The Call

I was so anxious to talk to Jerry there was no way I was going to miss that first call. So with my stomach in a ball of knots, I waited.

And answered the phone.

There weren't any initial pleasantries like how's Ft. Riley, how's the weather, etc.  Jerry just jumped right in.  Overseas calls were expensive and the connection was somewhat poor --there was no time for small talk.  Jerry's tone was something between a scolding and lecture --but not really.  I think he just had things to say and needed to get them stated.  I'll never forget the conversation started with, "Look here" and then it went something like this . . . .

I don't care what no one else says, this is our baby!  I read all of your letters and you asking me what I want to do and I don't know why you even had to ask.  What is there for us to do?  I told you, I love you.  I told you, I intend to spend the rest of my life with you.  You want babies?  We will have babies!  You want one or two or ten?  We will have babies.  This is us.  This is our life.  I love you --you can't scare me away.  Your folks can't scare me away.  I understand you're scared.  I understand you feel alone but I'm there,  I'm there with you.  I may not be able to call you or even see you but I'm there.  I'm right with you. You are not going to go through this alone.  We are going to have a baby.  Don't be scared.  The ball is in your court.  You want to stay in the Army?  Stay.  You want to get out?  Get out.  I fully support whatever it is you want to do and you listen here, that baby is mine and I intend to be a Daddy.  I'm a little hurt you even had to ask but you know, I understand you are all alone and could not talk to me.   . . so how's Ft. Riley?  You know, I'm kind of glad you're pregnant because now I know guys aren't going to be hitting on you. . . . so listen, I have to work some things out here but I'm coming to Kansas.  I'm trying to come in a week or two but we have a field exercise and I need to talk to my First Sergeant but you hold on.  I'm coming, okay?  I'm coming and you'll see, its all going to be okay.  I love you, baby girl.  I love you and our baby and I'm coming to you --just hold on.

Besides sobbing through the entire conversation, I think I only uttered a few words here and there.  And then . . .

Hey, I gotta go.  This is my buddy's phone and I know he's not gonna let me pay him for this call so . . you take care of yourself and our baby.  Keep writing me.  I read your letters every night before I go to bed.  I love you.  You take care.  Bye.