Again, the phone connection between our Oceanside house and my son's cell phone in Iraq was crystal clear.

The phone rang at 3 a.m. My wife picked it up, going from a sound sleep, to excited mother talking to her son who, as an infantryman, remains in harm's way daily.

After she ascertained that he was OK and getting enough to eat, Evan told her: " 'Mom, I want you to meet (Mel —— not his real name). He's a good Iraqi soldier who was fighting Hussein long before we got here … he's an interpreter who works with us … here, talk to him.' "

As I listened to the conversation with Mel, my wife's voice changed tone, becoming more emotional than usual as she grabbed for a tissue. They chatted for a few minutes before Evan returned to the phone, saying he and Mel had to go on a mission.

Then she related her conversation with Mel. "He spoke very good English. He was very intent, polite and courteous."

As she grabbed for a handful of tissues she continued, "He wanted me to know that he appreciated Evan being there and for the Americans being there. He thanked me for himself and for his family.

"He told me 'Evan is a good soldier, a good man, a great hero to his family … At night when you put your head on your pillow I don't want you to worry about him because I'm looking out for Evan …

" 'We have a saying here in Iraq, I hope you understand it, I see Evan in my eye, I'll take care of him.' "

Then the topic turned to food. Mel told my wife that he looked forward to eating her "spicy spaghetti" that Evan had boasted about in conversations.

Mel explained that Evan was calling from his house and that he wanted to send our family a gift. My wife thanked him for keeping an eye on Evan while on their combat missions and that no gift was necessary. But Mel insisted.

"Send me a picture of your family," my wife suggested.

" 'I can do that, I can do that!' " he responded enthusiastically.

Our bedroom fell silent, the only sound being a tissue moving under her beautiful, but teary eyes.

After a few minutes she said, "I'll remember that phone call all of my life. I had such a lump in my throat when I talked to (Mel) because I believe him."

Needless to say, she couldn't fall back to sleep that night.

Contact staff writer J. Stryker Meyer at (760) 901-4089.