[Happy2BMe]

We spent last Fri, Sat, Sun in Alexandria so our son could come over and visit us just prior to leaving for Iraq.

We took him back to Fort Polk on Sunday night.

We looked for a good place to eat on Thursday and were told by everyone to go to Cajun's Landing in Alexandria. Our son got a ride over to us in a humvee, and we drove in a POV over to Cajun's Landing.

We walked into C.L. 8 PM, our son still in his desert BDUs and holding his two-month old baby daughter. The place was packed, we were starving, and the owner said it would be at least another 45 minutes, so we left.

Saturday was Valentine's Day.

My son had his heart set on some good Cajun cookin, so my wife calls over to C.L. early Saturday and requests a reservation for that night. The owner said, sorry, full up - NO RESERVATIONS. Being the persistent type she is (and having spent 20 years as a military spouse), she informed the owner that Saturday night would be the last meal our son and his wife would eat together for a year.

The owner said, we'll squeeze him in. Tell them to be here at 5 sharp.

Son and wife arrive and are seated by the fireplace (it's raining cold outside). Son "goes wild" on the menu - no holds barred - he orders the works.

He said it was the best food he's ever eaten - Etofee, seafood bisque, Jumbolaya - Hot Dam!

Son and wife ask for the check. Waitress: No charge, soldier - courteousy of the owner of Cajun Landing - Mr. McDonald.

Son just called me about an hour ago while the President was speaking from Fort Polk. Dad - you got the tube on? The President is here right now, speaking to us IN PERSON!

He was proud to be an American.

So am I.

[mystery-ak]

HOOAH.....God speed to your son...hang in there...I can't say the time goes fast, it does not...I can't say you won't be a nervous wreck, you will be....but you have friends and prayers here to help get you through....contact me anytime you want.....my hubby's time is short, after 4 extensions he will be home in May....he's been gone since Feb03......

[MeekOneGOP]

What a great story ! Thanks ...

[Lauratealeaf]

My daughter-in-law's parents live near Alec (which is what the locals call Alexandria) in a woodsy place called Dry Prong. They are very proud of President Bush too.

[Lauratealeaf]

I'm so glad that you were able to spend time with your son and your story was great. If you get another chance to go to Alexandria you must go to an Italian restaurant called Semolinas. It is great. We love it.

[hershey]

Thank you for the wonderful news about how you spent this past weekend, and I'm so glad Cajun's Landing's owner, Mr. McDonald has his heart in the right place -- obviously, a proud American. God keep your son safe, while he's in Iraq, and you all, too. I hope you'll keep us updated from time to time when you get news. Thanks again for thinking of us when you had such a busy weekend. We're always here for you.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

We spent last Fri, Sat, Sun in Alexandria so our son could come over and visit us just prior to leaving for Iraq.

I wish your son the best of luck. He'll be back in the good ol' USA before you know it.

[Howlin]

I will keep your son and your family in my prayers for the duration.

And I'll as kayak to add him to the list.

God speed, Son of Happy2BMe.

[StarCMC]

HUGS H2BM!! What a great country we live in! Thank you for sharing your story -- and your son!

[Grampa Dave]

That was a great story.

Thanks for sharing it!

[Fred Nerks]

Your story brought tears to my eyes, d*mn it, I'm still crying, blessings and prayers for your son.
(btw we don't have a restaurant like that in Oz, made me hungry just reading about it. If I'm ever in Alexandria, Cajun's Landing will be my first stop.)