sexy clothes around for you
I haven't put any of them on since you've been gone
Hell, it's hard just getting dressed anymore during the day.
I find myself just staying at home waiting, it's so hard Sean.

I will be sure to tell Mary you send your love
I know she is not doing very well right now
Her mom said she is on medication for depression
That is what scares me about all this some how.

I don't want to get that visit or that phone call
So please darling, Please take very good care
Please promise me you will be careful for us
We need you to come home, we need you here.

I will tell our moms and dads you send your love
They have been asking me if I have heard from you
I told them I should be getting a letter from you soon
I will let them know what you said, love from you too.

Oh Sean, those two men died, Oh my God
His poor wife and the baby he left behind, Why
That poor baby will never know her daddy
How awful, It's just not fair, for her I want to cry.

Sean, I would never stop writing to you
As long as you are away from home, It's all we are
A letter, a phone call, seems so unfair at times
I have all your letters kept away, but not very far.

You are my life, not just some man off the street
I don't understand how a wife can be so cold
As to send her husband a letter like that anyway
When he is fighting for her rights, with you I want to grow old..

Sean, I can't live without you either honey
I am trying so hard to be brave, it's killing me
But for you and the kids I have to keep my head
You do what you have to, this is where I will always be.

I want you here to hold me when you come home
I miss your kisses and being in your strong arms
I miss making love to you anytime we get the urge
I miss that sweet smile and your loving sweet charm.

So you would have to send me the dear john letter
Cause I love you to much and need you here with me
Your baby girls love you as much as I do you know
So you get through this, cause this is where you need to be.

Before I forget to tell you honey about Leann
She is doing much better now, fevers are down
Her tooth was infected and they had to cut the gum
She has been out all day with grandpa running around.

Lily is doing great, she is putting on the pounds
I just started her on homemade baby foods to eat
She eats like her daddy, and then wants to nurse
I look at her and see you smile, she is so sweet.

Mom got us a new car seat for Lily today
It is one that you can adjust when they grow
She looks so tiny in it, I smile when I put her in
We take picture this week so you'll have some to show.

Well my dearest Sean I will close for now
I can't believe that same reporter is actually there
I bet she is loving every minute of reporting her news
Maybe you should keep away from her, stay clear.

We don't need her bringing up the past anymore
You being lost at sea is not something we need
Keep as far away from her as you possible can
Sometimes all that keeps them going is their greed.

Oh by the way, Lacy has a letter for you too
She is not done writing it, I will send it when she is
So you will have two letters to read from home
Leann sends her love and wants to send a kiss.

So kisses from your little girls for daddy
A kiss from your big girl to her loving man
I love you Sean with all my heart and soul
Please baby take care of yourself, write when you can.

I will send the pictures with Lacy's mail
So be looking for it to come in a couple of days
Soon as she is done with it, I will send it off
Looking forward to your next letter, we love you always.

Love from your women, Lily, Leann, Lacy, Seina.
We love you and want you home soon.
Kisses & Hugs.

--Top--

345 Days to Go

By Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Those girls grow so fast,
I am missing them so,
But this war won’t last.

I miss the butterfly kisses,
Even the little catastrophes
And near misses.

Hold them close and tell them,
How much I love and miss my girls,
I miss their little plays and those curls.

The children here I see everyday,
Aren’t any different than ours,
Just want to be free to play.

I see some with missing limbs or eyes,
And is all I can do to not sit down
And cry.

Tell our friends and neighbors too,
To give their care packages to you,
I will distribute to those in need,
At least a few hungry mouths we can feed.

I have lost a few pounds so very true,
I may be a sleek, rock hard, sex machine,
Before I get back to you.

I can hardly wait to have you in my arms,
Explore your body,
Slurp up your charms.



My every thought is of you,
From the time I get to sleep,
Til the morning dew.

Okay, over here there isn’t much dew,
But I just wanted you to know
I think only of you.

Well hon, it is about that time to hunker,
Got to get to our air raid bunker.
The enemy will be throwing in round soon,
They are more annoying than effective…
Here they come…BOOM! BOOM!

Right on time just like I said,
I have to go now,
See if we can find their launch shed.

Uh-oh, here comes Linda Lieaday.
She isn’t all that bad you know,
A real trooper, stays out of the way,
Even when it is a tough go.

~~~

Yes, Ms Lieaday,
I was the Love Boat survivor
That got away.

It was my duty to come over here,
My wife and family? They are tough.
They will persevere.

My story?  No, not at this time,
Maybe once we are all back home,
And Seina says it is fine.

I know the world wants to hear that story,
But that belongs to God,
In all his glory.

It was Seina’s love and God’s too,
That gave me the strength,
That pulled me through.

So, until then,
Let’s focus on why we are here,
Let’s focus on a win.

~~~

That is what I told her hon, no less, no more.
I don’t want the notoriety,
Right now we have a more important chore.

Babe, I hate to close, but it is almost midnight and I need some sleep.
Be strong, hold my babies, and your faith keep.

I call to you in my sleep,
On angels wings my message they carry,
To your dreams so deep,
They dare not tarry.

Good night my love.
It will be you I am dreaming of.

All my love,
Sean

--Top--

Linda Reports From the Front

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

This is Linda Lieaday reporting
Live for WPIX in LA
With a lot of sand I am sporting.



Embedded with our troops here in Iraq,
I ran into someone you may remember
From the Love Boat disaster that made it back.

With me here today on this mission,
Is none other than that miracle survivor,
Sean.

Linda. If I may,
I have no comment on that,
We are on a different mission today.

If I may ask why give up your doctor’s practice in L.A.
To be a ground pounder,
In this God forsaken place?

Why aren’t you assigned to a Medical group,
Instead of leading these men,
In the front line troop?

Good questions, all that I will address.
I believe that other thing you mentioned,
Was just God’s test.

If I passed, there was something for me here,
He hasn’t led me to it yet,
Did you know he likes beer?

I am a ground pounder my friend,
Cause medical folks can’t carry weapons,
And for my family, myself I must defend.

I help in the hospital whenever I can,
But keeping my men safe,
Always takes the upper hand.

Well, Captain, we are running out of time,
Would you like to send some Easter greetings
While we are on the line?

Yes Linda, I really would,
Seina, Leann, Lacy, Lilly I love you all,
Leann, Lacy, and Lilly, help mommy by being good.

Moms and Dads, if you are listening in,
Thanks for all the goodies,
Helped make a lot of local friends.

Thank you Linda for having me on,
Here are a bunch of men here,
That would like to send video greetings home.

Thank you Captain, we will try,
But for today’s broadcast,
We are out of time.

Mitch. From Iraq, only God knows where,
This is Linda Lieaday reporting,
From way out there.

We are out.

Captain, are you free for a time,
I would like to get the facts of your story,
To integrate with mine.

Would you like to share an MRE,
Have a little dinner?
On me?

As tempting as your offer may be,
There is only one woman I want to share dinner with
And that is my Seina, see?

If you change your mind,
Captain, my tent is over there,
I am not hard to find.

Thank you Linda I am flattered,
But God didn’t send me here for that,
My life, once, was nearly shattered.

I dare not go there again,
As it may not be restored
From where I have been.

Thank you, no, I will have to pass,
For I have three girls at home,
That I would never trade for a quick piece of a**.

I understand Captain,
You are a good man,
She is lucky to have you,
I hope you make it through.

Goodnight, will you walk me to my tent?
It would be my honor ma’am,
Allow me. Sergeant!

Escort Ms. Lieaday to her quarters,
Then you are dismissed,
No further orders.

Ms. Lieaday, Good night.
Lord. You heard me, did I do right?
I think I did, hug my babies for me.
Good night.

--Top--

Letter # 5 Back To Sean

by Judy Costea

My Dearest Husband Sean

Honey we all miss you so much
I have been trying to calm the girls down
They saw you on TV the other day
Since then they have been wearing frowns.

I thought my heart was going to sink
When I saw you, all I could do was cry
They ran up to the TV, kissing your face
Oh, It hurt so bad seeing tears in their little eyes.

Lacy was calling for daddy please come home
She was hugging the screen so very tight
Leann was crying so hard and kept saying
Why wont my dada come home for us tonight.

What do I say Sean, how do you explain war
All they know is daddy's somewhere beside here
Afraid daddy won't come home to them anymore
How do I handle this one, I haven't any idea.

My heart feels crushed with them crying for you
It only makes it that much harder to be strong
Oh God why won't this damn war end Sean
We need you back here where you belong.

I was afraid this would happen with that reporter
It even had your mom and dad so upset too
Because the kids have been so unhappy
They keep saying they want daddy, what do I do?

Oh Sean, life seems such a mess here without you
I thought I knew how to handle something like this
I am at a loss at what to say or do, I need you
God it hurts so bad, we are all just such a mess.

I am having such a hard time with the girls
They turn the TV on all the time looking for you
Wanting to know why daddy doesn't come home
They sit in front of the TV crying, what do I do?

God Sean, I don't know if I can do this any longer
I can't stand to see them crying all the time
It is taring me apart, watching them hurt so bad
Please Sean, tell me what to do, i feel like I'm dying.

It was tough enough when you left us that day
They were praying every night for you to be ok
Now they cry every night for you to come home
I wish I could make time go by faster someway.

Poor Leann heard you call their names on TV
She said see mommy, dada is talking to me
He said he loves me and wanted me to be good
Now he will come home when he is done you see.

Please don't let that news reporter do that again
She doesn't realize that was selfish on her part
I have to find some kind of way to calm them down
Cause this has really tore them up, broke their hearts.

I know this so hard on you baby, it's got to be
Knowing it has them so upset seeing you
Sean, I am going to take them away for awhile
I need to get them back on track, see them smile.

I will write you from where we are to let you know
I just need to get them away from the stress
It is really not good for any of us to be so upset
I love you Sean, I wish you were coming with us.

I will let our parents know when I get there
In case anything happens and you need me
I just need to get them and myself away
Maybe it will do us all some good, we'll see.

Honey, promise me you are eating well
You need to keep up your strength to fight
I know you are feeling bad for them over there
But honey you need to remember what is right.

Oh God, here I go sounding like your mom again
But in a way you know her and I are right
Losing weight is something you don't need to do
Not if you are going all day long and all night.

I got the kids down in bed for the night finally
Leann is not eating much, she is to depressed
The doc says she needs to eat more or else
I think it is coming from this T.V. reporter mess.

I am so glad Lily is yet to small to understand
She has no trouble eating at all, a very good baby
She takes after her daddy when it comes to eating
I hope this trip will help Leann calm down, just maybe.

Lili went for another check up today
Doc says she is doing good, very healthy though
Lacy has lost a few pounds from the stress
The doc seems to be worried about Leann you know.

I have lost weight myself to, another fifteen pounds
Doc says it's not good for me to lose that fast
Because I am breastfeeding he is a little concerned
I told him I was ok, hope this weightloss will last.

Your mom and dad will be sending you something
My mom and dad also have a package to send too
You are just raking in the goodies there my love
I hope you are eating what they are sending you.

I am sorry about fussing at you about that reporter
But she doesn't realize what it does when they see you.
It's not like you are coming home right away
The kids don't understand, They are so innocent too.

She needs to be more conciderate of kids at home
Seeing daddy or mommy sometimes makes it bad
I would love to see you everyday if it's just me
The little ones see you and it makes them so sad.

I will just be glad when it's all over for you
You can come home and be a family once more
I hope you got my picture I sent special for you
I will send some more if you want me to for sure.

I was a little embarassed but I asked mom
She didn't mind taking them she said for me
But I felt strange doing it anyway, you know
I didn't send them all to you, If you want to see.

I think I would rather pose for you in person
It is much more fun that way doing it that way
But I will do what I can to keep my man happy
I love you so much, whose going to know anyway.

Well I have to go for now honey, got to get up soon.
I will be packing to leave in a while need some rest
I don't want to be driving while I am tired, not good
I will try to get them back on track, I'll do my best.

I love you Sean, I miss you so very much
The girls miss you to so very much you know
It is hard when they see other childrens daddy
I can see it in their little faces, it hurts me so.

Be safe my sweet husband, come home soon
We all need you here with us, we all miss you
I know I keep saying, Keep your head down low
I know you Sean, you will do what you have to do.

I pray God brings you back safe to us all
He is with you always. I feel you at times with me
I know it is Gods way of letting me know your ok
God's been my rock at times, only piece of sanity.

But then I don't have to tell you what he can do
I am sure you talk to him all the time don't you
It's like I sometimes hear you speaking to him
I feel such a strong bond once in a while I know you do to.

Well goodnight my love, sleep well, I pray
God be with you as he always walks with you
Kisses from your girls and much love your way
I will write soon, keep the letters coming too.

I whisper your name in my dreams
On Angels wings they carry it to you
To your dreams I will always be in
For in God we vowed our love to be true.

Love from Lily, Leann,Lacy and Seina
Be careful my love, you carry my heart
I love you always and forever, Seina.

--Top--

334 Days to Go

By Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina and my baby girls,
You know your are my world.
I didn’t mean to upset you all so,
I just had to say I loved you.
I wanted you all to know.

I know how hard it is to see them cry,
I am with children who watched their parents die.
They live in squalor and constant fear.
They have seen so much, they have no more tears.

