Tuesday, February 12, 2008

2am Ringie Dingie

 

I thought it odd that Tom had not called before I went to bed, then I remembered he's an hour earlier now in Houston.  So I just said to self, they're talking and having brother time and it's getting late.

I went on to bed;  took a sleeping pill and 1/2 a xanax trying to get some sleep......nope.

At 1:45am my cell rings Tom's tone.

He'd had a couple.

"Hey how are you?  We just finished watching a Vietnam movie" and I'm thinking at 2am??  OK 1AM their time.

I let him talk....he said "I just needed to talk to you, see how you were doing?"

Then he said a real odd thing about his term in Vietnam.  (Air Force Plane Mechanic)

He was irate that the government didn't do anything to help them and don't help now....seems that when one soldier died they sent home for a live body to replace him and for what?  Said it "just pisses me off".  What further irritated him is that he didn't have a choice of going or not......his number was pulled in the draft so he signed up and LOST his "childhood" or early manhood.

Then the phone when dead...guess the battery died.

It's the first time I've ever heard him put it quite that way.  He always seemed to almost enjoy or tollerate his tour; not being on the front line and all.

But he has said in the past how it's terrible to lose a friend in a senseless war.  He has also said how scarey it was to be sent 1/2 way around the globe at such a young age.  Military was not in his future.

I can sympathize with that.  I wouldn't have wanted to be snatched away against my own control.

No, I don't think it's Post Traumatic Stress  ----  I think it's more "tommydrama".

I called the Bro this morning and he was surprised when he heard Tom say this himself right after the movie.  I have been after Tom about watching old war documentary shows and history stuff like that. 

He needs comedy, not anymore drama to dwell on.

Anywho, Tom calls this afternoon from his bro's phone.  I asked why he called at 2am, he said just wanted to talk to you.

I said "Don't do that again!  You know I don't like drunks to call in the middle of the night - I don't put up with it from my father and I'm not going to do it with you!"

I made him say outloud so that bro could hear that he "would not call me drunk or drinking and late like that again" --- he needed to SAY the words to OWN the problem.

It's storming where he is.  We hung up.

Grrrrrrrrrr

Maybe I will sleep well tonight!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

i wish he wasnt drinking there...i am praying he gets some help while there......there aint nothing worse than a damn drunk on the phone. My mom will call from AZ and say the same shit over and over and over again as she slurs her words.

I put the phone down, go do laundry, pee, eat, whatever and come back and the drunks will still be mumbling.

love,lisa

Anonymous said...

if he was in nam he then he has issues , i jut thought he got hurt in work!

Anonymous said...

Yes, those Vietnam movies can be really hard to watch even if you weren/t there..... good idea to keep those away from him.  Hopefully he will call earlier tonight.  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

OMG...I would be the EXACT same way with a call like that in the middle of night. Although I know that he most harbor feelings from that time overseas :(
Much love
ang

Anonymous said...

Sharon
I'm praying here for the peace that you so desperately seek.  I also pray for Tom and I really do hope he can work some of this out while he is visiting his brother.  If nothing else, may you at least be granted a few good nights sleep.
Sam

Anonymous said...

((((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU)))))))))))))))You have alot of susport from all of your friends who care.Just know,I care and is praying.

Anonymous said...

i agree with lisa jo wish his brother  was not letting him drink there what good is it serving if hes drinking with him ..good for you putting your foot down....luv yah Sue

Anonymous said...

I hope he doesn't call you again tonight at the wee hours of the morning.  Maybe he will watch another nam movie or something.  LOL  Have a good hump day tomorrow.

Phil

Anonymous said...

hope you can get some much needed sleep:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

I thought he wouldnt be drinking there. The brother needs to control him some. And you, sweety, turn your phone off!!!
hugs,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

I hope you get your much needed rest.  Maybe these movies will help him deal with the pain in the long run - to help him get it out of his system. One can only pray. Take care of you and have a good day,
Katie

Anonymous said...

Hope you get a better night's sleep!
Missie