Magic Moments



Last night, as I sat here at my computer, I smiled as I remembered the day behind me. We had taken Kasey to the North Pole to see Santa. So many wonderful things to see, stores to visit, and of course, the big man himself. It was a wonderful day - from beginning to end. Kasey was a little shy about going into Santa Claus' house though...something about being at the North Pole and all really seemed to make it seem different for him. But he had his list, and when the line finally grew small and it was our turn to see Santa, Kasey looked up at us as though he wasn't sure about all of this. His mother's son for sure, since Laurie was never crazy about visiting Santa either. As you can see, he did just fine. The Santa was very attentive...read Kasey's list and was so pleasant. We've had some grouchy mall Santas in our history so this was a treat.
When we were nearly ready to leave the park, Kasey saw a couple of rides he wanted to go on so Ron took him over to get started while I finished up some shopping. When I got to where the guys were, Ron was just about ready to call it a day. He has this sinus infection that he finally went to the VA clinic for the other day and is finally on antibiotics. The weather was perfect for the North Pole....the trees had a coating of snow/ice on them that set the tone for the day.
The last ride Kasey went on needed a grandma too - grandpa didn't think he was ready for one of those spin and you know what rides. So the second picture tells that story...except I should have realized that it wasn't an ideal ride for someone with tinnitus and vertigo and inner ear problems. Nope...but it was sooo much fun to hold Kasey and spin around with him that who could blame a grandma for wanting to?
Just as I slept the computer for the night, I looked over and saw Laurie's Army boots sitting on the floor behind the couch. I moved them over to the Christmas tree and took the last picture I've included in this post.
It's a little bit fuzzy, but then, so is the world of an American soldier. The boots are always standing at the ready, no matter what soil they walk on. It's a difficult life, but a good life just the same. It's a blessed life for Laurie and for us as her mom and dad...people sometimes wander through life wondering where their niche is. Laurie has found hers - found it many years ago.

As she completes her program, and prepares to become an officer, I think back on the miles beneath the boots...to where they have taken her, and to where they are yet to go. Only God knows His plans for her...and we wait (not always patiently) for those plans to unfold. It's not always easy to see her go through the separations from Stephen during his deployment, or to see the circles under her eyes from so much studying and too little sleep, and yes, probably a little bit of worry about exams, and presentations. But she is on the home stretch now, with school done, her rotations complete, and graduation just ahead. These are all gifts to be treasured, and why I put those boots she wears under the Christmas tree to take the picture.
For now, those magic moments of yesterday with Kasey, and the anticipation of every day to come will be enough to make this mom and grandma smile and be thankful.
Merry Christmas my friends - may you have many wonderful moments - the kind which bring thankful prayers to the One who gives them to us.

We Just Never Know...


We just never know what God has in store for us. When Stephen left 6 weeks ago, it was hard to imagine what it meant to him - what was going through this little family's hearts and minds. He told us to have a good year. Easier said than done for him, though. After Laurie returned from her training for the first part of the program in TX, The kids had 10 months to be a family together and it went so fast. But as that 10 months went so quickly, we could only pray that his deployment would go quickly as well.
And so, the roller coaster ride continues. The highs of Laurie's program being very close to being completed, and then she could settle down and practice what she learned. It would give her some down time - FINALLY! But then Laurie found out last week that she will be assigned to one of the Army posts in Texas. Did this mean she and Stephen would be at separate posts when he returned? It looked that way. She emailed her program coordinator to find out what was going to happen. Who would Kasey live with? But no, when Stephen gets back from the sand, he will also move there so they will still be together. They were supposed to stay here, but the Army doesn't always remember what they say. Thing is, logistically speaking, the move is pretty much in Laurie's hands. We will do all we can, of course, as far as the actual move. But the planning, the dates to be coordinated, and finding a new place to live for the five of us will be pretty much up to Laurie. Stephen will help her find a home via the wonders of internet and we will stay here until Kasey finishes the school year, and then follow Laurie. Thankfully the Army will pack and move them, so we can be here for that too. We will move out so the house can be rented, and live at a hotel for a couple of weeks until Kasey is done with school. They would like us to stay with them - to help with Kasey AND because Stephen (in Laurie's words, "loves you and likes having you around."). I guess Laurie and Kasey do also. :)
But we will increase what we give Laurie each week to help with additional expenses. There will be a small war over this but we are still the parents. I love being the parent!
When a soldier leaves for deployment, he or she just never knows what the year will hold. But they trust that they will come home to the people who love them.
This is no different for Stephen - he has people who love him and he knows that we trust as he does - that God will bring him safely home. And home is not where his house is, but where his loved ones live.
And do you know what? Two Star Banners are ok to hang in the Lone Star state too. It will be the last thing I pack here, and the first thing I unpack in our new home.
Blessings my friends.