A few of us try to give them care,
Watch over them while we are there,
About ten of them hang out here at camp,
We give them food, and shelter from the cold and damp.

May be, this is what God has called me for,
To bring his love to the foreign shore.
I can’t believe our luck,
The Sergeant said he found ten cots that fell of a truck.
That wasn’t the least of it,
He also found a large tent.

We have set up a kind of group home,
Our women troops tend the children while we are gone.
They range in age from fourteen to four,
Seems every day we get a few more.

We have asked local authorities what to do,
They just shrug their shoulders at you.
So I guess we are on our own,
To do our best to provide a home.

Even Linda was moved to tears,
At some of the little ones we have here.
I provide some medical care,
It is all they will get over here.

We have a little boy,
I want to send there.
Ask Doctor Vance
For his special talents to share.
He can fix the lad’s deformities,
To give his life some normalcy.

Tell him, I will pay,
Just fix it so little Abu can play.

Oh, hon, if you could see their little faces,
I know you would do the same in my place.
I am going to give Linda the story on me,
If she can get these kids on for charity.

I got your pics and they were hot,
Thank your mom for those shots.
Don’t know how they got out,
But they did for all that were sent,



You are the camp pin up all about,
Even in some of the females tents.

Gave morale a major boost,
If you get my drift,
Hear moans of pleasure from the hootch
Strange sex smells I whiff.

Well, if you can round up clothes for my kids dear,
It would be a blessing and bring some cheer.

Hope you and the kids had a happy Easter.
God sent these children to give us cheer.
Hug my girls and kiss them too.
I miss and love all of you.

Sean

--Top--

320 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

My Dear Love Seina,

I have spoken with Linda
She is a real pip.
She has taken charge kinda
And is running our charity ship.

Our sector has been relatively quiet
Don’t know if it is because of the kids,
But they keep us away from the fight.

Seems a guardian angel is looking after us,
Somehow the Sergeant found an old bus.
New we can bus our kids to school,
He knows I know and am no fool.

God I wish you all were here,
I love these people,
In all of this,
They are of good cheer.

We had to be second line of defense,
While our Iraqi friends went to vote.
Everyone it seems is filled with hope.

In our camp, spirits are high,
The kids keeps us hoppin’
Making the time fly.

At night we have prayer,
Then Linda reads a bed time story
From the bible and the Koran
For God’s Glory.

We are trying to create
A home like atmosphere,
With brother and sisters,
And us as parents here.

The kids are adapting,
Seems I always have,
One on my lap,
The locals are amazed at our compassion,
Amid all this crap.

I’m sorry hon,
I am boring you,
But I must keep busy,
So I don’t get blue.

You three will always be,
Number one here with me.

J.T. says to tell Leann hi,
He saw her picture and thinks she is nice.
Abu says he thinks Lacy is cute,
And if she were here,
He would play her to sleep with his lute.

Well hon, it is that time again,
I have to close, to get this in.
All my love to you and the family,
I’ll send you pics of the brood,
Soon as I can get them in one place,
And I have time free.

Love always my sweet,
Sean

P.S. Please send children's clothes ages four to fourteen,
Both boys and girls clothes are really needed.
Books for our school would be nice,
along with shampoos and meds for lice.

--Top--

Letter # 6 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My Dearest Sean

The girls have calmed down a lot
I took them on a trip out of town
They have really enjoyed themselves
Kept them busy with no T.V. around.

We went to the theme park
Spent a lot of time there just funning
It was so good to see them smile again
They played all day long back and forth running.

It has been nice getting away from it all
No T.V. in the rooms, I asked to have them out
The guy at the front desk was very understanding
He said if I needed anything else all I had to do is shout.

It has been very relaxing here for us all
I wish you could be here with us to see their faces
I feel like the world is off my shoulders some what
We have been to a lot of different fun places.

I took some of the money from the savings
I didn't think you would be to upset with me
It was for a good cause and they needed it
Money well spent, their faces I wish you could see.

I have been feeling a little tired lately
will see the doctor when we get back in town
Maybe just worn out from all the playing, I guess
It seems I run out of energy fast, need to slow down.

Oh Sean if you could have seen your Leann
She had ice cream all over her pretty little face
She was eating and fell while we were walking
Next thing I know, she's up running all over the place.

Had ice cream from one end to the other
Dirt all over her stuck to her face and forehead
We all stood there laughing so hard at her
We should put her on funniest home video's, Lacy said.

We will be leaving for home in two days
The guy at the front desk said he enjoyed us being here
He gave me two days free at the hotel for the kids
They wanted to stay longer but I was running out of money I feared.

So he offered and the kids gave me no say in it
They have really had loads and loads of fun
We need to come here when you come back home
Well this is short but I am so exhausted Hon.

I will write another letter when we get back home
I hope all is going good with the kids there
I will try to see about the clothes drive for you
See what mom and I can get started going here.

Oh by the way, how did my pictures get out
You say I am the pin up of the whole camp now
Do you have any idea how embarrassed I feel
To know my naked body was seen by everyone, wow.

You are just too much,
I will never live that down
I sure hope that reporter doesn't make it her business
Cause I would sure hate to get into it with her
She won't know what she got into with this mess.

Well it is getting late and I need to breastfeed
You know how loud Lily can get when it's time to eat
So before she starts crying I better close this letter
Good night my darling Sean, try to get some sleep.

On the wings of a dove
I send you all my love
Your heart, My heart becomes one
With each new rising sun.

God be with my Sean
He is our life our love
We need him to be safe
I pray to thee above.

Kisses from Lily, Leann, Lacy...
Kisses and hugs from Me..
I love you so much Sean
Keep your head low Please.

Seina

--Top--

310 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

I am missing you so,
My mind has wandered back
To so many years ago.

This Raven haired beauty
walked into the room
And captured my heart…
Boom.

Every cell of me was screaming,
The vision of you,
I thought I was dreaming.

I knew in that instant,
You had to be mine,
You were my other,
The lost half I find.

Your raven black hair,
And ruby red lips,
Took my breath away,
My heart doing back flips.

Our eyes met and there was magic in the air,
You walked directly to me,
So beautiful, so fair.

You asked if I was staying
Here at the dance,
'Only if you would honor me,
To be my date by chance.'

You gazed into my eyes,
Deep into my soul,
You whispered so sly,
"That was my goal.”

The band played our favorite song,
It ended and we kept dancing along.
We were dancing to the music of our hearts,
And before the evening's end,
I knew we would never part.

I asked you to marry,
As I walked you to your car,
You replied we must tarry,
We are moving to fast to far.

So we waited until we had our degrees,
Then you consented to marry me.
Thank God you were no fool,
And convinced me to wait
until I completed Medical School.

Here I am in this foreign land,
Torn in half, cause my other is not at hand.
Some days are worse than the others,
That is when I have to depend on my brothers.

We help keep each others sanity,
When the blues comes to town,
Like now it is with me,
And I am really down.

The guys will come get me out of my bunk,
Take me over to our kids tent,
To pull me out of my funk.

It is still no substitute for my raven hair beaut,
Never be like it is with me and you.
So hon I beg you, be there when I get home,
I would not survive if you were gone.

I miss your warmth and your charms,
I miss holding you in my arms.
I miss Leann, Lacy, and Lilly too,
But hon, I really miss you.

Well, here comes the guys to rescue me,
I will post this now to you baby.
All my love to all of you,
My babies, moms and dads, and you.

Sean

--Top--

Letter #7 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My Sweet Husband Sean

We made it home last night late
I was to tired to write a letter
Got the kids in bed and myself too
This morning I feel a little better.

I sat down with my coffee to drink
Decided to go ahead and write a line or two
Kids are still asleep, it's quite in here
I am enjoying this time I have alone with you.

We had so much fun together away from it all
I am so glad I decided to take them away
Now it's back to the same ole same ole
Being here thinking of you every night and day.

You know it's strange, when you are home
This place is so alive with laughter and cheer
It's like the house has a black cloud over head
Waiting for the keeper of the house to appear.

I am going to get yours and my mom today
We can get started on the clothes drive
I have a few friends with children's clothes
I am sure they would be happy to oblige.

Mom has a lot of people in her neighbor hood
Who have children also who would be glad to give
We will get what we can together to send to you
I have another friend, If I can remember where she lives.

I will bye some shampoo for head lice for them
Send it along with the other stuff you wanted too
Books I will try to pick up what I can from around
Some of your partners I will ask to help out a few.

Honey don't get to attached to those kids there
I know it's hard because your away from your own
Do what you can for them while you are there
I will help how ever I can, but you can't bring them all home.

I got your letters last night in the mail
I am going to open them and read in a minute or two
Honey, I see from your letters you are having fun
Kids in your lap while Linda reads them stories too.

Don't ever think your letters are boring to me
It is all I have of you right now I love so much
I know the kids and I are important to you baby
I miss you so, everything about you, oh hell I miss your touch.

The kids are about to get up from bed in a minute
I will have to close soon, will write again ok
They will be hungry little monsters when they get up
It is going to be a very long and tiring day.

I need to make an appointment with the Dr
I think he will just tell me I am low on iron too
I just feel so tired all the time and want to sleep
Mom says she thinks the same thing as I do.

Hold on a minute hon, I hear the baby crying
She is ok, just lost her pacifier it fell out, oh well
I look down at her sleeping and see you laying there
She's so peaceful and happy when she sleeps you can tell.

You know what came across my mind up in our room
When we first got married how you chased me around
It used to scare me when you came after me like that
I would jump on the bed and you would pull me to the ground.

Tickle me till I almost cried from laughing so hard
Then you would pick me up put me on the bed
Then pin me down on the bed by straddling over me
You had my hands so I couldn't move pinned over my head.

Remember what fun we used to have all the time
Even after the babies were born we had fun times
Playing in the bed rolling all around and laughing
Oh Sean I miss that, do you think about it sometimes.

All the things we used to do when you were here
You would walk over to me and take my hand
Have the music on and ask me to dance with you
It was as if we were out on the dance floor with a band.

Oh I think about these things often honey
Times I miss you so much, I want to dance
I want to feel those strong arms around me
I want to feel like you are here full of romance.

Oh Sean I miss you so much it hurts my heart
I feel like someone is twisting my stomach inside
God I wish this time away from you would hurry up
It seems no matter how I try to keep busy, I cry.

Well I am going to close this before it gets stained
My tears will smug the ink if I don't stop crying
Know I love you so much darling with all my heart
While your gone there is always a part of me dying.

God please bring my Sean back to me real soon
I need him so much God, the girls need him so
Please keep my sweet man safe from any harm
God I beg you to please, I don't ever want to let go.

My heart, your heart blends as one
Your soul my soul reunite through love
God brings our love together
He hears us from above.

Licks and kisses my love.
Hugs and kisses from your girls
Love you Sean.

--Top--

300 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

My beautiful Seina,

The boys’ ploy didn’t work,
I am back in my bunk
And I still hurt.

The pain of missing you,
Almost to much to bear,
Every little thing I do,
Reminds me you aren’t here.

"Our kids” tho’ so very sweet,
Still, aren’t that part of me,
Like Leann, Lacy, and my sweet Lily,
They just can’t replace my family.

It is not to say,
I don’t love them.
I often sit and pray,
They grow up safe to be,
Strong women and men.

Did little Abu get there okay?
Will Doctor Vance fix his deformity?
I know old Vance is a softee too,
And he will do what he can do.

Tell dad, when I get back
We will go wet a hook,
Sure would love to cuddle with
You next to a babbling brook.

I was called to Baghdad yesterday,
They gave me a medal for that first foray.
I didn’t feel I deserved it for I also took a life,
Creating an orphan and a widowed wife.

Somehow, his face haunts my mind,
How startled he looked when he peered in to find,
I saw his eyes as the bullets tore through his chest,
That look of surprise, as he goes to his final rest.

Then I think, what if it had been me,
My wife and babies I would never again see.
I wouldn't be there to check out their dates,
Or to see them graduate.
Their wedding days would come and go,
And you my dear Seina would be left alone.
On top of this I worry for my men,
And what I have to ask of them.

We go out almost every day,
And I have to put them in harm’s way.
Each day they risk their lives,
And if they die,
I have to give the news
to their wives.

I am trying hard to be strong,
But when I am all alone,
I just break down and cry,
For all those on both sides,
That have died.

I got some of the clothes
From you all,
I gave them to Linda,
And the kids are having a ball.

Dressing up in their new duds,
Walking around strutting their stuff.
Linda is showing them how to use the shampoo,
And the girls how to apply Dippity-Doo.

The tooth brushes and toothpaste were really good
Had to convince the kids that the toothpaste wasn’t food.
The glamour magazines have the girls all a twitter,
Wanting to try dressing with the glamour and glitter.

Well, we may have found a building in town,
It needs a lot of work to keep it from falling down.
The elders said we could have it for the kids,
And they would let the insurgents know
in no uncertain terms,
It is off limits.

All our spare time will be spent there,
Trying to clean it up and make repairs,
Then our kids will have a permanent home,
They can call theirs after we are gone.

The toys you sent were really a hit,
They were the only way we could get,
The young ones to sit.
They played for hours
With them in the sand.
We really appreciate your helping hands.

