When I stepped off the bus this morning, I never knew and could hardly ever have imagined that I would find out that Isabella is pregnant. Now I can't say it is a complete surprise, for, well, I kind of could not keep it in my pants. This was bound to happen sooner or later, and I can honestly say that I am grateful that it did not happen at camp. Well, it sort of did, but at least she is not pregnant and deploying. The mere thought that I, half a broken man, am becoming a father brings another accomplishment to mind. I am still a boy, learning to be a man, but now I am going to be a man that needs to learn how to be a father. This is terrifying; I can take a mission head-on but put a little life in my arm. I am about to learn a whole new meaning to life.Now there is only one life that has become important to me, apart from Isabella's, that is. I might not be holding my child in my hands, but I know exactly what Harrison means. Yes, Isabella cannot deploy anymor

I have just shattered my mom's heart, and I fear this time it is beyond repair. It is not that we planned for this on purpose; it is just what is best for our son. Yes, I am being rather ambitious, but I do believe that this is a boy. Yesterday my biggest worry was what would happen if we get back to base camp. Today my only worry is for the future of my child. I just hope that everyone shall see it that way.Now my dad has come up with an idea, and to say that I am not curious would be a lie. But we all know that my father and his plans never end up well. That is why I am even too scared to ask, and to make things worse; he is going to have to run it past my mom. And right now, she is not doing well at the receiving end of any news.So I am waiting patiently for my dad to tell me what this idea is that he has, "So what is the plan?""Well, I don't know how well your mom is going to take this.""If it is going to break her heart, then I am guessing not we

They say that sometimes you do not realize the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. The day I look back at this moment, I will remember the day that my family made a sacrifice and followed me so that I can follow my dreams. To say that I am not humbled would be a lie. I have never experienced so much joy in my life as what I have experienced on this single day. The best memory by far shall be when this boy became a real man.So it seems like the Jacksons are moving to California. Well, not all of them are definitely sure. Matt seems to have some doubts about making this move with the rest of us. What I do find hard to understand is what is keeping him here. The future here in this town holds nothing for him.Seeing the confusion on his face as he struggles through this decision does pain me a bit. In a way, I do feel that I am a slight bit selfish. I am asking a man to pack up a life he feels comfortable with. I will not push him even further; this is a decisio

It is just before sunrise on what will be our last morning in this small little town close to the end of nowhere. Today I say goodbye to my life here. I might come back here someday when I come to see Matt, but in over a little than two hours, I shall get on a bus and leave this all behind. Next to me is my new life; she looks even more radiant than she did yesterday. If there were ever two things that I did right in my life, then it is Isabella and the Corps.One thing I can't get right is to propose to her. I know that it is what I want to do; in a way, I am scared that she might say no, and this ego of mine will not take a heartbreak so easily. Yes, being a fearless Marine is something, but opening myself completely is another thing. I missed the perfect moment last night; from here on end, it is everything deployment. The next week is going to be the worse time that we shall ever face in our relationship.I need to do this today, it is not going to be romantic, but

It has come to that time again that I need to say my goodbyes. The week has come and gone faster than I wanted. It feels that I have not spent near enough time with Isabella. The most unbearing thing shall be being away from the baby. I have grown fond of the idea and even more attached to something that has not yet even given shape. To say that I am not going to miss the both of them with be a lie.The anticipation of deploying on the other side is equally just exciting. This time we will be away for a definite six months. This time the stakes are higher, and the danger is far greater. Camp Baharia in Fallujah, the base name, has a tight connection with its operating force; in fact, the Marine Corps are referred to as mushaat al baharia in the Arabian language; hence the free translation, the name describes the navy walkers. Among the military troop and plenty of other officials, including the 2-nd Battalion 1-st Marines, it is referred to as Dreamland.And this is wh