Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Happy Easter!

Resurrection day is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year and I have tried to keep it special in our family- big meal and lots of gifts (just like Christmas!). This year was a little different without Jim. I still made a big turkey dinner but instead of lots of gifts with the Easter basket, this year I let the girls get one big ticket item along with their annual Easter candy and outfit. Erika wanted a bass amp for her bass guitar that she got for her graduation gift a couple of years ago. Jessika wanted to see WICKED in Chicago and Monika wanted a basketball hoop in the front yard. The first two were easy (actually Jessi’s was the most fun since I had to take her- see photos!), but the basketball hoop took almost half the day to assemble. Since I couldn’t find a wrench most of the bolts are hand screwed in (I will need to do some tightening after borrowing a ratchet set). Everyone was pretty pleased. Jim sent a box to the girls of gifts as well with t-shirts and shawls (see photo).

More good news-- This week Jim’s schedule was changed back to his original evening set up, so we are back to being able to communicate more often. Erika purchased (in my name but with her money) a “new” Ford Focus (a 2007 “used” car with 18k but fully loaded- photo of car with Jessi & I on our way to Chicago). She was quite tickled about the whole purchase. Now she just needs to pass that test!

Birthday greetings

Jim's birthday is April 10th; he will be 42! Lately his life has been a bit harsh. They changed his schedule and some of his duties. He is out more now and not as accessible to the phone and web which means he can not communicate nearly as much as he used to with the outside world (ME!). There have been some attacks on the base lately which means a lot more stress in general for all, of course. One of Jim's duties is to deal with some of the funeral arrangements, so when solders die, not only is it a big bummer but Jim has a lot more work on his hands. Three solders died this week.

In general, he is well and safe, but...

To send Jim birthday greetings just drop a card in the mail with a regular US stamp (no special postage required). He is getting mail within a week!

Note; Jim hangs out in the Tillman center on Bagram Air Base sometimes. The Pat Tillman USO center is the first USO center to open in Afghanistan. It opened today two years ago.