Tell everyone, thank you for the support,
Thank you my darling Seina
For holding down the fort.
I know it is hard and wouldn’t have put
You through this for the world,
But there comes a time
When we have to take a stand,
To make safe our lands,
For our citizens and my girls.

Well hon, it is getting late,
We have set a trap
And it looks like the enemy,
Is taking the bait.

Good night my love,
Dream only of me,
"I” told me from above,
He would send my love to thee.

Hug my little ones like all get out,
Tell them it is from me, let there be no doubt.
Got to go the trap is about to spring,
We hope to catch them alive in this thing.

Good night.
Love always
Your Sean

--Top--

Prayers for Daddy # 1

by Judy Costea

Leann's Prayers

God, my name is Leann
But you know who it is
Mommy says you know everything
Then I send you a kiss.

Please bring my dada home
I miss him and I cry
Cause my Dada loves me
I don't like Dada to go bye bye.

I will be a good girl
Like Dada wants me too
So Mommy won't get upset
Cause she has so much to do.

If my Dada was here
He could help Mommy some
So can you bring Dada
Tell him he has to come.

Thank you God I love you
I love Mommy and Dada too
Jesus can you ask your Dada
Tell him I am asking you.

AMEN

--Top--

Prayer for Daddy # 2

by Judy Costea

Lacy's Prayers

God this is Lacy
Daddy's little girl
Please bring my daddy home
He's my best daddy in the world.



I know he has a job to do
But won't you make it fast
Cause my heart is breaking
I don't know how long it will last.

I miss my Daddy so much God
Make all this war go away please
I don't want my Daddy to be hurt
I need my Daddy here with me.

God I am being a good girl
I promised Daddy I would
Can you please let Daddy know
Bring my Daddy home if you could.

Please bless Mommy and Daddy
My sisters and bless you too
I ask you in Jesus name
So he can ask it of you.

Amen.

--Top--

Letter # 8 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My Sweet Husband Sean

I too miss you so
The pain is so unbearable at times
I cry myself to sleep some nights
Holding your picture, I hold divine.

This time away from you seems forever
Like it will never end at times it seems
For some nights I just lay here thinking
I even have nightmares in my dreams.

The longer we are apart I get scared
I know God has placed you for some reason there
I only wish he would bring you back home
Hearing all this news of death only makes me fear.

The girls are missing you so much honey
The trip helped but their daddy they miss
Nothing takes the place of daddy you know
They all want to send daddy a sweet kiss.

Yes Abu made it here just fine the other day
Dr Vance said he will see what he can do
He said to tell you to get your butt home soon
He will take care of this for you and little Abu.

He saw Abu and had tears in his eyes
He said he could only imagine what you see
By the looks of this little one you sent here
There must be more who need medical help for free.

He is such a darling little boy Sean you know
I think Abu has stolen Dr Vance's heart
He took to Vance really fast like he knew him
It's like he has been with him from the start.

We may have trouble sending him back
It might break Dr Vance's heart to see Abu go
What are we going to do about that
Dr Vance spends all his days off with Abu, you know.

I spoke with your dad and told him what you said
He chuckled and said that sounds like a winner to
He too misses spending time with you fishing
He is going to hold you to it don't forget
No matter what you do.

Honey, I know it bothers you still about that man
You had no choice but to shoot, it was him or you
A medal for killing is not what you wanted
I know it haunts your mind and always will too.

But you did what you had to do to save others
I cry because I know it hurts your heart so
Baby I will be here for you always to talk with
I will help you get through this nightmare,
for now let it go.

You have so much to worry about right now
Please don't let this cloud your mind at all
You need to stay alert and ready to take care
For there will be other times your men will call.

From what I understand, The men are proud of you
You have kept up their spirits alot your a real shout
I think they enjoyed my picture to much over there
You know the one of me that you somehow let get out.

The one that was suppose to be for your eyes only
How that got out of your hands I'll never know
But you can bet it has given them all a thrill,LOL,
I will take care of you when you get home, a real show.

To let my sweet husband know just how he was missed
That is only for you and I to know so don't tell anyone
Things seem to slip out around there with out a doubt
So keep it under your hat what I have for you, our fun.

Oh Honey, I know it is tough when they go out
But like you they all know they have a job to do
It is not you putting them in harms way, it's war
Please be strong it wont be much longer for you.

I know alot of them die on both sides, it's true
What can you do, it's not like you caused this
Giving a wife such bad news must really hurt
I wish I could be there for you,
Away the hurt I would kiss.

I would help you carry the burden that weighs heavy
You don't have to carry it all by yourself you know
God is there for you honey talk to him please
He will help you take some of this off you, let it go.

Oh Sean, God knows how much I love you so
My heart breaks for you baby, please let it go
Call on God, tell him how much it hurts you inside
He can make you feel so much better you know.

I will pray for you my love as I do each night
God has been my rock while you are gone away
I couldn't get by without him right now or anytime
He has been there for us both each and everyday.

I thank him each day for letting me run into you that first day
I knew then you were the one for me as you did to
You gave me that sexy look as I walked into the room
I couldn't take my eyes off of that beautiful smile from you.

I am so glad to hear you got the clothes I sent
I was starting to worry if it all got through to you
I sent what ever I could get together from everyone
They all did such a great job getting it together too.

I hope this will help the ones that need it for now
We have much more coming in that I will send
Our mom's are really working hard together too.
I am so glad we all have so many good friends.

It makes my heart happy to do this for you
I feel like somehow we are making a difference too
Even if we are not together working on this here
We are keeping each other going, what we need to do.

I do what I can to stay close to you my love
I would do anything for you as you for me
If it means taking a chance with your life
To help keep this country and us safe and free.

Honey I know I say this often, but I will continue
Please be careful and keep your head low
I don't want to get a knock on my door about you
It would kill me and the girls to you know.

Please come home soon my love we miss you
I will let you go for now but will write again
I asked God to watch over you and bring you home
I also asked God to watch over all the other men.

Time to get the little ones to bed, say prayers too
They always say prayers for their daddy at night
Missing you so much I see the tears in their eyes
If I could capture their smiles,
Oh what a beautiful sight.

Good night my love, from my heart to yours
Feel the love I send to you each night
God brings me your love and kisses
As each time the Angels take flight.

My heart Your heart beat as one
Your soul My soul encircled with love
Kisses and hugs from each other
Are carried on wings from above.

I love you My Handsome Husband Sean.
Seina

--Top--

280 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck” Hickson

Dear Loving Seina,

I don’t want you to worry,
But we are moving out,
They want us to hurry,
As there is trouble in the south.

Linda is going to stay with the kids,
And just send her camera man to make the vids.
I will leave this letter, with Linda to post,
I won’t be here because I have to go.

It warms my heart that Abu and Vance
are getting along so well,
I just knew Abu,
Would get Vance out of his shell.

If he is really interested
To adopt,
I will pull some strings
To make it pop.

I have treated several over here,
But without the equipment,
We have to jury rig,
And it looks queer.

It gets the job done, but won’t win a prize for looks,
But it has given me an idea for a "make do” medical book.
The children are going gaga over all the clothes you sent,
We made a closet from an old tent.

A couple of the young girls are helping with the chores,
From taking care of the babies to scrubbing floors.
The sergeant said he found some paint,
That fell of a truck,
I know better, but give thanks
For the sergeant’s good luck.

A couple of the boys and a young woman,
Are really good artists, here, of renown.
They are doing murals on the outside,
Depicting, the diversity of the children inside.

It shows them standing at their parents’ grave,
With the sun rising with the promise,
Of a glorious new day.
A promise that their lives will be enhanced,
By giving these people that love them, a chance.

I have a little girl about Lilly’s age,
Cradled in my arms,
Helping me write this letter,
I have to go now,
I see her bottom is getting wetter.

Hon, I miss you so,
And I am holding you to that
Special gift when I get home.
Shake out the scarves,
And those high-thighs don,
Baby, add those high-heels and lets get it on.

Well I see the Bradley coming this way,
So I will close and get it to Linda
Straight away.

Gotta take Meli back to her crib,
And say goodbye to all the kids.

Don’t worry hon,
I will be all right,
I have my buddy I looking out for me,
When I go into a fight.

Give my girls a hug and a kiss,
And tell them daddy says,
It is they he misses.

Tell mom and dad I send my love,
And most of all,
To you my dove.

Love you always
Sean

--Top--

Letter # 9 Back to Sean

By Judy Costea

Sean,
My beloved Husband

How can you say don't worry
I worry about you all the time
While away from me I will
Because your love is mine.

We are in our souls one
What the other feels inside
We know in our hearts
Darling for you I do cry.

I feel your troubled heart
I know it is a fear I feel
Fear of what is ahead of you
Afraid you may have to again kill.

It crushes my heart darling
To know you have to go out there
But I am with you my husband
My heart is with you everywhere.

Just remember one thing my love
It is for us you do what you do
For life is not fair or safe right now
So you go do what you have to.

When you get home with us
I will be here to get you through
We will get through this together
Remember, I will always love you.

I await the day of your return
The day we will become one again
One love one family as before
We hold each others hearts til then.

So when it becomes unbearable
You feel the hurt and pain inside
Remember my love is waiting
Home to me your heart will guide.

I cry for I feel so scared for you
I know God is with you now
He has come through each time
I feel he is with us some how.

Please Sean, don't let go of me
Keep me forever in your mind
God will be beside you as well
From now till the end of time.

Vance was talking about adopting
He is so crazy about li'l Abu
I am sure he would love you to help
Let me know what he has to do.

Abu is doing really well with him
He's been with him a lot these days
Vance is all smiles with him around
He has really changed his old ways.

Find out for him what it will take
He is excited and wants to know
To be able to adopt Abu as his
It would be hard for him to let go.

The little girl you held in your lap
Must of been hard for you
I know you miss your girls
They miss their daddy too.

It's all they talk about
Where is my daddy at now
I tell them what I can sometimes
It's hard explaining just how.

But they try to be so big about it
Lacy tries to understand it all
I can see the confusion in her mind
Then she gives granddaddy a call.

She will tell him what I said
Asking him to tell her more
I can see in her eyes the pain
She tries to hide it as she did before.

Lily got another tooth today
She has been trying to talk
We all say hooray for her then
Then she stands but can't walk.

Leann tries to help her walk
She can't understand yet why
Lily can't walk and wants her too
I told her she will just have to try.

Lacy is into drawing pictures now
She drew some of daddy fishing
We put them on the frigerator for you
Daddy will come home now, she's wishing.

Baby, you keep remembering
What I promised to you
When you get home from there
All the special sexy things I'll do.

I have my heels put aside
Those high thighs you love so well
With the garter belt you took off
Oh honey no more will I tell.

You have to wait and see
It'll be a homecoming for you
One you never will forget
Just a special night for us two.

Cause your sexy lady loves you
She misses her sexy handsome lad
Waiting for that day of such pleasure
It will be a night we can be really bad.

Sean, Please promise me hon
When you go into fight
Pray before you go my love
Please God let him be alright.

I am getting so scared now
I don't want to let you go
I don't want to end this letter
But I must and this I know.

It's all I have of you right now
Letters of a love so far away
How my heart is breaking Sean
I want you home safe, I pray.

I'll kiss the girls as you wish
I love you so much Sean
I wish this war was over now
We need you home where you belong.

Mom and dad say they love you
They can hardly wait til then
Mom is saying a prayer at church
Til you come home safe again.

It's hard to say goodbye my love
So I will not say but a goodnight
I can hardly wait til then my love
When in my arms I hold you tight.

My heart Your heart beat as one
Our souls become encircled with love
Love God has given us we share
Carried on angel wings from above.

Kisses and hugs from your girls
I love you my husband Sean
Your one and only,

Seina

--Top--

252 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck” Hickson

Dear Seina,

We just got back today.
Lost the sergeant along the way.
He we cut down
Saving his men,
I did all I could for him.

I asked God, the Great I AM,
Why him? All he could say,
Was, "It was his time".
I will miss him so,

He was so much more than my sergeant,
He was my bonafide hero.

Now, the bad news to his wife I must bid,
But what will be harder is facing our kids.
You see, the sarge was their hero too,
Now along with their parents,
They have lost him too.

Oh Seina, I hurt so much inside,
He should have lived,
Instead of saving me,
He should have let me die.

But now, he is with God,
Having earned his wings,
I will tell that to the children,
Hoping that will minimize the sting.

I am so sorry to burden you with this,
But God and you understand,
How much, he, I will miss.

Linda gave me your letter
When we got back to camp,
We almost have the roof done,
Enough to keep out the damp.

I am sorry if I am rambling so,
But I am so torn up I just don't know.
We have been given a week to recoop,
So maybe, we will finish the buildings roof.

I know I will get a new sarge,
But it won't be the same,
How do you replace a man,
That was a saint.

Hon, I have to cut this short,
My heart hurts so much,
And I have to write a report.

I am putting the sarge in
For a posthumous Bronze Star
For his gallantry under fire,
For his family, it won't go far.

I send my love to you from me,
Hug and kiss my girls,
Tell mom and dad, please.

I will write again,
Soon as I have my head on straight,
Right now I am not in a good space,
And it is getting late.