More Than Words.


The roller coaster....it's something that many Americans are riding on every day....and maybe not at an amusement park. But it's a ride that brings many emotions....fear, excitement, ups, downs, and on some days, you just never know what you are going to get because the curves are a little too sharp to see what's ahead.
But to love someone - or more than one someone - who serves in the military is the proudest ride a person could ever experience in a lifetime. We are blessed to have our daughter and son in law both serving. Laurie has been in for 12 years, Stephen for nearly 16.
This morning there was a Veterans appreciation assembly at Kasey's school. We went with Laurie...and when they asked all current and former members of the military to stand, I was so proud to watch as Laurie, and Ron, who is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam war, both stood. Many, many active military were present at the assembly and with a military band there to boot, it didn't take me long to use the tissues I had stuffed in my pocket as we left the house. Kasey was there in the front row with all the rest of his class and it was awesome to see the kids as they waved their flags during the closing song - Proud To Be An American - not sung by Lee Greenwood but by the school kids themselves. They knew every note, every up and down and pause and the words were heartfelt as they sang.
Laurie also cried - I know it was a difficult assembly for her with Stephen in the sand and I know that she was wishing he could be with us too. I was glad I had extra tissues - she needed them. And as we listened and watched and smiled and cried, it could only be appreciated in full to be in one of those roller coaster cars. To understand that these kids and teachers REALLY wanted to give a tribute and to know that a lot of planning went into every bit of the program.
The tears today were not just Laurie's and mine. To look around and see them in the eyes of men and women in their military uniforms, the veterans with their dignified posture, and the kids in their colorful red, white, and blue (and they managed some pretty ingenious ways to get those colors into one outfit :) - all of these things a reminder that the brave who have fought, those who still take up their arms to protect us, and those who have given that ultimate sacrifice which can never be forgotten by all they leave behind - did so because they were and are Americans who are loyal to our flag. And they want(ed) to keep us free. To think our present day military actually volunteer to do all this...to risk all of this - is pretty amazing.
I am having trouble getting my head wrapped around all of this today - words aren't enough, and even the ones this thankful heart prompts me to type are not adequate.
But because of those who serve(d) - including my own two soldiers and the man I have loved for 41 years - I cried tears of pride and thanksgiving, and maybe even a little pain and anguish this morning. They are cleansing. and there is no shame in them.
And when Kasey gets home from school today, the hug I give him will be a little longer because I know that he is serving too. He will not understand now, but someday, on another Veteran's Day, he will know.
Thank you for stopping by - please say a prayer today for those who have served, who still serve, and for those who love them. They would be so appreciated.

A Nation of Change?

I'm not a political person. I have my views and opinions of course like everyone else, but I don't normally voice them in my blogs. I believe that my vote counts, though, and that when I voted for President Bush in both of the Presidential elections when he was on the ballot, I had made a choice which I felt good about personally, it was also the choice I felt was best for the country. And as President Obama said yesterday, this is what makes a democracy great - the right of our people to chose. Despite the fact that the wars begun during President Bush's first term in office are still requiring my own two soldiers and their little boy to be far apart from each other more times than I care to count, they are not complaining and not questioning the need for their separations and service on foreign soil. And if they don't, far be it for me to second guess this life they have chosen. This is their lives - in more ways than one - and they are together in it whether they are on American soil, or somewhere far away. And every time they sign their name on that dotted line to serve additional years, they know and understand that the sacrifices may be greater than they are bargaining for, but which they are willing to risk.

As voters spoke on Tuesday at the polls, it was clear we are a nation looking for new folks to decide important issues for us in Washington. Since we are not residents of Colorado, we were not eligible to vote, but the results were just as important to us. The Governor's race in NY still held our interest since my pension is resting in the NY State retirement system...changes there could affect our future here. And of course Scott and his family are impacted by NY state government every single day.

