Mountain Man

Yesterday was the day.  The day I've been waiting for for the past month- Did he pass the first phase?  

YES, He did!

I can't describe the feeling... I felt sooooo... light.  Like a huge weight had been lifted off of me.  I think I even contemplated jumping on the scale! THAT didn't last long! Ha! Seriously though I can't even explain it- it was certainly more than a feeling. 


Today was his 8 hour pass. I don't even know how to do today justice.  I will try.  All last night I slept with my phone.  I knew he wouldn't call until the next day, but I just couldn't help it.  I was so excited.  Then the morning came.  I stalled as long as I could... watching cartoons, doing laudry, doing dishes... then Rachel and I made our way to the gym, when we were through with that it was only 9:30! AHHH!  So, when we got home I blasted some country music and threw all the toys out of the toybox and tried to focus on anything but the lump of a cell phone in my pocket. Didn't work.  Needless to say, the phone call finally came.  It was amazing to hear his voice.  The things he told me.  The things he has been through.  I knew it would be tough, but when you hear about it from him, you just can't imagine.  I'm so happy that he passed. What gratitude I feel!  What a great thing to celebrate!  Especially around Thanksgiving.  
Hanging up the phone for the last time tonight was so hard, but it was time.  Time to get back to work.  I don't know what it is about Ranger School.  Sometimes I think there is no explaining it.  Way to Go Tyler! Don't let the Bastards get you down.  You'll be home in no time. 



 





I just love this picture.  A friend of mine took it at IBOLC graduation this summer.  These two have been buddies since fish year at Texas A&M.  I think he looks so handsome in that uniform! very classy. :)

If you wanna send some love to the mountains here's his new address:

2Lt William Tyler Payne

5th Ranger Training Battalion

RN#358, Company B

Camp Frank D. Merrill

Dahlonega, GA 30533