* Tristan, Good Bye, Again

Saying "good bye" is not easy and during the past 3 years of Tristan's enlistment with the Marine Corps we have had numerous "good byes" and the task does not seem become easier with practice.   Disappointed that a 2 1/2 week leave was replaced with a 3 day leave and the deployment date was moved a month earlier than anticipated, we grabbed time together where and when we could.  Fortunately, Bill is in a very understanding occupation and I am in the position where we can be flexible with our time.  We were able to follow Tristan back to Camp LeJuene and spend time with him whenever he had time off from duty.  And so we spent our afternoons and evenings going to Tristan's haunts in the area.  Our first evening took us to Swansboro, where Tristan usually spends his Sundays after church.  We ate at his usual eatery and walked across the street to "George's", the owner of the cigar shop.  Sitting on the veranda of George's establishment, various people stopped by during Tristan's 2 hour cigar smoke to chat and wish him well.   We also spent time in Wilmington,strolling the boardwalk, finding a great place for dinner, another place for something sweet and finally, a drink at one of Tristan's favorite water-holes.  However, as the picture indicates, Tristan spent a great deal of time texting Sarah, Tristan's girlfriend.  Last month our cell phone bill indicated nearly 1500 voice minutes and nearly as many text messages!            

Alas, time marches on and the day of deployment arrived. Rows of marines lined the lot as gear was checked and re-checked and finally loaded.  The young men gave final hugs to families and friends, lined up, boarded the bus and rode to the ship.  Tristan will be on the USS Carter-Hall, part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone

In the ranks of death you will find him;

His father's sword he hath girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him;"

Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,

"Tho' all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,

One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain

Could not bring that proud soul under;

The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,

For he tore its chords asunder;

And said "No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and brav'ry!

Thy songs were made for the pure and free,

They shall never sound in slavery!"

God bless thee and keep thee

May his face shine upon thee

And until we meet again

May he keep thee in the palm of his almighty hand.