The other night I was watching the Giants/Rangers world series game and as in all the previous games, the song during the seventh inning stretch was not 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' but rather 'God Bless America' - a song which always brings tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. As I watched the singers (members of the Armed Forces) trade places at the microphone, the camera panned throughout the crowd and to the players. Hands over hearts, lips moving, and just some folks standing there in respect for our country and for what we stand for. After the singers were done, and the crowd continued cheering, there was a camera shot of both Presidents Bush riding across the field in a motorized cart, saluting to the singers because they were military. And the crowd cheered for both of them as they did for God Bless America, and those who had sung it.

A nation of change? Perhaps we are, yes. And this change is not just shown in elections but rather in the affection and respect Americans have for those who serve. Remembering the disrespect so many of our country's men and women had for the soldiers (and by soldiers, I am encompassing all of our military branches) returning from the VietNam war, it's felt deeply to see the current generation of the Armed Forces being appreciated. Since Ron is a VietNam vet, he especially notices the respect the people of our country have for those who serve...and the thanks our citizens give to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan....or to those they happen to meet on Anystreet, USA. There are many Americans who do not agree with the wars, but they are giving the respect to those who are fighting them, and keeping us safe at home.

A nice thing, don't you think? As a two star mom, I can tell you it's a wonderful to know that although my children no longer serve in a time of peace, they serve a nation who is thankful.

Blessings my friends,

Sue

It's That Time.



A few days ago, we hugged Stephen as he left with Laurie and Kasey to report for his deployment. He told us to have a good year - and all I could say as I hugged him was, "be safe, soldier" and then a weak "I love you" since my voice couldn't make it past the lump in my throat. I held him longer and tighter than ever before - I didn't do well at all. Which didn't help Laurie either since Ron cried as he shook hands and hugged Stephen as well. When she got back with Kasey a little while later, she was composed, and Kasey was ok too. Go figure, a little kid does better than a couple of senior citizens.
And so, we are into it - his third long deployment, fourth trip to the sand altogether. Yesterday, Laurie and I went to a scrapbooking place to see what they had (they had LOTS of really good stuff-a little pricey) and we will return there this weekend to buy. I need to make a practical list of what I need. Are practical and scrapbooking even in the same language?
Kasey and I are doing a two step - Kasey is dancing around the fact that Grandma is here to help him, although I fully realize that I am NOT "the boss of his toys." This in no uncertain terms from Kasey on Sunday when I asked him to please put some of his toys away.
I've asked Laurie to be straight with me - to let me know when she wants to do something for Kasey that I try to do. She's quite a young woman - independent, but still says very matter of factly that she still needs her mom and dad. It's good to be needed and not only needed, but wanted.
Kasey is grounded from cartoons today ('cause his mommy said so), so we will play a game after dinner. Kids version of Rummikub. Stephen said it might be even more difficult for us because we have to keep track of pictures AND numbers. Smart aleck. So we'll see how we do and then I can write and tell Stephen how we do....well, MAYBE I'll tell him. It depends on if he's right or not. :)
Digging our heels in, praying for the year ahead, and praying hard for all of our troops...not just for Kasey's mom and dad.

Up....or Down?

It's been awhile since I've posted here - most of my posts this summer have been over on my other blog. We've had a wonderful, memory making, but crazy busy summer working at a CO state park as camp hosts. For me, it meant many hours in Campground Services - checking campers in, selling them everything from soup to nuts to marshmallows - not to mention ice and firewood, and assigning sights to those who came in without a reservation but wanting to do some camping at available sites. There were the explanations of why I couldn't give them a week's worth of camping (we can only give the walk-ins two nights at a time because of the probability of double booking sites with the online reservations filling up the campground so quickly and double booking is a nightmare), lots of labor, but I loved every minute of it. Ron's jobs were a little more diversified since he was camp hosting (cleaning and checking sites to make sure everything was going ok with the campers and the campground). He also worked in the Entrance Station which he loved doing, greeting and selling passes ("I know you are only checking out the campground...that's only six dollars for a parks pass, sir").
But indeed the summer is over and we find that we are once again counting days until Stephen is deployed for the fourth time. We all know that life is a roller coaster for those who love a soldier - or two soldiers. It's more like the cyclone with two soldiers, but roller coaster nonetheless. A roller coaster is a roller coaster - doesn't matter how high the hills are, how sharp the curves, or how fast it rolls on the track. To make it a little easier for Laurie because of her hours, we have moved into their home to help with Kasey once Stephen is deployed. To be here if she is on call, or has to leave for work at 0500, or doesn't get home until 9 pm. Then there will be additional training during which she goes to another state for a couple of months.
So the question is, when you go through deployment, (again), is the car going UP, or DOWN?
Is it the going up that's so rough....when you don't know what's on the other side of the hill, or how far and how fast you will fall? Or is it the going down that's so difficult? It's going so fast that you can't see what's in front of you, or next to you... you can't breathe, you fear you will fall out, and the curves just seem to shake every bone in your body til it feels like you will fall apart. Is the down part when someone you love goes away, or is that the up part because you feel you will never get to see the top. You just keep walking up that hill, holding on for dear life.
And thankfully, we know our Father is walking with us. Sometimes He carries us and we know that we are in good and loving arms.
Up....or down. It doesn't really matter I guess. As long as I know Who is walking with us - and appreciating the fact that I know you will keep us in your prayers.
Just as you always have and because of this, I know we are in good company.
Blessings my friends - you are each a blessing to me.

