E-mail to sailor links heart to home

By Bill Grace

Special to The Herald

One of my students, IT1 Fox, just received a promotion to his new rank. It is times such as these that should be shared with one’s family — in his case, his sweet smiling wife.

But the rear deck of the USS Decatur (DDG 73) was filled with solely his at-sea family. There were about 30 other recipients of assorted promotions and awards.

Surrounding them were the officers, chiefs and fellow sailors applauding and whistling each presentation. But surely the silence of the proud hands that weren’t there to cheer them on was also audible.

Duty, be that what it may, can give purpose to one’s absence, but moments unshared with loved ones can be only just another story to be told later in life.

As a computer tech, Fox has been able to take some of his family photos and turn them into his screensaver. These photos fill the screen as a reminder of a love that is many miles away. And in those darker times, the computer screen serves as a beacon home, if only shining to his heart.

I can’t imagine how many times a day that scene repeats itself here. Scattered throughout the ship are workstations where sailors can retrieve their e-mail.

There is an assortment of advantages in the modern Navy, and not having to wait weeks to get letters of endearment and pictures from home is definitely one of the sweeter perks.

As we read our e-mail from home, my new friends in the engineering department are sharing their thoughts.

Maybe this is the bleeding point. Before any deployment so much is necessary and required of each crewmember in his or her dual role as a Navy professional and a real world family member.

Satisfying either responsibility would be tough. Place on top of that the urgency of deploying two months earlier than planned and a focused rush takes effect.

Now, as order settles in onboard the Decatur, each person is finding time to lament the loved ones left behind.

Chief Dan Pike is excited about his 9-month-old son who started walking the day after he shipped out. You could almost see him holding his hands out to guide the young tyke as he was telling me the story.

It is obviously tough leaving behind his wife and three children. Pictures can only capture the moment. The first steps of a child, their first words, their laughter in their mother’s arms, those things don’t come by e-mail, and they are gone faster than the speed of light.

Bill Grace of Everett has been sending periodic dispatches from aboard the USS Decatur during its deployment. This one arrived before his recent return from working on board as a U.S. government teacher in the Program Afloat College Education.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

The peaks of Mount Pilchuck, left, and Liberty Mountain, right, are covered in snow on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Western Washington’s current winter drought may not last through the season

Even with last week’s snow flurries, there’s no denying this… Continue reading

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.