I think, I and I need to talk,
I know he is with me when I walk,
But these losses are so hard to bear,
I guess this is my cross with him to share.

Good night my love,
I will try to get it together,
So I may write you a proper letter,
But for tonight, my heart is in my shoes,
No matter what, though,
I will always love you.

Sean

--Top--

Letter #10 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My Dearest Husband Sean,

You can not save everyone
If it was his time to go
You can not get in the way
This already you should know.

I know it hurts you inside
I feel your pain in my heart
I cry for you because I know
It's been hard for you from the start.

Back home you repair life
In war life is taking away
It is all so unfair my love
We will all understand one day.

I am so sorry for his family
That you have to be the one to tell
To give his wife this bad news
You know this war is nothing but hell.

He was a wonderful man like you
A man who gave up his life
To keep his men safe from harm
Now he leaves behind a beautiful wife.

Oh Sean, It is not fair, God knows
I hurt for you my husband, deep inside
I wish I could hold you in my arms
Let you know it is ok for you to cry.

My love it is not a burden to me at all
I am here for you no matter what it be
That is why I love you so much Sean
You are a sensitive man always with me.

You are not afraid to show your pain
That's why our hearts feel so much
I can feel your love from anywhere
With out even so much as a touch..

Honey when you come home to us
I will hold you in my arms all night
You know I don't mind it when you cry
I think it would do you good, it's alright.

I know men are raised to hold it in
They are told they need to be strong
Even Jesus cried for Pete's sake
I think all this macho crap is wrong.

Men need to be sensitive more often
How do you lose someone and not cry
It is only human to have a heart and love
God doesn't condemn men with tears in their eyes.

Oh Sean, I know you will miss your friend
God knows he was a good man too
I don't know what I'd do, if I would live on
If the same thing happened to you.

Oh God Sean, I am so scared
How can God let this keep going
Sometimes I am so afraid of losing faith
I try so hard to keep it showing.

All the prayers that go out each night
I know that God he is listening to me
I try so hard to keep this all going Sean
God help me if I lose my faith in thee.

Honey you ramble on as much as you want
Your ramblings is what keeps me feeling sane
I treasure every letter I receive from you
With me you will never hear a complain.

Out there those men are your family
You become close and feel their pain
How can you not feel the loss of him
Without each other you would go insane.

I know the new Sergeant wont be the same
But he will lead his men as did your friend
He has to bear the same responsibility
So you all need to give a little and bend.

Honey I won't keep you long this time
I am very tired from all the tears I cried
I need to speak with the great I AM
He has to know just how hard you try.

I know we all have crosses to bear
You sure have carried yours a long way
God continues to be with you my love
May he walk with you every step each day.

Just remember one thing my love
You are making it safe for our little ones
I am so very proud of you my husband
For all that you and your soldier brothers have done.

I know you guys don't hear it enough
But so many people are proud of you
Your lives you put in danger for us all
When you go out each day you take a chance too.

Honey Just remember one thing before I go
I will always be here no matter what you do
I don't want you to worry about a thing here
Somehow the kids and I will make it through.

I love you Sean, you are my life my friend
I would not be able to make it without you
Please keep your head when you go out
Don't forget you have a important job to do...

I will kiss the girls for you my love
And tell mom and dad about your letter
Keep your head down Sean, promise me
I know one day soon things will be better.

My heart Your heart beat as one
Your soul My soul encircled with love
Love God has given us we share
Carried on angel wings from above.

Goodnight my husband, my friend, my life
Kisses I send to your heart each night
Kisses from your girls and hugs.
I love you Sean.
Your one and only
Seina.

--Top--

245 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina, my darling little girls,

I am writing you all this letter,
Just to let you know, I am feeling better.
Had a little talk with God
and he helped me to understand,
While the sarge was a good man,
He didn’t fit in with his plan.

I asked what his plan might be,
But like always, he said,
I would have to wait and see.
The sarge was there to fulfill his destiny,
And that, was to save me.
So, I am not to grieve his loss,
Like him, he paid the price,
He knew the cost.

We turn out today to see them take his body home,
We saluted bravely as his flag draped casket was carried on.
As the casket passed by,
You couldn’t find a dry eye.

The children were sobbing and Linda too,
As we said our goodbyes and bid him adieu.
His replacement is due in the next day or so,
There is another mission, we will see how it goes.

