Val Heath writes:
I wanted to respond to the Comment in the Christmas edition of the MDA.
First to thank you on behalf of the Heath family for your thoughts, which generated a number of special wishes, and second, to report on the Heaths' Christmas.
My son David returned from Afghanistan for a 12-day break in early January. During this time he celebrated missed birthdays and Christmas and just being together. In addition, he was met with a crawling, toothy Freddie, who was a babe in arms when he left, and a very excited Thomas who was delighted with the red car that daddy brought from the Helmand Province.
Father Christmas had been spoken to and came on January 10 for 15 of us across four generations. This was particularly special as all of the family were together.
That night, however, David's youngest brother left for America for specialist training in readiness for going to Afghanistan. They will not see each other for many months.
During David's leave our joy was marred by the death of some of his colleagues. Our hearts go out to those families who will never again enjoy each other in the way we have in our time together this 'Christmas'.
Not surprisingly, our goodbyes were difficult. However, they are part of what we do, and we do them well. We now look forward to April when David returns.
Can I please take this opportunity to thank all those who have sent the Heath family good wishes and wish you all a Happy 2009.
A special wish, too, for all other service families in the locality – I wish you all I wish myself.