AlwaySane Is In Da House

News from Iraq

I just received news from a good friend of mine, Michelle Cuthrell, this morning that her husband will not be coming home as planned. Due to President Bush extending the deployment period of his unit for an "indefinite duration" to control the situation in Baghdad, we are looking at a period of 3 months or longer.

Michelle was a dear friend of mine not only due to the circumstances under we met, but also because how much we get to love each other in that short period of time.

I met Michelle back in 2002, when I was an exchange student in Ithaca College. She was a Junior in the Journalism program and absolutely charged to come to Singapore as an exchange student. It was funny because the reason why she wanted to come to Singapore was due to how "strict" the press is. She wants to have a different experience from the more liberal press the US has.

In Singapore, we met and I got to know about her good news. She is engaged to her now-husband Matt and planned to get married in 2004, after she graduate from college. We went out a lot, watched Chinese opera, had xiao long bao at Crystal Jade, and went to New Creation Church (which she absolutely adored). At the end of her stay, we promised each other that we'll meet again.

And in fact, we did. In May 2004, I went to Ohio to attend her wedding. Even though it was her wedding, Michelle made sure I was taken care of. She found me a wonderful family to live with, and made sure I am riding in the same car as my good friend Steve, just so I don't feel awkward. We had so much fun talking, and her telling me good memories of Boat Quay and NTU.




It was one of the best weddings I've ever been to. The theme of the wedding was Cinderella Ball and everyone dressed in beautiful gowns and tux. Lots of laughter, dancing, singing, talking to people whom I was really close to when I was an exchange student, made new friends, etc. It was a blast.

I was so happy for Michelle and Matt. They looked so in love and happy together.

And on April 4th, 2006 baby Connor James was born. Oh, and the name was chosen after an online vote (I think I voted for Connor, maybe not...) and of course, the proud parents had some say in it.



Anyway, why I'm saying all these is because Matt serves in the US Army and was deployed to Baghdad. Michelle has been waiting for him to come home, so that they can be a family again and watch the baby grow.

But because of the extension, they don't know when that's going to be. It is speculated that the units involved may be deployed till November or even after Christmas. Naturally, this comes as devastating news to the Cuthrell family and others who are affected.

As for Michelle, this news hampered their plans to move. The baby also cannot see his father till he is about 7 or 8 months old.

This is a plea from Michelle:

"I haven't talked to Matt yet, but I am sure he is as devastated as I am. We were counting down the days until we could be a family again, and now that number is indefinite. Please pray for Matt and the soldiers, that they can stay focused on the mission and not burn out. And please pray for the families. We are all heartbroken and in total shock. And to be honest, we are all doing horribly and can't fathom going three more months without our loved ones. I need Matt home, and I know he needs us, and it's really, really, really difficult to look on the bright side through tears and sobs. I honestly have never been so sad and disappointed in my entire life. This is heartbreaking for us as a family. And I just want to be there for Matt, and at this time, I just really don't know how. Please pray hard."

It made me sad just to even have a glimpse of how sad she is. Knowing Michelle to be the happy girl who always takes on the role of a cheer-giver, I can't seem to imagine how miserable she must be right now.

In fact, reading her email made me cry.

All I want to do is to write to her notes of encouragement, that encourage her and the other families in this time of being alone.

Especially for Michelle, who has to take care of Connor, encouragement and support is crucial. Like what she mentioned, prayer is really important right now for those families affected by the extension.

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Actually, this post is a request.

Will everyone who reads this post, who feels for Michelle and her family (and also other families), write a note - long or short - to encourage her? You can either write it in the comments or email it to me.

I'll then compile them and send it to her. I'm sure she'll appreciate your kind words and if you're from Singapore, that'll mean so much more to her.

She loved Singapore and had fond memories of our little land.

And those who are not from Singapore, I'm sure she'll appreciate your kind words, and they will mean a lot to her.

This will be the last post for July 2006 on Alwaysane is in da House.

Thank you, everyone.

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Sane signing off.

(This post is not in anyway criticizing President Bush's decision. It's just an honest outpouring of how I feel towards those families who are in need of prayer, support, and encouragement in this trying time.)

Sane reflects @ this location permanently