I thank you my love for being there,
It means so much that you care.
You and God are the only ones I can confide,
I am so sorry to put you all through this,
It could have just as well been me that died.

~~~

Well the new sergeant has been here a few days,
And I have to admit, he is good in many ways.
He has talked to locals to do his bid,
For everyone to lay down their weapons,
And put on a carnival for the kids.

A couple of dunking booths for the adversaries,
With the money raised buying the kids the necessaries.
Pony rides, and clowns too,
There isn’t anything this guy can’t do.

I believe he could sell ice to Eskimos,
I would never believe anyone could have got a cease fire,
Just for a kid’s show.

He did it, and I am impressed,
With the money raised, we can get beds,
And medical supplies, so wounds can be dressed.
Maybe the enemy will see we aren’t that bad,
And that we want peace as much as they,
And just as bad.

A few have come up to me and asked, "Why do I care.”
I just point at the smiles on those chilren’s faces,
"I have little ones the ages of those there.”
Children speak the universal language of love and wonder,
No matter how high or low under,
They all should have the right to grow up free,
Of war, pestilence, hunger, and fear of death on the street.
They all should be allowed to be children,
To survive without fear,
To have someone love them.

I don’t know if it made any difference,
But they know that we are more alike,
Than we are different.

We all love our children and want the best for them.
We want them to grow up strong with all their limbs.
We want the world to be safe where they can grow,
Without death and destruction, you know?

Our children’s home is about complete,
I am so proud of the men for this feat.
The town elders are amazed too,
Of all the things that together we do.

Even our enemy has mellowed a bit,
And we chat under a flag of truce about it.
Perhaps a greater understanding may be had by all,
If we will just listen, to each other’s call.

Well hon, I will close,
God knows I miss you so.
This new sarge will take a lot off of me,
Maybe, just Maybe, I will make it home for my babies.

All my love to you and the girls,
You all continue to be my whole world.
Oh, I heard they may let our taxes slide,
Til I get back and then file.
If you want to file at the end of Mar,
When you get the return, trade in the car.

I worry about you being on the go,
As it transports some very important cargo.
I know you would rather wait for me,
But if you will trade it in, it will be one less worry.

I am sure dad will go with you and get you a good deal,
He da man, when it comes to wheels.
Here are a couple of pics of the whole crew,
In front of our children’s home, some view?

If you all could send us some seeds,
We will plant a garden for our children to feed.
Besides, a few vegetables will look better than weeds.

That new sarge is really swell,
Somehow, he came up with a pump,
And sunk a well,
I asked and he just said, "I don’t want to know”.
I didn’t press, I just let it go.

I may get a week of R&R in June or July,
If your folks can keep the girls,
We could meet in Ramstein or at least try.

Well, got to go,
Here comes the post.
Hon I love you…you are the most.

Sean

--Top--

239 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

I am sorry for being so remiss.
I was so self absorbed with all of this,
I forgot to ask what the doctor said,
Don’t know where was my head.

Linda read me the riot act,
For not asking more info on that fact.
I pray all is well,
You are going through enough hell.

I can’t believe how much has changed,
Since this new sergeant came.
We and the locals are starting to blend,
The people are actually inviting us in.

We bring some rations as a gift,
When we are invited to dinner to give them a lift.
We are helping them rebuild their town,
Teaching them democracy all around.

We debate social issues like never before,
It is all good hearted at its core.
They tease us as being infidels,
We ask they teach us so we don’t go to hell.

I guess the big thing here is that respect is mutual,
They explain the Koran and we the bible which is cool.
The differences are spirited to no end,
But when all is said and done, we are still friends.

Tell Vance, the elders gave me papers to send,
He can fill them out to start the processing.
I got it okayed for Abu to stay with him,
Until the adoption’s disposition.

Got to keep this short, we are having a grand opening,
Of our children’s home, we are inviting the whole town in.
I have been detailed to make this finger sandwiches,
Which over here takes imagination cause,
We have a lot of sand but not much wiches.

I love you sweetie,
Tell the girls, I love them, for me.
I am putting in for R&R in July,
Now all we will need is for the country to stabilize.

Til next time,
Your partner in crime.
Sean

--Top--

230 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

We had a special visitor today,
That stopped in to say,
He has heard about our efforts here,
And wanted me to make our secret clear.

"Mister secretary,” I replied,
"It is the children, whose parents died,
We took them in and built them a home,
Gave them a family they could call their own.”

There is no secret at all really,
It is a universal love that sets us free.
And for my men and me,
These kids are our extended family.

"How did you quell the insurgency?” He asked.
We didn’t I replied, that was the town folk’s task.
They saw the love and care we gave the kids,
And they warned them away, they did.

We had a carnival for our kids for fun,
And many of the insurgents actually come.
After talking to many of them,
They said they had been lied to and would like to be our friends.

Well, the secretary was really impressed,
Wanted to transfer us out west,
But I told him, with all due respect sir,
Our kids and our friends need us here.

Our job here is not complete,
Until we can get our children’s home on its feet.
We have a good start going,
But if we pull out now, it will have been for nothing.

It has been said it takes a village to raise a child,
I tell you sir, those claims aren’t that wild.
We just now have our town folk getting involved with the children’s care,
And we help as much as possible to do our share.

Our embedded journalist, she is a real trooper,
Ms. Lieaday, has been the house mom and has been super.
I don’t think you could pry her away,
She works tirelessly for these kids day after day.

He says, "Never-the-less, we need your expertise,
In other areas, to bring the peace.”
If I have to leave my men,
Can I take my sergeant then?

"Don’t know why not, we shall see,
Prepare your people, in a week you will leave.”
"What could I say? He is the secretary.
"Sorry sir, that is water I won’t carry.”

I don’t think so,
Looks like west I will go.
Gotta break the news to the men,
And start packing then.

It will be hard to say goodbye,
I have fallen in love with these guys.
We have become like family,
Leaving my kids will probably kill me.

I will be leaving them in good hands,
Linda, I am sure is capable of taking care of this band.
You are the first to know,
I can’t tell you exactly where I go.

Maybe after I get there,
I can maybe narrow down where.
Well my love, if you could but see,
The smiling faces on these babies.

See how they are taking to the men,
Seeing how the men are taking to them.
The locals come and help us out,
Refusing money, they are so devout.

A couple more months and it will be,
R&R for you and me.
I can hardly wait to have you in my arms,
Feeling your warmth and other charms.

God, watch over these kids and men when I leave,
Let them continue to have peace we have achieved.
Watch over my family at home,
Watch over my while I am gone.

Hon, I will see you soon as my leave is a deal done,
Or this war ends and I get sent home.
But know this, every minute it is you I think of,
It is you, the only one, that has my love.

If it be God’s will from this world I should depart,
You, my darling Seina, will always be in my heart.
Give my love to my baby girls.
Oh how I miss those curls.

Hugs and kisses all around,
Look in the envelop and rings will be found.
Ahmed, a local silver smith
Made them for you and demanded I send them with,
This letter to you,
With thanks for all you do.

Well my love it is that time,
Mail truck is here and I want to post mine,
XOXOXOX to my loves,
A token of our everlasting bond,
My love forever to you,
Your loving husband,
Sean

--Top--

Letter # 11 Back to Sean

By Judy Costea

My Darling Husband Sean,

I have waited for these letters
I know things have been hard
With the Sarge being sent home
I'm sending his wife flowers and a card.

It will be from us both so she'll know
Even though you're not here right now
We keep in touch with each other
I don't know what else to do, or how.

I can imagine everyone was in tears
It's not easy to deal with a loss like this
When someone in your family dies
Even with a family such as it is.

I am so glad things are going good
I know you are so proud of it all
I can hear it in your letters home
I can almost see you playing ball.

Having fun with the kids, the excitement
Knowing they getting what they need
How it has turned out for them is swell
Done without a lot of the selfishness and greed.

Honey, I will wait on the taxes till you come home
I know we need new wheels but I am alright
I want this to be something we do together
Plus we need other things and money is a little tight.

My dad said just hold off til you get back
If we need to borrow from him to get the car
We could pay him back when ever we can
That way I have money and it's not to hard.

The pictures look really great of the crew
You look as handsome as you ever do
I see you here and I am reminded of our love
How much I really and truly do miss you.

My heart breaks seeing you so far from home
To put this in the girls bedroom would be swell
They can see what daddy is doing for others
They will be so proud of their daddy as well.

I will send you some vegetable seeds
And what ever else I can get together
I hope it will grow out there as it does here
You know they have such a different climate, weather.

I am glad you get along with the new Sarge
All though I never had any doubt in you
You get along with most anyone at anytime
So glad he's helping out, let him do what he can do.

Let me know more about the week you have coming
I know our parents wont mind keeping them for us
I hope it works out and we can meet somewhere
It's getting so dangerous flying to anymore, they make such a fuss.

Sean, I got the results back just yesterday
My tests show my white blood count elevated
He wants to do more tests in a couple of days
I think I will hold off on them til things are better situated.

I want to make sure everything with you is fine
Right now I don't want to be poked anymore
I just want everything to get back to normal
Seems like everything is just so unsure.

I am glad to hear things are going so well
I knew they couldn't resist your sweet charm
You are the talk of the town around here
Can't wait til your back home in my arms.

I spoke with Vance about the papers to sign
He was so excited that he gave me a kiss
I had to laugh cause he was like a little kid
I know Abu was excited when we told him this.

Vance said to tell you he owed you one
That if you ever needed him he was here
So he is in seventh heaven now having a son
It is so good to see him smiling with cheer.

I hope the grand opening went very well
You seem excited about all this going on
I am excited for you my love I feel your joy
I hope the joy from you will never be gone.

I get excited feeling the excitement in you
I love how you get when you do something good
You do so much for people and your love shows
I know sometimes people don't always act like they should.

My husband, you are a damn good man
I can't imagine anyone ever wanting to hurt you
But this is war going on and they take sides
You just be very careful do what you need to do.

The girls are saying prayers for daddy every night
They are doing better in some ways still missing you
Lacy is always making something for daddy
Leann is the worse of them with her little attitude.

Leann has her own little way of dealing with this
Dada she wants to marry when you get back here
Doesn't matter I told her she had to find her own man
She looks like she would fight me on this one Dear.

Lacy tells her mama and dada are already married
But she gets mad at Lacy and tells her no way
My dada will marry me when he comes home
We just laugh at her she will understand someday.

Lily has gained another 3 pounds and is doing good
She is eating so much you'd think she was in a race
She nurses and then I feed her homemade baby food
Then nurses again before she is ready for her space.

She is talking up a storm now saying dada love me
Calls Lacy, Leann by the names wish you could hear
She plays so much longer now and listens so well
This girl is so much like you, nothing does she fear.

Oh Sean, Why do you have to go again
Don't they know how much you've done your best
Why pull you into more war and take another chance
Why does he have to send you of all people out west.

It's not fair that you should always have to leave
I wish they would let you stay there til July
Then we could meet and have time together
God this makes me so mad I want to just cry.

Then it will be another reason you can't make it
If he wants it so bad let him go himself and do
It's not fair to pull you out and make you leave
Honey I am so scared something will happen to you.

God why do you have to go, I don't want you too
I want you home so bad with us honey, Oh why
I don't like what he is asking of you at this time
I'm so sorry honey I can't help it, I just need to cry.

I just have a bad feeling about this next trip
I'm not sure what it is but It don't feel to good
Please baby, so if he would change his mind
I don't like how I am feeling, God I wish he would.

Sean, reading this letter has me so uncomfortable
The ending of it didn't sound to good either you know
Are you sure he won't change his mind about this
I just don't feel right about this trip, Baby please don't go.

Oh God Sean, I am so scared I need to hold you
I need you in my arms so much, please Sean
Please be careful honey, keep your head low
This is not right, it's just not right, they are wrong.

I'd like to tell that Mister Secretary where to get off
Let him go in your place and see if he survives
They sure can tell you how to do it from their point
Do they even care about the men and their wives.

I'm sorry honey but this war is starting to get to me
You do so much and it's never good enough for them
It's like they want to push to see how far you will go
Let them get out there and see what they do to him.

I just want this whole war to be over with so bad
Why can't you come home where you belong
Why must it keep on going and so many die
Something doesn't seem fair it all seems so wrong.

I better go honey before I really get upset, mad
Please promise you will write when you get there
Let me know you made it safe and sound anyway
I will worry til I hear from you, I hope it's all just fear.

We will all pray for you honey and hope it's safe
I will let our mom's and dad's know about this
You promise to keep your head down low for me
From all of us you will get a big Hug and a Kiss.

I love you my husband, with all my heart
Please be safe and know we wait for you
Come home safe from this damn war
I await your next letter my husband I do.

My heart Your heart beat as one
Your soul My soul encircled with love
Love God has given us we share
Carried on angel wings from above.

Goodnight husband, my friend, my life
Kisses blow across your heart each night
Kisses and Hugs from your girls
I love you Sean.
Your one and only Seina.

--Top--

222 Days to Go

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

I know my love that this is hard,
But I am glad you did that for the sarge.
He was a rock that gave me ground,
And I miss having him around.

I have good news, well a reprieve,
The orders west will be delayed a week.
By then we should be able,
To get our kids a large dining table.

Please do not put off the doctor's visit,
Remember that is what I do for a living.
Get in there and get those tests done,
It could be very serious or be nothing.

But we need to know, we can't wait,
For if it is serious, we want to start treatment,
before it is to late.
Hon, you are the world to me,
And I wouldn't want to go on without you, don't you see?

This is way to important to put aside,
When it comes to your health,
You can't let it ride.

Our babies need you now more than ever,
And with me here,
We can't count on life expectancy being forever.

Promise me you won't let this slide,
Cause if anything were to happen to you,
I think I would die.
Or worse do enemy assisted suicide.

Thank you for the seeds,
Here, it isn't all sand and weeds.
The guys that are farmers do tell
With the right additives and water,
they could get stuff to grow in hell.

Don't be angry with the Secretary,
He is doing all he can,
I know this move is scary,
But he is doing all he can
to get us all out of this land. Maybe this is why God brought me to this place and time,
To show these people,
there isn't that much difference
between their people and mine.
We want the best for our children, as do they,
We want them to be able to be children, to grow and play.
They are our future, and right now we are killing them,
If we don't stop soon,
Our future and theirs will be doomed.

I passed the leave request up the chain,
But with this impending move,
My hopes I have reined.
Don't be disappointed if it is granted not,
Cause hon, this is the job I've got.

I will be talking with my heavenly friend real soon,
I like walking with him when there is a sniper's moon.
I know it is dangerous, but somehow I feel serene,
He walking with me, and me with him,
What a beautiful scene.

The girls sound really great,
I would love to hear them on tape.
Better yet, Sunday, I will try to call,
The phones here are few and far between,
But the village elders said I could use the one at the town hall.

I can only talk for a few,
It is so expensive, and they can't afford the dues.
I have offered often that I would pay,
To which they have replied with a resounding "Nay!".

They tell me we have set them free,
The least they could do is share their telephone with me.
I told them that if they need any medical treatment
to come to children's home,
And I would do what I could for them, until I am gone.

Kiss my babies tell them of them how I am very proud,
That I shout this to the hills very loud.
My Lacy, Leann, and Lillie too,
I am so proud of you.
Darling Seina, you are the air that I breathe,
the wind beneath my wings,
You are at the soul of me,
You are my everything.

Someday, and it won't be long,
Your Sean will be coming home.
We can get that practice going once more,
And be a family again forever more.

Til the next time that I can write,
Sweet dreams, my love, and goodnight.

Sean

--Top--

Letter # 12 Back to Sean

by Judy Costea

My dearest Husband

I will get Vance to redo the blood
I just hate having to go again
Seems like when they do blood work
It just never seems to end.

I will get it done I promise
I know the kids need me
I wish you were here to do it
I would feel so much better indeed.

Don't worry so much about me
I think we both worry enough for you
I will have Vance come to the house
He can do it from here, be better too.

I knew something would happen
To keep us from meeting during your leave
Now it will be even longer before I see you
Damn this just makes me so mad I could heave.

It's not fair baby, why are we apart again
Life is so unfair at times I wish I knew why
I know you have a job to do but why this one
Our life was going so good, we were getting by.

Then you're called away to fight for our country
So many men are dying and it's so unfair
Leaving wives and children behind is that right
Sometimes I could just pull out my hair.

Oh Sean, it sure would be nice to hear your voice
Please do if you can Sunday give us a call
I know it would do the girls some good, talking
To there daddy on the phone, they would have a ball.

I am proud of you to Sean, You are their hero
They speak of you everyday daddy is the man
They draw pictures for you, we have a book of them
So when you come home, when ever you can.

Oh Sean, God how we miss you my love
I am still worried about your new location
Why do you have to go, why not someone else
I can't get this feeling out of my head, call it intuition.

But something bothers me about this new trip
I can't put my fingers on what it is, but I am scared
I wish they would change their minds about it
Maybe it is just nothing, but I will never be prepared.

This letter is going to be short tonight honey
It is very late already and I want to get up soon
I will reach Vance before he goes into the office
Maybe he can come here, I wont have to wait til noon.

I will write more later tonight when the kids are in bed
I want to get this over and done with so we will know
Then I can give you the results on Sunday if you call
We can handle it together, I just think my blood iron is low.

Ok honey Goodnight, I will finish up tomorrow night
I love you Sean my sweet husband my love my life
You are my angel from heaven, my protector
I am so glad you asked me to be your wife.

I whisper your name in my dreams
On Angels wings they are carried to you
To your dreams I will always be in
For in God we vowed our love to be forever true.
Love you always Sean
Your Wife
Seina

--Top--

The Dreaded Visit

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Seina,

We are on our way,
Heading out west today.
There is nothing but sand,
Everywhere to see,
And the RIDe not very smooth
In this Humvee.

We are in the convoy lead
The driver, the sergeant, and me,
So I thought as we rode along,
I would dash off this letter home.

Hon it is miserable here without you,
Please see the doc, you I don’t want to lose.
Wait a second, there is something up ahead,
Oh God, an RPG…we are dead.

BOOM!!!

~~~

Knock, knock.
Who could be here so early,
It is only nine o’clock.

Yes! Oh my God no,
Please tell me it isn’t so.

Mrs. Costickson?

Yes, yes, go away.
Don’t you hear what I said,

I am sorry, ma’am, we regret to inform you,
That Captain Costickson is missing and presumed dead.

Their convoy was attacked, his driver was killed instantly,
His sergeant made it out luckily,
But your husband was thrown clear landing on his head,
The incoming fire was scathing,
They had no choice but to leave him for dead.

A foray in force was sent back to rescue those left alive,
But the bodies were gone, when they arrived.
If there is anything we can do,
Ma’am, we will try to help you.

Ma’am, Ma’am, call a medic she has feinted from the stress,
Lay her on the couch and get her feet up and watch her dress.
There is smelling salts in the first aid kit
I will go fetch it quick.

It is okay honey, your mommy will be fine,
She is just sleeping, so don’t worry your pretty mind.
Here, here is the smelling salts, "Ma’am, Ma’am.
Is there any one we can call to stay with you?
I am sorry, my name is Sam.

