December 8, 2007~

Dear Ma'am~

This is Melinda Ortiz from the American Red Cross. I am writing again to let you know what's going on with your son, Corey. Corey, as you know, has been seriously injured in a bomb attack north of Baghdad.

Corey has been flown to Weisbaden, West Germany, for further treatment of his injuries. He has made it through the critical first few weeks; we believe that he is going to survive--changed forever, perhaps, but he will make it with the right kind of help.

You son has lost both legs in the explosion I just mentioned above. Yet he is young and strong; I'm fully confident that he will pull through.

According to the latest medical reports from the hospital, his overall condition has stabilized; however, he faces a long recovery.

If you have any further questions, please call me at the number listed below. Thank you.

Most sincerely,

Melinda Ortiz, American Red Cross.

December 8, 2007~

Dearest Corey~

Son, I have heard what has happened to you, and I am so sorry! How I wish I could trade places with you!

Ever since you left for Iraq, I've been terrified of losing you or hearing you got injured in battle. Now it's come to pass, and I'm scared for your very life! I feel so helpless!

Don't you worry about a thing, son. I'll see to it that you have everything you can possibly ever need. If push comes to shove, I'll even fly out there to see you; I'd do it, too! After all, I am your mother!

Please know that you're in our prayers, in my heart, and that I love you so much! God bless you, Corey; I love you more than you will ever know!

~As ever, your mother. (XOXOXO)

December 12, 2007, Weisbaden, West Germany~

Dear Mom~

I am so glad to hear from you! Thank you for writing!

This won't be long--in too much pain to write, they have me doped up strong; it's not even touching it. It's excruciating; it's making me nauseous!

It feels like someone's pulling my legs sideways, then yankin' 'em as hard as they possibly can. I can't eat, I can't sleep; it's bad, mom--really, really bad!!

Well, I just managed to toss my cookies all over myself again, so I'll go. Need to clean myself up again. Gross!!

I'll write back soon. Take care, mom, I love you, too!

~As ever, your devoted son, Corey.

December 15, 2007~

Dear Corey~

I wish I could take away your pain, your suffering; but I'm not God. I'm only your mother.

However, I can pray to God, to give you the strength to get through the difficult days that lie ahead. It's the best I can do for you at this moment and time. I have even made arrangements to fly there, so I can see you in person. It's my duty as your mother.

Consider it my Christmas gift to you.

Merry Christmas! I will see  you soon, son! I love you more than life itself!

~As ever, your mom. (XOXOXOXO)

~End of Part Two.~