In Remembrance.....

and in prayer for those lost on 9/11/2001 and for their families.

And asking God to bless our troops and this great country they serve.

Some Things Never Change.



Yeah, I know. It's been more than a month since I've posted. Not for lack of things happening in our lives, it's just finding the time to do it in. We have been working lots of hours - which is good because it keeps us old folks busy. But I've been avoiding this post because it means that I have to admit Stephen will be leaving shortly for THAT place again. And so, like any red blooded American military mom of two soldiers, it has begun again. You know...the not knowing the exact date but knowing it's coming soon. The fact that our daughter will be without her husband for another year...and more, since she will deploy somewhere before he gets home. And then there is Kasey, and how he must feel but doesn't let on except in the occasional temper tantrum. At home, at school, at Grandma's and Grandpa's...he's not too picky about where it's going to be. And you know what? Sometimes even the usually mild mannered me wants to have one right along with him. Anyone have some cheese to go with my whine?
But I figured it would be a good night to post because it's one of those nights when I want to go to bed, but not before I know I am sleepy enough to go to sleep because IT is back.
You know, the thinking thing. The staring at the ceiling in the dark, trying not to look at the clock because surely it hasn't been 2 hours since you got in bed. has it? Oh, and did I mention the thinking? If you are a military mom, or spouse, or loved one, you can relate.
We are a blessed family - we have seen 3 deployments for Stephen, and 3 times he has come home safely. Laurie is doing well in her program, and is happy in it. She will deploy shortly after it is completed. We are healthy and able to take care of Kasey when the kids need us - and this will be coming soon. For awhile it will be us, a little boy, his dog, our dog, and Laurie - a wife and mommy and a dear daughter who will be missing her husband. But we are blessed because not every family has the structure we have. Not every grandma and grandpa has the trust of their children to take care of their own child. And we are thankful that we are now in the same city with Laurie and Stephen, because it seems very important to Stephen to want to stop over for a little while, just to spend some time with us. It's nice and we are grateful for this. This morning he brought Kasey over for the day - Stephen had some extra time and decided to just sit and have some coffee with me. Ron was at the VA clinic for some blood tests, and got home in time to share some of this visit too. We don't have to talk to be comfortable - there is always an easy silence - no pregnant pauses, just an easy silence. It's comfortable, you know? And it's
reassuring to have him want to be here with us.
Ok, so "it's" back. But there are also some things which haven't ever left that far outweigh the troubled and worrisome days and nights of this thing called deployment - and pre-deployment.
They are: Faith and Trust.
I guess I can go to bed now.
Blessings,
Sue

Papa and Veronica -it's been a long, long time.

The Soldier's Sibling



Four years ago this week, I decided to take the plunge from "visitor" to blogger. I decided that it was time to try my hand at this online journaling, and so 'Two Star Mom' was born. In my very first post on July 13, 2006 I mentioned that life as a military mom isn't just about our children who are soldiers, but about their sibling(s) too. In our family, this means Laurie's brother Scott - who is our oldest child.
And just as things have not always been easy for Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey, the same goes for Scott. Marriage, divorce, and having to really stretch things financially at times, Scott has had his share of struggles. But now, things seem to be looking up for him, and as we embraced him and Violet and Veronica at the airport the other day, I sensed a completeness in his life.
And sure enough, as we sat in the comfort of Laurie and Stephen's living room that afternoon, he and Violet announced their engagement. It will be awhile before they are married, but it's a blessing to our family that this is happening. The relationship between Violet and Veronica is also a blessing - Violet loves her as her own and Veronica loves Violet in return, which is not always the case in situations like theirs.
So, while I bask in the happiness of having all of my children with me in the same place, and 2 of my 3 grandchildren, I will savor the roller coaster ride. There will be no looking back - or ahead. We are just waving our arms and enjoying the ride.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of these days. And for the goodness you shower on not just our daughter the soldier, but on her brother as well.