Your father-in-law is at home,
Yes, I will give him a call,
You really shouldn’t be alone,
Not at all.

~~~

What happened? Where am I?

Infidel, you are the prisoner of a jihadee.
What is your name and why are you here,

I don’t know…I can’t remember.

Your uniform says you are Captain Costickson,
What is your unit? Where was the convoy going?

I swear, I don’t remember anything,
I don’t recognize that name or why I am wearing this thing.

You expect me to believe this is true,
It is just a trick perpetrated by you.

Oh, my head hurts bad, I must have hit it on something,
Do you have something for headaches? Anything?

I wouldn’t worry to much about your head,
Infidel, if you don’t start answering our questions,
You will soon be dead,
Without your head.

I swear…I really don’t know,
I don’t remember anything before I awoke.
That isn’t right, I should know.

I will take you to our leader,
he will know what to do,
He will know how to make you tell the truth.
If you do not speak a lie,
You may be saved and will not die.

So as the heat dies down,
We will be moving, infidel clown.
So rest now while you can,
For the trip is hard over land.

About that aspirin?
I guess that is to much to ask of him.
Why can’t I remember who I am?
How did I get here to this land?

I guess he is right, had better lie down,
I am feel pretty shaky, and my head does pound.
Just close my eyes then I can awake from this dream,
Maybe, who I am will come to me.

--Top--

How Can I Live Without You

by Judy Costea

Where is my husband Sean?
You said you left him there.
Why didn't they go back looking for him?
He is not dead, I want him here.

He has got to be okay, he is
I just know he is. Find him.

Ma'am we are doing what we can.

Find him, find him then.

Oh God, Sean where are you?

Ma'am, your father is on his way
And your father-in-law too
They are both coming here to stay.

Where is Sean? I need my husband.

Ma'am you are in shock from stress.

I need Sean Please get him for me.

Ma'am please lay back and relax.

Oh my God, No this can't be happening.
He promised me he would be careful.
God please, I need him so bad now.
You can't take him, he has been so wonderful.

Where is my daddy? I want to see my daddy.
Mommy what has happened to daddy, where?

Oh baby girl, I don't know where he is right now
But I promise we will find him somehow, you hear.

Oh mommy I can't believe daddy is dead

No your daddy is not dead, don't say that
Don't ever say that baby, daddy will be okay
We just have to pray to God, he knows where he is at.

God will help us find your daddy.
Oh my God, where are you Sean?
I knew this was not a good trip for him
I just knew something was going wrong.

Ma'am we will stay here til your father comes.

Oh God why did this have to happen, how?
Please tell me this is just a nightmare
I am just dreaming, please wake me now.

Mrs Costickson, Your husband's truck was hit.
As I said, your husband was thrown clear.
We sent men back to get those left alive,
But the bodies were gone when we got there.

Ma'am, You should just lay down til the medic gets here

No I need to find my Sean, I need to find him now.

But Ma'am, we need you to stay calm Ma'am.

You don't understand he is out there, I will find him somehow.

Yes Ma'am, But please lay back until the medic gets here.
My Babies, I need to get my babies in here.

Ma'am please don't get up, Ma'am please relax.

I need to get them now, I need my Sean, where?

Ma'am, Oh hell get that medic in here fast.
Help me with her, she has fainted again.
Be careful she is bleeding, where is that dang medic?
Get him in here quick, or he will have to explain.

Medic here Sir. About dang time, get in here.
Medic check Mrs Costickson out for me.
She is bleeding from her nose, not sure why.
I think from the stress maybe, check and see.

Mrs Costickson, can you hear me? Ma'am?

Hello who is in charge here? I am Seina's father.
What the hell is going on and who are all these men?
What is going on here with my daughter?

Sir, My name is Sam, we are here to inform.

Sam, you should have informed us before my daughter.

Sir we had to come here to inform Sean's wife.

Well I think you should have informed his father.

Papa, oh Papa, they said my daddy was dead.
Please Papa, make daddy come back, mommy is sick.
Papa I don't want mommy to die also, find daddy for her.

Baby girl, You let your Papa handle this, get Papa's walking stick.

Yes Papa, I will go get it out of the car for you.

Now Sam, there is no need to get everyone here upset
This family has been through enough as it is
We will handle it from here, you may take your men and get.

But Sir, she is bleeding from the nose and we need to..

I said we will handle it from here, I ask you to leave, go.

Yes Sir, Come on men pack up and lets get out of here.

Sam, you may leave the rest to us, I thank you though.

Come on men, lets head out we have a lot of work to do
Sir, I am sorry if we have caused any trouble here

No problem Sam, just doing your job I know that

Have a good day Sir, Hope your daughter is fair.

Hello, I am trying to contact Dr. Vance is he there?
Hello Vance, This is Seina's father, we need you fast.
She has passed out, they came from the unit today
Told her Sean is gone was killed after the blast.

How long will it take you to get here Vance
Sean's Father is on his way and his mother too.
My wife is out right now, she doesn't even know yet.
I have to contact her too, she will be very upset when I do.

Vance, Seina is bleeding from the nose what should I do?
Okay I will keep her head back til you get here, please rush.

Papa, why is mommy bleeding, is she dying too Papa?

No baby, please keep your voice down,
don't wake your sisters, hush.

Hurry and check on your sister to make sure they are asleep.
But be very quiet for they need not know what is going on.
Knock Knock, Hello Vance please come on in she's over here.
Oh my God she looks awful, In the hospital is where she belongs.

No we can't take her there Doc, you have to help her here.

What happened Please tell me what caused this anyway?

Military Affairs came by this morning with bad news about Sean.

Oh my God is he okay?

Well we don't know much yet today.

We need to get her taken care of before the babies wake.

Seina, can you hear me girl, wake up, wake up it's doc Vance.
Please sweety wake up for us, we are here with you.
Doc, whats wrong with her? Here move let me take a glance.

Seina, it's Doc Vance, can you hear me sweety, wake up.
That's it, come on, wake up girl, here sit up here talk to me.

Oh Vance, Daddy you're here too? Oh God where is Sean?
Daddy did you hear what they told me? Oh God it just can't be.

Calm down girl, let us get you taken care of first.

Daddy, what am I going to tell the girls, oh Daddy it just can't be
I don't believe he is gone, Please daddy tell me it is not so.

Seina, let Doc Vance get some blood from you, please for me.

Doc, you know I had called you this morning early

I was about to call you back Seina when your dad called me.
Let me get this blood and send it in to the lab right away.
I will put a rush on it so we can get it back and see.

Just lay back and relax now and let me get this done.
I think we may just find you over stressed and iron is low.

Doc, Sean was so after me about getting these test redone
He was so worried something was wrong with me, you know.

Seina, Sean’s parents are on the way over here to help out
I am still trying to get mom on the phone to let her know
We will be here with you so please don't get upset.

Daddy I am so glad you are here with me, I can't let him go.

Daddy he just can't be dead, I can't believe he is dead
I wont believe it either daddy, I know he is alive I feel it
While I was passed out I saw him reaching out to me daddy
God has been with him all this time,

Seina please just sit.

Where is Lacy at daddy? She was here when they came in.

She is okay, I talked with her already, she was worried about you
She said we had to find her daddy for you because you would die.

Oh daddy, please will you? Please find out what they are going to do.

You know I will Seina, but we have to make sure you are alright
These little girls are going to need you to be there for them
So once we get you taken care of then I will check it out
I will go to DC if I have to, to find out what they are doing about him.

Okay, I have the blood, now lets send it off to the lab for testing.
I want you young lady to stay right here on the sofa, head back.
We have to stop this bleeding somehow and If you don't,
Then it is off to the hospital for you. She needs a protein snack.

I will find something for her while you call in the lab
It shouldn't take them long to get out here to pick it up for the test.

Doc, what do you think is really going on with her? Iron or what?

Well, Seina has been under a lot of stress with very little rest.

Hello, Seina you home, it's Papa Costickson, you here girl?

Come on in she is on the sofa resting right now and can't get up.

Oh my God girl, what is going on here with you bleeding all over?

Oh Pop, I am so glad you are here, mom too, hand me my cup.

Seina, what is going on here with all this blood from you?

I'm not sure Pop,it all happened after they came here
Told me about Sean's truck and the bomb and I don't remember.
I woke up with blood all over my clothes and everywhere.

Mom, will you please go look in on the girls for me?

Sure sweetie I will be glad to check on them for you.

Pop have you told mom what is going on here yet?

Yes Seina, she is aware of what has happened too.

Pop, I can't believe this is happening to us again.
How can they just lose a body like that without a trace?

Honey in war it is possible to lose a lot more than just a body.
Seina, you were told to stay calm,
put this on your face.

Daddy, the girls they are crying.
What is going on with them?

Seina lay back down right now.
Seina, oh God, Doc quick she's out.
Doc, is she going to be okay? Seina! Can you hear me? It's daddy!

I'm sorry sir, she is not responding.
I will try to bring her about.

In the mean time call for the rescue squad, I will bag her.
I need to turn her over to her side to keep her from choking.
Tell them we have a women bleeding and is unconscious.
For them to call it in ahead to the hospital to be waiting.

I will meet them there soon as the rescue squad picks her up.
Let's get her over on her side so blood she can't choke on.
I hear the rescue squad coming, show them the way in.
We need to get her on to the hospital,
this is when she needs Sean.

Papa, where are they going with mommy, where is she going?

Lacy mommy is very sick,
it is the hospital she will be going to.

Papa I told you mommy needs daddy or she is going to die.
Mommy, wake up, please wake up, Lily, Leann needs you.

Oh Mommy please don't die, I am scared mommy please.
Where is my daddy? He needs to come back here somehow.
Oh Papa, why is all this happening to my mommy and daddy?
Papa, mommy can't live without daddy she needs him now.

Get her on the stretcher and let’s get her on to the hospital

Lacy you stay here with Gram and Papa Costickson.
I am going to the hospital with your mommy. Papa will call you.
I'm riding with you Doc Vance to the hospital, let’s run.

--Top--

Sean Returns

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Rise and shine,
American swine,
It is dark enough to leave,
And your compatriots to deceive.

Back here with the instruments of the band,
You will ride with them here in the van.
If you value your life, keep your head down,
For I will kill you if you make a single sound.

I understand, but why do you do this?
I will cooperate, I promise.
Will it take very long, to get where we go?

It is not your concern, infidel, only I need to know.
Quiet! We are leaving now,
No more noise, or POW!
Ahmed, do not speed,
We don't want to attract attention,
So take heed.

Yes Ali, I understand,
We don't want the infidels
To become suspicious of our van.

Oww! Watch the bumps on the road.

Quiet you infidel toad.
One more hour and Akhbar will decide,
Whether this one will live or die.

~~~

Akhbar my friend, I bring you a present,
We have an American service member,
That says his name he can't remember.

Ali, cousin of my mother,
It is good to see you my brother.
Let me see this that you have brought,
Why have you killed him naught?

He is the Captain from your village we have heard about,
That took in the children that were going without.
He has done much good and has merit,
And is protected by edict from all the clerics.

It is good you have brought him to me,
If he is lying, we shall see.
Hello Captain Costickson,
Do you know why you are here my friend?

I don't have any clue.
Do I know you?

No, you know me not,
But we know of your work, say what?
Oh yes, do you know what you do?

I must be in the army, I guess that is true.

Do you know the services you render?

I am sorry, I just don't remember.

Hmmm, this is a dilemma for us,
He has no memory, that I trust.

Without knowing why he is here,
Executing him is pointless I fear.
I will take him back to my village,
To the clerics there,
They can identify him, then maybe,
He will become aware.

But Akhbar, it is a dangerous trip.

True, but the clerics will take no lip.
Captain, you will join me in my Renault,
I will take you to my village where they, will you know.
If you are who your uniform says you are,
I will leave you there and depart in this car.
If not, you will be brought back here and I will behead,
And leave your corpse on the road, dead.

Captain, will you get in the back,
It will be safer if we are attacked.
Ali, keep your gun on him,
I apologize Captain, but you see the fix we are in.

I understand, I guess,

In your place I would have to do my best.

I am glad you understand,
But we are at war in this land.

~~~

Bakhmir, venerable leader and most high,
We have found an infidel here,
And he can't remember why.
He may be the Captain that you wrote us about.
The name on his uniform matched
So we brought him here to find out.

Is it him, Revered One?

It is he, my son.
Thank you for bringing the Captain to me,
Now leave here, go in peace.

Akhbar, thank you for the ride,
I really can't remember, I didn't lie.
If you come back by, stop in and see,
I would like to return your hospitality.

Captain, come inside and rest,
Meli, bring food and water for our guest.
Tomorrow Captain I will take you to your place
I will bid you goodbye, as they will send you away.

You have done much good for my people and our country,
We thank you for your sacrifices to make us free.
Your work with the children started as just an ember.

I am sorry venerable one, I just don't remember.

You will someday my friend,
And you will remember this conversation then.
Rest here til first light,
Rest easy Captain.Good night.

--Top--

Back to the States

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Hello. Do I know you?

Yes, my son you do.

I recognize the face but don't remember the name.
You will my son, for it is I Am.
Awake Captain, it is time to go.

I am awake, venerable one.
Do you not see the man there,
White as snow?

Awake, Captain for it is but a dream,

Why is it he doesn't see you it seems?

I only appear unto you, For you are here for my bidding to do.
Venerable one, he is there as clear as day,
But yet, you don't see him, you say?
Describe him Captain if you can.
He is about my height. Nice blue eyes,
A beard and Oh gross, there are holes in his hands.

Quick my son bow to the ground,
He is your God, quickly bow down.

Is it true? Are you really the one?

It is true, he is my father and I his son.

You say I am here to do your will,
What is it you wish my Lord that I should fulfill?

Ask the old one to rise for he will have a part to play,
His eyes I will open so he will make you stay.

My God, have I died?

No venerable one, I have opened your eyes.
You and my friend Sean,
Are on my mission.
To bring these people to Christ's love,
So I may report it to my father above.
I charge you both to spread the word,
That I live and your voices will be heard.
Sean you will be going home,
And venerable one my work you will carry on.

Lord, will I regain my memory?

In time my son with the help of a loving family.
Now it is time for me to go,
Time from this popsicle stand to blow.
See I am up with the time,
You know hip hop was really mine,
But this is a story for later on,
You two get busy, for like a paycheck,
I am gone.

Venerable one, am I going crazy?
Was I dreaming or did I really see.

It was not only you Sean, it was us,
We would both be crazy,
cause we just saw the one called Jesus.

~~~

Miss Lieaday, come quick
Something is going on in town.
Why would all these people be making this trip?

I don't know my dear,
Let me get my cameraman and we will go hear.
Andy! Andy! Where are you?
There you are, get your camera,
We have to get to town
And find out what is going down.
Hurry, hurry, this can't wait,
People are pouring into town from far away.
Excuse me ma'am, why the rush to town?

A cleric and a prophet saw God come down.

Andy, did you hear that?
We are the only crew close by,
We can scoop the world
And we don't even have to try.
Okay, set up your camera over by that tree,

Linda? Linda? Look, do you see what I see?

Oh my God! We thought he was dead.
Is he for real? Am I out of my head?
No. It is the Captain I see,
He is alive as alive can be.
He and the cleric are speaking to the crowd,
They are speaking of God so proud.
Let me see if I can get to him.
Excuse me, I must talk to the Captain,
I am a friend.
No, please, let go of me,
I know him and please set me free.

Please be still and let the woman through.
Miss what is it you ask of me to do?

Captain Costickson? Don't you recognize me?

I don't recall that you I ever did see.

What about your family:
Seina, Leann, Lily, and Lacy?

I am sorry; the memories aren't there for me.

Andy, keep the cameras rolling on us,
Captain, you have to remember your sergeant,
And the old children's home bus?

I am sorry miss,
But I don't remember this.
Your holiness, he has to come back with me, He needs to recover his memories.
I know young lady, but these people have traveled far,
To hear the word of Christ,
And the meaning of the star.

