Can I Call You When Daddy Comes Home?


The other day, Ron and Kasey were talking about the fact that Stephen will be home soon. Kasey was happy, of course, but then got very pensive. Ron said, "what's wrong, Buddy?"
And Kasey said, "But Grandpa....can I call you when my daddy gets home?"
Ron told him that we would BE HERE when his daddy comes home. And Kasey said,
"No, No. I mean after daddy gets home and you and grandma go to live in the desert, can I still call and talk to you and grandma?" I guess we've grown on him a bit in the last 9 months. This makes me smile.
He's been asking a lot lately why we have to go live in the desert (Arizona). Ron doesn't really have a better answer other than, "well, Buddy, that's where Grandma and Grandpa want to be for the winter." (jury is still out on that one as far as grandma is concerned :). Grandma sure wouldn't mind a Colorado winter...very few snow storms in this area of CO. So this will be up for discussion in the weeks to come.
When I hear Kasey's little voice asking such serious questions - and telling us that he will miss us, I am so grateful for the wonderful experience we've had with Kasey. The ups and a fair amount of downs too as Kasey has grown into a more independent little boy, have kept us happy and busy and fulfilled.
"Can I call you when my daddy comes home?"
Kasey, there won't be a moment when we won't be thinking of you and hoping to hear your little voice. It's a sound I could never do without.
Thank you, Lord for the blessing of this little boy.
God bless our troops, and those who wait.

As Beautiful as Ever.


This morning, Ron and I were driving about town, and always, the mountains were in view. They are so majestic - and it caused me to remember that America the Beautiful was inspired by a visit to the top of a mountain here in CO. As I thought about that, it brought to mind 9/11. and perhaps one of the most poignant moments of that day. It was when so many of our government leaders - of both parties - gathered on the Capital steps in Washington DC and sang God Bless America- united in the tragedy that our nation had endured that day. I have a lot of trouble singing those songs because of the lump that forms in my throat and the tears that cloud my eyes. But I always manage to get through them.
We are a proud nation - hopefully not a boastful pride - but a pride which makes our hearts swell with thanksgiving at being one of America's citizens. And when I see our military men and women dressed in their BDUs, going around town - banking, shopping, errands that we all do - it just causes me to be proud of all of them. Over and over again.
And when I look at them I wonder...is he or she a veteran of the Iraqi war? Are they scheduled for deployment? Do they have children who have missed them - or who will need to say goodbye in the near future?
We all do our part to keep America who she is, live good lives and help one another if a need arises. But the men and women in the Armed Forces give a lot more. Some of their sacrifices are known by those of us who love them, but even we can't grasp the magnitude of everything they have given up...including the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. They give their lives every single day...may their families know it is not in vain. Nor will they ever be forgotten.
This is because the America they fight and die for is still free. And beautiful.
God bless our troops and those who love them.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sue

NO MORE MAIL!!


After a week at Laurie's, and then three HOT days on the road, we are finally at our home base and are waiting for news on when Stephen will be coming home. Saturday when we were on our way to the zoo, Laurie's cell phone rang and it was Stephen. NO MORE MAIL!
THIS is a good thing as anyone who has ever had a loved one deployed can tell you. And so, now that we are where we want to be for a couple of months, we will have some fun with Kasey, do some shopping and finish unpacking the trailer. I have quite a bit of wall space so there will be plenty of room for my patriotic wall hangings. Call this mom happy and finally, after a rough few months, I think we are content. Scott will be here later this month, Laurie will also have leave in August, and they will stay here. So we are allowing ourselves one free day tomorrow, then begin the fun part of decorating and the rest of the unpacking.
Kasey is so excited to be here. Such a lot this little boy has been through in the past 10 months.

I must admit, there have been times during these last few weeks when I can honestly tell you I thought we were crazy to do this full time RVing thing. But God is good - He knows just how much we can handle and stops at that.
So now, instead of writing letters, I can start writing my lists and planning Stephen's welcome home dinner. Right here, in our RV. At home.
God bless our troops...and those who wait.
Blessings,
Sue