Nic called yesterday.

He called to tell Mom and I "Happy Mother's Day!" He sounded tired, but relieved. He said they were done with Sadr City, at least for now, which was probably the best news I heard all day yesterday. He didn't know how long they would have to rest, but he did say they would get at least the rest of the evening off to relax and rest up.

He wanted me to make it clear that the photos that the NY Times photographer took were NOT as peaceful as they appear. He said the one of them taking cover behind the stryker was very scary. The rest of his squad were either crying or out of control with rage...but the three in the picture just let their training kick in and tried to stay calm, cool and collected. He said people were screaming, crying, and things were blowing up all around them. He said it was very much like Saving Private Ryan (which I can't allow myself to watch right now) only it's real and he's in the middle of it.

So there ya go. He just wanted me to make sure you all knew the truth about the pictures. :-) He's truly a hero and he's back in Taji safe and sound right now. So we can rest easy for a little while.