I understand, but he can stay til evening prayer,
Then he must return so he can get care.

Do I have a choice Miss?

I am afraid not, Captain, not in this.
The army has the final say,
And they will want you back right away.
They will send you back home for medical care,
To help you get your memories back there.
They will reunite you with your family,
And once you are cured will set you free.
You have a family there
That are devastated thinking you are dead,
They really care.

I guess if this is so,
Venerable one,
I must go.
I will stay in touch via our mutual friend,
He that is the alpha and omega,
the beginning and the end.
If you require anything, I will know,
And it will be sent before I go.

Peace to you my brother,
Bless you as you go,
Tell you children's mother,
She is a lucky woman.
She should know.

Ma'am, how do you know me?

I would like to say we were romantically involved back when,
But that wouldn't be true, and in your condition a sin.
Besides, back home you have a wonderful family.
Go home Captain, it is where you belong,
You have had your share of misfortune and been away, way to long.
Come here and let me kiss you goodbye,
Then go into the Headquarters before you see me cry.

Goodbye Miss Lieaday,
I don't know what to say.
I have no memory of you or why we are here,
I will thank you now though, in case it never is clear.

Bye you big lug.

~~~

Welcome back Captain,
We will get you a flight out.

Meantime, may I preach to the devout?

I don't see a problem with it,
You seem to be quite a hit.

My son, you only know the half of it.

Captain, we have news from HQ,
They are sending a chopper for you.
You are to leave immediately,
You are going directly to the states it seems.
I will have to ask you to wait in the ready room,
Sir, the chopper will be here soon.

Thank you lieutenant, I will do just that,
With all the hubbub I could use a little cat nap.

Captain, Captain, wake up. It is time to go.

Lieutenant, you just woke me from a wonderful dream,
There was this raven-haired beauty, I seemed to know,
Dancing in thigh-highs she made my heart steam.

Yes sir, I understand.
That was Mrs. Costickson,
You are a lucky man.

How how do you know?

Sir we don't have time you have to go.
Here take this, it is the picture she sent you,
Tell her the camp appreciated it with all respect due.
Have a safe flight sir, wish it were me,

Don't worry Lieutenant, it will soon be.

~~~

Mister Costickson,
I am glad I found you here,
Is the Captain's wife upstairs.

No Sam, shortly after you departed,
To the hospital she was carted.

Sir, have you been watching the news?

God NO, Sam are they reporting him dead too?
Is this what this is about?

No Sir, it is good news, they have found him.

His body?

No, sir, he is alive and they are bringing him out.
Are you okay sir, you better sit a spell.

I am okay Sam, you have delivered us from this hell.

Sir, the details aren't real clear,
Something about amnesia, I fear.
They have him on a flight straight to the states,
It will land at zero nineteen-hundred hours at the south gate
They will take him to the hospital out at the base,
Is his Missus in that place?

Yes Sam she is, I should be calling her room,
I must be spaced.
Thank you Sam you are a good lad,
That is the best news we have had.

Effie! They have found our son
he is alive.

Dada is alive? Yes sweetie and he is coming home.
Ain't that a surprise.

Fred, you wouldn't tease about something like this?

No my dear wife, that would be remiss.
I need to call the hospital and tell Wes,
I know he and Maggie will want to know this.

Yes, yes, Fred, call Wes.

I am, just let me find the number see,
Hello, nurse Amy,
Is Wes and Maggie still in Seina Costickson's room?

No, they are on the way home, visiting hours are over way to soon.

Thank you, I will catch them there,
We have news that is the answer to our prayers.
Good bye.

Seina, if in my prayers you can hear me,
Sean is alive and you will see,
He is coming here,
They set him free.

Hold on dearie, it won't be long,
My son and your husband will be home.
Sleep precious one,
Soon you will have your Sean.

~~~

Hello, I. You on this flight too?

For a little while my son, I must speak with you.
Because you did my will and turned the tide,
I am sending you back to your family's side.
They have been praying to me night and day,
I heard their pleas and let me say,
Because they are so devout,
They touched my heart so I have brought you out.
Your wife needs you now as you will see?

But I, I don't have her memory.

You will my son, give it time,
Your baby girls lives are on the line.

You will recover your memory of your dove,
Because next to mine, there is no greater love.
Go in peace and have no fear,
Because you know I am always near.

Thanks I, I will be strong,
Cause I know you are never wrong.
I just wish this fog would lift,

It will soon my son and it will be a glorious gift.
I must go now the cleric needs shot,
To bolster this new faith he has got.
See you soon take care.

You too I, blessed and so fair.

Captain, who were you talking to?

A friend ma'am, just a friend who
Died for us women and men,
On a cross of wood for our sins.
It was a prayer you see,
Just between my friend God and me.

I am sure Captain, fasten you seatbelt please,
We will be landing shortly in the land of the free.

~~~

Welcome back Captain, see you had a safe trip,
I am to get you directly to the hospital,
And not take any lip.

No problem Major,
I don't understand why I should go there,
But I guess
The army knows best.

I heard you lost your memory,
Do you think Captain, that is why, maybe?

I lost my memory, that is true,
And if this is what they want then this I will do.

Glad to hear it, here is your stop
See the lady at the desk there,
Don't stop to shop.

Yes sir, will do as directed,
To the lady at the desk
Am I expected.

Captain, do I look like your social secretary?
Get your stuff and don't tarry.

Yes sir! I am on my way,
Thank you for the lift and have a good day.

Excuse me ma'am, I believe you are expecting me?

May I have your name please?

Costickson, Sean, Captain, U.S. Army.

Costickson, Costickson, here it is, you are in 203.

Do I need to do anything else while I am here?

No, Captain, all your information is clear.
Your doctor will stop by about twenty-thirty,
You can clean up in your room,
You are looking pretty dirty.

I know and I apologize,
I just got back
From a desert in Iraq.
Twenty-thirty, I will be ready, I can't understand why I am here, is it Betty?

Evidently, you had a major bump on the head,
I am sure they will want to run some tests,
Before you go to bed.
Hurry on up to your room,
The doc will be there soon.

Thank you ma'am, I am on my way,
If I get in that bed, I will sleep forever and a day.

I am sure you will be fine,
Oh there is...never mind.
You can use the elevator over there,
Have a good evening and take care.

Hello, second floor nurse's station,
Captain Costickson, is on the way up
Can you take care of him?

From what I have heard about him,
You bet.

Shame on you, he is a married man.

He doesn't remember, does he?
Just kidding, gotta go, just heard the elevator land.

You going to get him into his room dear?

No, I will just watch him from here.
Look he is going to the wrong room,
Just my luck, we got a loon.

Captain, not in there,
Your room is over here.
SHHH, we must let her rest,
You were lost and she took it hard,
Your family and hers have taken up the ward.
Doctor Vance, will be seeing you,
So you must get back to your room.

Can't I just sit with her til the Doctor comes by,
I don't remember, but I must try.
I have never seen anyone as lovely in my memory
Please, let me stay, the doctor will find me.

Well, she is your wife, you can sit in that chair,
Just promise you will not wake her.

I promise, I will be quiet as a mouse,
If I wake her I would be a real louse.
Here, will you put my bag in my room there,
I am just going to sit down in this chair.
I, if you are listening there,
If I can have this lady,
My memory, I don't care.
Somehow, we are connected,
I can feel the electricity,
She is the one with whom I want to be.
Will you look at this beautiful hand,
And they say I am her man.
I am truly blessed if this is true,
Dear Lord, I owe it all to you.

Pretty lady, I love you,
Stay asleep, while I hold your hand,
Know well this love is true,
You own the heart of this man.
My eyes, must stay awake,
Doc is coming for tests to taaaakke.

Nurse, where is the Captain, he isn't in his room?
He is expecting you, he knew you would be here soon.

I let him sit with his wife in a chair.
Room 202 right over there.

I hope he hasn't wakened her,
The shock is not in the plan,
Nurse, will look at this.

Well I will be damned,
They are sound asleep,
Holding each other's hands.

--Top--

Sean Meets His Mom and Dad

by Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Sean. Wake up. You must come away.
She needs her rest. You hear what I say?
Do I know you sir?
It is me Sean, your favorite doctor.
 
I am sorry, I don’t remember.
You don’t remember your best buddy and partner?
No. I am sorry I don’t remember you at all.
Don’t you worry, buddy, I will help you recall.
 
I am Doctor Morgan Vance,
Does that ring a bell by chance?
I didn’t think it would,
Let’s get those tests like we should.
 
Who is she doc? She seems so…
Familiar is the word you are looking for.
Yes, but yet there is this fog
And I can’t remember to save my life.
Buddy, you will, for that is your wife.
 
How could I have been so lucky to have a fox like that?
I don’t know buddy, but she is where it is at.
Your mom and dad will be here in a bit,
So let’s get these tests over with.
 
I know they are dying to see you now
Do you remember them anyhow?
Nope, not a clue.
Just go along and follow my cues.
 
It has been hard enough on them,
Waiting for you to come home.
No use alarming them that your memory is gone.
Just play along with the charade,
Until your memory is back then we will have it made.
 
Okay, in this room for an MRI,
I will be back for you in a little while.
I will go fetch your folks up to your room,
Don’t go anywhere I will be back real soon.
 
Doc? Will she be okay?
Who?
The beautiful lady.
She should be fine,
We are running some tests to ease our minds.
 
See you later my friend.
I will pick you back up
when your test is at an end.
 
~~~
 
Wes. This is Fred Costickson,
Is Seina okay?
Wes, can you come over right away,
We have news of our son.
 
Yes, they said he is on his way to the hospital now,
Yes this is good news and how.
Can you and Maggie come watch the babies,
So Effie and I can go see him maybe?
 
Great, be seeing you in a few,
Blessings be on Maggie and you.
Are the children asleep, Effie?
They were a few minutes ago,
I will go and see.
 
Hurry and get your purse so
When they get here you will be ready to go.
Settle down, Fred,
Let me make sure the babies are in bed.
 
~~~
 
Effie, Fred, step this way please,
I will bet, knowing your son is alive and well
Puts your mind at ease.
Yes, but that is to be seen,
If he is okay, I mean.
 
We heard he has lost his memory,
Is that true? Don’t sugar-coat it for me.
There are indications this is true,
We are running tests on him for you.
This could be a long term thing,
Or short, we just don’t know,
All of the sudden something may go ding,
Or his memory may return slow.
 
If you will wait here in his room,
I will check to see if his tests are done.
If you see Seina, don’t let on,
I don’t want her excited until her tests are run.
 
~~~
 
Seina, can you wake up?
The doctor wants to run some tests,
Here, take this pill, there is some water in that cup.
No, no, no, come on. Later you can rest.
 
Thatagirl, shake those cobwebs loose,
Do you think you can stand?
I will get a wheelchair if you choose.
 
Thank you, nurse, you are so kind,
I was dreaming of Sean in my mind.
We were picnicking at the lake,
And my hand he did take.
 
Somehow I could almost feel him there,
But I know, he will find a way to come back here.
Maybe sooner than you know, ma’am.
You know something, don’t you? Swear.
They have found your man.
 
What is it you are telling me?
Your husband is here, having tests run,
Cause he lost his memory
From his injury.
 
Where is he? I have to see him now.
After your tests, now calm down.
No, No, to hell with the tests,
I can’t wait…this isn’t fair,
I – I …ohhh, maybe I will take that chair.
 
There will be plenty of time for getting acquainted once more,
After these tests we will better know the score.
Don’t worry, he knows you are here,
He walked into your room and fell asleep, holding your hand there.
 
I will do the tests but please make it fast,
I can’t believe I will see him at last.
Come on, downstairs we will sashay,
Who knows, maybe we will see him on the way.
 
~~~
 
How’s it going buddy? They about done?
Yeah doc, Can’t say it has been fun.
Good, pull you clothes on and we will go upstairs.
Will the pretty lady be there?
 
She will eventually,
She too is here for tests, you see.
Is there anything wrong?
We will know after the tests
It won’t be long.
 
Meanwhile there are some folks waiting for you,
I don’t know anyone…who?
It is your mom and your dad too.
That is who.
 
I told them about your memory
They won’t be surprised see.
I greased the skids for you
Now you do what you gotta do.
 
Hello, mom and dad,
The doc has told you about my memory,
I don’t remember you, but don’t be sad,
It may come back in a rush you see,
Or you may have to just love this brand new me.
 
Oh, my little boy, come let me hold you.
You will always be my baby and that is true.
Son we are happy to have you back,
After that heinous attack.
 
Looks like you have lost some weight,
But I am sure Seina’s cooking will put it back mate.
Where is…Seina…you called her?
They took her for tests down stairs.
Does she seem familiar?
 
I don’t know, dad,
I was drawn to something she had,
Some effect I couldn’t explain,
But being away from her causes me pain.
 
That is called love, son,
She has always been the only one.
Somehow, that I knew,
Something clicked between us two.
 
Doc, can he come home,
Not tonight, Fred, but we won’t keep him here long.
Maybe a day or three,
Just have to wait and see.

--Top--

Letter from Linda

By Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Dear Mrs. Costickson,
I am writing you to inquire about Sean,
When we put him on the plane here,
His memory wasn’t too clear.

