Starting with the pictures of you pregnant - and worrying about Brian - continuing with Brian being home and the birth of Jasmine and his delayed return to Iraq - and then his leaving, I have not had your wonderful family off of my mind.

Whenever I would hear of more tragedy in Iraq, it would make me stop and say a prayer for Brian - a total stranger - who has put his life right on the line for all of us.

It gives me great joy to know that he is home safe and sound with his beautiful wife and incredibly beautiful daughter.

So for now, I just want to say in Brian's name, THANKS GOD!