Roland Ari Foster
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This is a journal about a Dad writing to his son in the Army. Journal began three months before the son’s wedding date.
April 6, 2019
Good news. They are letting you have a half day and evening off, you will be home to see Katie and a half day off on Sunday. One week into your three weeks in the field. That makes the three weeks more tolerable. Here are two great shots from you in the field, working on an airstrip.
March 29, 2019
You have a four day weekend. You are preparing to be in the field for three straight weeks, without seeing Katie. That will be a sacrifice, on both your parts. I will be praying for you both.
You recently were promoted. You did not expect the promotion, you had communicated that you did not really want the promotion and the responsibilities that came with the promotion. You passed. There it is. And we are all proud. It’s part of growing up, which you have been doing for a while. Growing up, taking on more and more responsibility and making smart decisions. Not easy ones, but mature decisions.
We really appreciate the updates. Katie is doing a great job staying in touch, keeping us updated. We appreciate the texts, the calls, the fb posts. It helps to know you are well.
July 2020 is right around the corner. Press in, press on. Be strong, be courageous. Love your wife well. Be faithful in all things. God sees your work, your heart. He desires the best for you and Katie and your family. Blessings son. I love you.
November 27, 2018
Your mom and I worked on updating several people this past weekend that the wedding had been moved from December 1st to January 5th. We will all enjoy celebrating with you and Katie in January. You will be a loving husband, Katie will be a loving wife. You two will make an awesome team, working together. You understand the importance of teamwork.
We appreciate your service in Texas, the work you are doing. We miss you and look forward to seeing you when we can. Know that we are praying for you and that we love you. We are proud of you both.
September 19, 2018
Long days. You are working hard, putting in long hours. This is a season.
Continue having a great attitude. I was encouraged to see Katie go visit you at Fort Knox. When you picked up the phone, you could see how tired you were. You were exhausted, it took you a minute to realize that she was on base. :)
I think she will be a significant support and help you as much as she can when she joins you in Fort Knox in December. She is a natural at the video work and is very comfortable and relatable in her video work. I think it helps that her sister has done well with a channel. Katie has great potential with her Youtube channel, I think you will actually be a great supporting partner as you are also good in front of the camera. You two will make an awesome team.
I will continue to be praying for you, Katie, the upcoming wedding, your marriage, your time remaining in the Army. I’m proud of you. I love you.
Keep up the great work. I’m grateful to have you in my life.
I’ve opened the window to my studio. I hear the crickets and birds. After the Army, come home, build your own home here on Crocker Springs. I did not buy this 36 acres to keep to myself.
Sept 7, 2018
I’m not certain the number of soldiers that are able to drive home on the weekend from Fort Knox, but I’m grateful that you do. It’s significant. Being stationed so close to Nashville was not luck or an accident, God gave us this gift. Meals around the dinner table, not rushed, we take our time. Everyone has a chance to share, discuss, we listen to each other. Everyone’s thoughts and opinions are important. Family, breaking bread. This is important to me.
As your Dad, I bless you in your new marriage. I bless you in your two-year honeymoon at Fort Knox. Know that I will consider each time around the table special and do not take it for granted.
In the photo above, you can see Pappy’s hand with his wedding band. Sandra, Ed, Lydia, Michael, Sharon, David, Travis, Daddaw, Roland, Jori and Sarah. 1995. Old Farm House at Grace property. Four generations.
September 6, 2018
26 years we have been married. Today is our anniversary. Our wedding day was one of the most memorable days of my life. Yesterday, in the car, I and your mom laughed, laughed and laughed until I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. She was telling Branch a story and put her spin on the story and it got us both tickled.
Marriage takes work. Marriage is not easy. Mom is my best friend. I love her with all my heart. Forgiveness is key. Preferring one another is important. Scripture teaches us that laying down our lives for one another, as Christ did the church, is also foundational.
Mom has an appointment with the dentist today, at 1:00. Branch has dance today, she is to be there at 4:30. I am scheduled to work, I have several illustration projects, in addition, I am trading. $10k-13k a month in expenses and bills is no joke, it is a tough bear to manage most months out of the year. Kids are expensive. Having multiple houses is expensive. Having and maintaining four vehicles is expensive. Having pets are expensive. Mom and I have options to downsize, but we have felt it was important to have a home for our kids to come home to.
I’m counting down the days to the wedding. It will be a grand celebration. Every marriage takes work and has difficulty, yours will have its share. It is worth it. Our marriage has produced many beautiful things, our four kids being the most beautiful. Now we will have five. Katie is a keeper. Treat her like royalty.
September 5, 2018
Yesterday was your 21st birthday. We enjoyed sitting around the table with you, Katie and her parents. Michael, Branch and your Mom were there. It was fun listening to you two making plans for December. All the details will be worked out. I think Katie’s idea to set up house at Fort Knox after the wedding is fine.
You called yesterday on your birthday. You shared that you are thinking about becoming a S.W.A.T. officer after your service with the Army. I think you would be great in that role, it’s a solid direction, a significant community service and also something you would excel. Mom and I enjoyed watching this show about a S.W.A.T team, it’s called Flashpoint. It was a good drama, cop show.
I’m looking forward to the wedding in December. Katie is a wonderful addition to our family and you two will do well together. You are both smart, resourceful, diligent, caring, respectful. She loves to fish and be outdoors with you. It will be good.
Love you son. We are proud of you, we are proud of Katie.