Though we have never met
It is like I know you cause
He would read us the letters he would get.
It brought us all a little closer to home,
And let me say his love for you was next to none.

All he could talk about was you,
About coming home and the things he would do.
About his baby girls and the pleasure they give,
I know without you, he cannot live.

When you see him
Tell him we are doing fine,
That the Venerable one is really changing minds.
The people are flocking to hear him teach,
It is almost like listening to my minister preach.

The home here is starting to flourish,
The food your churches are sending,
Gives the children food that nourishs.

The war still goes on,
But where we are at,
It has died down.

Thanks to Sean and the goodness he had,
Life here isn’t half bad.
I am still the house mother,
And men from town and the troops
Have started a local program called "Big Brothers”.

The Love here that abounds,
Brings light into the darkness all around.
It is amazing to see the changes being made,
All because of the foundation, Sean laid.

Tell Sean, the big lug,
That Linda says, "Thank you”
And sends a big hug.

Thank you for all your support back there,
It has made a lot of lives better here.
Well, it is time to start the evening meal,
Because of your efforts, we have food to deal.

Thanks again and I wish you all well,
I have found my home…a beautiful garden…in hell.
I don’t mean that in a bad way,
It is because of Sean, that there is a hope’s ray.

Please do stay in touch,
Your letters to us means so much.
It gives us that taste of home,
That is missed so much since we are gone.

I have to go before I cry,
So God bless you and Sean,
Good bye.

Love,
Linda

--Top--

Seina Meets Sean Again

by Judy Costea

Nurse, can we hurry this along please
I want to go back up and see my Sean
How much longer are you going to be
Ma'am as long as it takes these test to run.

Please hurry along, I am very anxious
Yes I do understand Ma'am will be soon
Oh God how I have waited for this moment
And now I have to wait in this darn room.

My goodness how long is this going to take
Where is that Doctor when I need him, Vance
Ma'am Dr Vance is on his way down here
Can this thing go any faster by chance.

Seina, I hear you are giving them a fit here
Oh Vance, Please tell them to speed it up a bit
I am very anxious to see my husband Sean
I feel like I will go crazy just trying to sit.

Seina, I have something to tell you about Sean
Doc, What is it, is it something bad, Oh God no more
Calm down young lady and let me explain this
Sean is not the way you remember him before.

What do you mean Vance, Sean is ok isn't he
He will be ok Seina but he has some memory loss
Oh my God, will he get it back Doc, or not
Thats what we are hoping for, but it is a toss.

Oh Vance, you mean he wont remember me
How, How could this happen and what do I do
Seina, we ran some test on him lets just see
Oh God, How did he react Doc when he saw you.

Well, he did not remember me but lets wait
Maybe seeing you again will awaking his memory
Oh Vance, what do I say, what do I do then
Seina, all we can do is just wait and we'll see.

Vance, I want to get myself cleaned up a bit
I don't want him to have to see me like this
I look a mess and I feel like such a big mess
Oh sweetie he has already seen you and gave you a kiss.

What, When did he do that Vance are you kidding
Nope I am not kidding, he has been there with you all day.
Oh God and I have been asleep the whole time
Thats right young lady and he held your hand and stayed.

He says he feels some kind of attachment to you
He's not sure what it is but he feels something there
I asked him if he remembers you he said no not really
We are hoping it is just temporary memory loss here.

His test show no signs of swelling in or on the brain
That is a good sign and tells me it could be
He is upstairs with his parents right now, thats good
When you come up he wants to see you, can he?

Vance, I won't know what to say or do with him
Seina, you must just act like nothing is wrong
He is remembering some bits of his mom and dad
The more time you spend with him, will help him along.

What about our children Doc, what do I say
Just talk about the kids as if he knows them
Oh Vance this is a bit weird, what will he say
I am a bit nervous like we are first meeting again.

It will feel that way for awhile til he remembers
I will have your test back shortly now you must go
Vance I am scared, do you think he will like me
Oh don't be silly, he already loves you this I know.

Now run along and go back to your room up there
I will have the nurse bring him in once you are in bed
I want you to rest now and not get upset you hear
Until I get your test results back on your head.

I also had your blood checked when you came in
So something should tell us what is going wrong
Why you kept passing out maybe your so stressed out
Maybe your iron is low and has been all along.

I'll see you upstairs with your results in a bit
Try not to get stressed when Sean comes in there
Everything will be fine just take it slow and easy
He's not sure, but felt like he knew you from somewhere.

Nurse, Please take Seina back to her room
Make sure she gets in her bed and no stress
Sean and his parents can come in to visit but not long
Seina is still going to need to keep calm and rest.

Ok Seina lets get you in the bed and laying down
Nurse, can you tell my husband I am back in my room
Remember what Doc Vance said though no stress
I know, I'll be fine, hold on let me put on some perfume.

Does my hair look ok the way it is, it was a mess
You look just lovely, no need to worry he loves you
How do you know, cause I heard him talking to Doc
Oh, I remember Vance saying something about it too.

Do I really look ok though, sorry to keep being a pest
Ma'am you look just fine, wish I had beautiful hair like that
Thank you Nurse, but I want to look my best for him
Well I can say, you will be a welcome beauty after combat.

Let me go get him right now, be right back in
I am a bit nervous did I tell you, like our first date
Yes only a hundred times you told me, thats so cute
Don't fret Seina, you will be just fine after all this wait.

Dear God, Please let him be ok and get back to himself
I am so nervous God, I don't know what I'm going to say
Please God, let him know who I am I need my Sean back
His girls need their daddy how will they react to him this way.

Oh God, Please I beg you to bring him back to us
Let him remember who we are and his girls he loved so much
I am scared God, I don't know what to do or say to him
I want so bad to reach out to him but I am afraid to touch.

I don't know how he will react to me if I did reach out
It would kill me if he were to just pull away from me
Please be here with us God when he comes in here
We need you to help us get through this I do believe.

Oh God, I hear him talking in the hall with the Nurse
I feel like I am just going to be a nervous wreck, oh why
Here he comes towards my room God stay with me
My heart is racing, I feel like I am going to break down and cry.

Oh My God, look at him, he looks so bad, oh it hurts
God what happened to him, he looks awful slim
Sean, this is your wife Seina please step into the room
Seina your husband Sean, I will leave you alone with him.

Seina, That is such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady
Thank you Sean, please have a seat in the chair next to me
I'm sorry I am a nervous wreck right now, don't mind me to much
Well Seina, seems we have both been through a lot, so I see.

Seina, do not be nervous around me, I feel a connection
Somehow I feel as though I know who you are
Yet my head is still very cloudy when I try to remember
But Doc Vance said it has gotten better so far.

So Sean, you don't remember anything about us
Your daughters or our house where we live and such
Seina, I feel some kind of closeness but that is all
Doc Vance said it will come back to me, it's all so much.

Please Seina, do not cry, I know it is alot on you
It will happen for me, I have faith in God to help me
He seems to always be there when I need him you know
Just give it some time, God will help wait and see.

Oh Sean, you don't know how good it is to see you
All the letters back and forth we both wrote to each other
How scared I was when you were moved each time
The love held us together got us through for one another.

Seina, by the way I have something of yours I found
It is a picture I had in my pocket of you when when they found me
This picture kept me going and thinking I had to get back
Wasn't sure of what I was getting back to, now I see.

I also had these three pictures of three beautiful girls
I was told they are mine and I hope that is true
I can see you in them, your beauty the blue in their eyes
I thought I had lost my mind, that was until I saw you.

Oh Sean, yes those are our little girls you have there
This is Lily the baby, then Leann, then Lacy is here
Your three precious angels, daddies little girls they are
I know Seina, it will all come back to me somewhere.

Oh Sean, We missed you so much and the girls
Well they cryed for you so much while you were gone
Leanna was the worst of them all, she got mad at me
It made me feel like I had done something wrong.

Oh Seina, I could never imagine you doing anything wrong
You love those girls so much, I see it in you
I can feel it in my heart the love you have for all three
Without you what would they have to look forward too.

Seina, May I please kiss your lips, they are looking ripe
I feel this urge to kiss you for some reason it's strong
Sean, I would love for you to kiss me and you may
I don't see any reason why you can't, nothing wrong.

Oh Seina, Your lips are like silk and so sweet to taste
Sean, you used to say that to me when we were out on a date...
Oh God, I remember that so clear as if it were yesterday
Oh Sean do you remember that, when we would come in late.

--Top--

Letter From Sean’s Sergeant

By Ferrell L. "Huck” Hickson

Dear Mrs. Costickson,

You don’t know me,
But I was assigned to Sean here overseas.
I am very happy to hear he is well,
I tried to reach him after the attack,
But the fire was heavy as hell.
 
To save the convoy,
We had to get out of there,
I wouldn’t have left the boy,
But we had to get clear.
 
Well, when we were packing up his stuff,
We found this letter, and it was a tear jerker sure enough.
I am sending it along with the other stuff to you,
I am sure, with it, you will know what to do.
 
~~~
 
My Love,
Oh, Seina, I don’t know
Seems just as we are to be together again,
I have to go.
 
It’s as if some great plan,
Is to keep us apart.
Surely not God’s hand.
 
Sometimes, when we are apart,
I begin to lose faith,
I begin to lose heart.
 
I realize our time, though short,
We must not minimize the import.
I know I have been called for his great plan,
Or why would I have been delivered so many times by his hand.
 
The separations are getting hard to take,
Each separation seems to be tempting fate.
I just can’t continue without you by my side,
If this be our fate, he should have let me die.
 
I love you Siena, enough for a million hearts.
I just can’t bear again, being apart.
So my darling, to you I will cling like glue,
For never again will I allow myself to be separated from you.
 
Effective immediately, upon my return, I will resign my commission,
And with you, take up God’s mission.
We will again be a family,
You, Leann, Lily, Lacy, and me.
 
We will grow old together
As it was meant to be.
Sitting in our rockers on the front porch in inclement weather,
And reminiscing old memories.
 
I think God knows, that you are my strength,
And for his love and yours I would go any length.
It is your love that makes me greet each day with a smile,
It is his, that helps me go that next mile.
 
So, if I make it through this war,
I will be a roamin’ no more.
So keep those home fires burnin’,
I am doing everything in my power,
To insure I will be returnin’
 
Gotta go now. I got that off my chest,
Duty calls, give the kids my best.
Tell the Moms and Dads,
I miss you all so bad,
But I will be coming home,
It won’t be long,
Then
 
~~~

I am sorry ma’am, that was all he wrote,
There was a mortar attack and we scrambled for the moat.
His tent took a direct hit,
And I guess he never got back to it.
 
He was busy caring for the wounded and dead,
Sewing up wounds and removing lead.
I swear I have never seen anyone with that much fortitude,
Working day and night without interlude.
 
He cared for his men and the kids too,
There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do.
He was a human dynamo,
It was really hard to let him go.
 
I know, without a doubt,
That he would have wanted the convoy out.
Well, I have work to do,
Tell the Captain, that I said,
We will pray for you.

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A First Date

By Ferrell L. "Huck" Hickson

Speaking of late
Are you hungry,
How about a date?

Whoa, you are a smooth talker,
I don’t know how far I would get
Without a walker.

You stay right there,
I will sneak out and find you a chair.

Why sir, do you think this proper?
We just met, and look at the hour.

Oh, yeah, I guess you are right,
We should wait until tomorrow night.
I will just cross over to my room and go to bed.

Don’t you dare,
Get back over here,
Have you lost your head?

I was just teasing you, I wouldn’t have gone.

Least I see your sense of humor hasn’t changed
Since you left home.

Oh, Seina, I don’t ever want to be apart.
I know somehow, you own my heart.
Let me get you that chair
We can go to that all night diner over there.

Sean, Vance will be livid that we snuck out.

It is okay, I will tell him we were hungry
And he knows how I love trout.

You are incorrigible, but let’s go.
Will you hand me my slippers there,
Who is to know?
Look under your chair.

Oh, God it is so good to have him here,
Even if his memory isn’t clear.
Just having him close to me,
Is enough, Lord. Thank thee.

Okay, see if you can snag a chair,
And I will try to do something with this hair.

My dear you can’t improve on perfection.

Are you hitting on me? Is that what I am detecting?

With every fiber of my being,
I want to remember,
Every thing about you Seina,
Which is now just a glowing ember.

I am trying to turn the memory,
Into a raging flame,
But as I come near, it flees,
As though it will not be claimed.

It will come my love,
Sure as there is a God above.
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself that you worry,
It only runs faster if you hurry.

Now sneak out and get that chair.
They brought me up in one,
So it should be out there.

Hurry back my love and my heart,
The seconds seems like hours
When we are apart.

Well, so far so good,
He looks a little gaunt,
But that is understood.
My heart must start to slow,
Or I will pass out before we go.

~~~

Now where could they have put that chair.
Crap! It is by the nurses’ station there.
Hmmm, this lab coat should do the trick,
I will pose as an orderly and the chair I will get.

Evening ladies, I was sent for the chair.

Go ahead and take it, it is right there.
Don’t bother us with asking, just be on your way,
Wait, orderly, you may as well take this tray.

Yes ma’am, right away.

~~~

Seina are you ready to go?
Your chariot awaits, my lady…Hello?!?

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