The Hourglass.



When Laurie and Stephen and Ron and I have a day or evening together, one of our favorite things to do is to play a game of Rummikub. Of course since the kids have a little more experience playing it, Ron and I usually lose. But it's so much fun - kind of like playing rummy, building runs and sets on the table with the small tiles that you keep on a little rack in front of you. Stephen is really good at this - he changes the tiles all over the place just to pick out one little tile to make up a small run or set of three. And I get all excited about something I think I can do with the changes he has made, only to have the tiles changed by someone else before my turn comes along (or else I forget what changes I was going to make once it's my turn....yup, more than likely, it's that).
And to make sure that we don't go beyond the 2 minute time limit, a little hourglass comes with the game. Twice the sands run through this hour glass to give you time enough (are you kidding me?) to finish your turn; and once Stephen turns the hourglass, I start to panic knowing that my time is almost up.
This summer kind of reminds me of that game - at least the hourglass part of it. We thought when we got here that we would be able to see the kids much more often. Hours - theirs and ours - kind of prevent that. I am not complaining about our jobs at all - it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy CO without needing to worry about camping expenses. And just to know that we are so close to the kids is a blessing we haven't ever had for such a long period of time.
But the sands seem to be going far too quickly through this hourglass called summer. Maybe it's because we are getting older - could this be? Yes, it could be. Or maybe it's just that old adage about time flying when you are having fun.
Whatever it is, we are looking at Stephen's deployment in the not too distant future. And the sands are running too quickly. But if they are running this quickly for us, we can only imagine how much faster they are running for Laurie and Stephen.
Of course they look at things differently - as the military often do, especially military families where both husband and wife are military. They don't look too far into the future but rather enjoy each day as it comes. They understand that plans are necessary, but all of that is secondary to the time they have together to just enjoy life.
Thankfully, Kasey is blissfully unaware of how fast the days go - they are all made for preschool, and play and the adventures of little boys. He just trusts that mommy and daddy, (and grandma and grandpa) will take care of him.
Ron and I are so thankful that God has given us the good health and the blessing of being able to do this.
No matter how many times the hourglass needs to be turned.
God bless our troops and those who love them.

"You Were On My Heart All Night."



Last night near the very end of my shift at the Campground store, a young woman from TX came in to see if we had any tent sites left. We did, and so I asked her if she wanted it for one night or two. She said, "Well, I guess I should call my husband to find out." So they decided one night and I assigned her the site closest to the parking area. They had driven a lot of miles that day and since our tent sites are walk - ins (the campers park in the small parking lot and then walk their gear in), I figured the less walking they had to do, the better. As I was writing out her permit, she asked me if I knew how far Royal Gorge Bridge is from here and I told her. I gave her the directions and told her that while we have been in Colorado so many times, we hadn't yet had a chance to see the bridge. I told her that we have children stationed here, so this job we have for the summer is a Godsend for us. As I was beginning to explain where their campsite would be, and the "bear aware" speech that we give to everyone, she said, "So tell me more about your children. Is it your sons that are here?" She looked surprised when I said it was our daughter and son in law. (It's hard for people to believe daughters serve too - I think this is ok, but I find it kind of amusing that everyone looks surprised...and I don't bat an eyelash). Anyway, she asked me about Laurie and Stephen and I told her about how we will soon be doing another guardianship of Kasey. I told her how we should be used to it after this length of time, but that when they are separated because of their service, it's my goal to make things easier for them all - THEIR separation is harder on my heart than anything.
She asked me my name and I told her....then she reached out, shook hands, and said "I am Jessica - it's nice to meet you Sue." With that, her husband walked in, and she told him that "Sue and I were just having a great conversation about her children....they are in the Army."
I thanked her for her interest, and to enjoy their stay here at the park.
This morning, being off today and not feeling well - a sinus thing, or allergies - I was sitting at the table catching up on my emails at 9 am. Still in my jammies, and drinking my second cup of coffee, I saw a van pull up with tent gear on top and in the back. I knew it was Jessica. I ran to check to see if I looked as bad as I thought I might look (hair was neatly in place and my face was clean :) and Ron hollered from outside, "Sue, you've got a visitor!"
Indeed it was Jessica. I apologized for my appearance and she said she had just come to say goodbye and that she will keep our family in her prayers. She had gone up to the store to look for me but they told her I was off today and they sent her down to our site.
And then she said, "You were on my heart all night long."
Little does she know what that meant to me - and how we count on those prayers I know will be offered from this young woman who until last night at 7:20 pm was a total stranger.
Thank you, Lord for a stranger named Jessica. now a friend whom I may never meet again.
But I'll remember her as one of the greatest blessings of the summer.

