MotherDuck? You didn’t tell me you got the lead!
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I saw Mikey this weekend. He’s looking less pathetic. Otis is sleeping four hours a night, which I guess is a big improvement. Mikey said he hasn’t made any art since the baby was born. He seemed a little rattled—but still less desiccated than when you were here. Janine looks good, too. And Otis himself is, of course, perfect.
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I’m happy that you saw Mikey and that they’re getting more sleep. Mike’s always wanted a big family. I wonder if this has changed his mind.
How are Juniper and Gus?
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Junie is doing summer classes at the theater, so I get to see her during the day, which is wonderful. (Also the classes are free for me, so we’re saving money on daycare.) Gus can take classes when he turns 4.
Junie is doing well. She likes to be busy.
Gus is... still having a rough time. Maybe this is just his personality and I should stop acting like it’s a phase. (Can toddlers be emo?)
He still isn’t potty-trained, and it really feels like he’s decided not to be. Like a conscientious objector.
How are you, Cary? How’s your mom?
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I’m fine. I don’t really think about how I am on deployment—there’s always something else to focus on.
I’ve been able to talk via e-mail with the family liaison at my mom’s rehab center. Mom’s doing much better than they expected. Breaking a hip can be catastrophic for someone in her condition, but she’s actually progressing. I think half of it is just getting her out of that house. She misses her dogs. But she doesn’t have to cook or clean. I honestly don’t think shecancook or clean anymore. She wasn’t getting around well when I came home for the wedding. I’d like for her to move into an assisted living residence. But I don’t know if I can sell that idea to her—not with my sisters and Angel lobbying against it.
I’m glad you get to see Junie during the day. (Do you never call her “Juniper”?) Wouldn’t you have loved to take drama classes all summer long when you were her age?
Gus seemed like a good man to me. Knows what he wants. Isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Devoted to his mother.
How are you, Shiloh?
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I call her “Juniper” when she’s in trouble or when I’m feeling very fond.
This is such great news about your mom—she has spirit! It must be so hard for you to manage everything long-distance. I’m glad you have a contact on the inside. What were these deployments like before email??
Would you believe that I am fine? And that I don’t really think about how I am, because there’s always something else to focus on?
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Cary!! Did you send me a roll of film??????
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Yes. You asked so many questions about the ship, I borrowed a camera and took some photos. I don’t know how they’ll turn out. Hopefully the film didn’t get too hot in the mail. It can take a couple weeks in transit.
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You can send mail from the ship??? How??
Does that mean I can send mail toyou?
I can’t wait to have this film developed!!