1000......

.......American troops have been killed in Afghanistan as the latest fatality happened today with the death of a US Marine. May God be with his family and friends, and comrades in arms, who continued their foot patrol after the attack. Also, may healing of body, heart, and mind come to those injured with this fallen Marine.

This Memorial Day weekend, may we remember not just this Marine, but all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in wars to defend America's freedom.

This freedom is not free. Most of us realize this.

Each day, I pray not only for those who make these sacrifices - including their families - of serving, but for those who think that those who serve knew the dangers going in and that the sacrifices are to be expected. May their eyes be opened and their hearts swayed to what is true.

And so I will say - yes, our men and women in uniform DID know the sacrifices...but they chose to volunteer anyway.

God bless them all, and those who wait.

Reveille, Retreat, and Taps.

Part of our job as Camp Hosts at the park is to make the rounds of the campgrounds to make sure that everything is ok. We have one of those golf cart type vehicles which Ron has to not only help with maintenance duties, but also to do these park checks. It's a huge savings that we don't have to use our truck for this. It's great for getting around - and this little vehicle zips in and out of places like nobody's business.

We came back from one of our trips around the park the other day and heard a wonderful sound. Retreat was being sounded at Fort Carson. It was the end of the "official" day, and we are blessed to hear this from our campsite here at the park.

In the morning, there is Reveille, which signals to the soldiers that it's time to line up for morning roll call. And while I would think most soldiers nowadays use alarm clocks, there's a definite "order" in this bugle call which reminds them before they even open their eyes that another day in the US Army is ahead of them. :)

And ~ of course ~ in the evening, there is Taps. Taps signals that all unauthorized lights are to be extinguished and it is the last call of the day. And of course, we know too well, that it is played at the end of a military funeral. It has, most assuredly, been played far too often in this last circumstance in America's history.

I decided to look up the various bugle calls, and what they mean....and was suprised to see there are so many of them.

Being able to hear all of these bugle calls in the morning, afternoon, or evening is somehow

a pleasant reminder of how well the Army takes care of it's own. They are structured for sure, but their soldiers are very important. But no matter whether it's "wake up", or "ok, you can go home now," or "it's time to rest," I think the most encouraging - though haunting - is the sound of Taps.

The last line of the first verse tell us all we need to know - about every moment of every day.

"All is well, safely rest, God is nigh."

Not only is the best military in the world taking care of America, but God is looking over us all. Especially those who serve.

This brings me peace.

Wounded Warriors



The past week was Armed Forces Week. In a city which is home to not just one military installation but five of them, I can tell you that they really know how to pay tribute to the Armed Forces. Even when I was shopping in SEARS yesterday, there was a benefit going on for the military as they raised money for the troops through customer donations. Every couple of minutes there would be an announcement from one or more of the cashiers saying there was a donation of x amount of dollars from his or her department. It gave me a good feeling as I walked through and listened to the thanks for the generosity of others toward those who serve.

But it was also the week for the Wounded Warrior Games. Men and women from all branches of he military - including the Coast Guard - were here for four days of friendly competition. Friendly, but fierce. And each athlete had a story - whether they sat on the gymnasium floor playing volleyball using the specially designed net, or doing laps in a swimming pool with artificial limbs powering them across the water, or scoring points on a basketball court. But the story wasn't in the handicap or injury, it was in each athlete's strength to overcome it all.
When I think of the fact that Ron and I have a daughter/soldier who will see the other side of an ocean with in a year, and a son in law/soldier who will soon travel to the sand for the 4th time, I can only look at these young men and women with respect for their courage and sacrifice. The fear that my children may be asked to sacrifice their well being, or more, is one of the things about this Two Star mom thing that never goes away, (another being pride).
And when I see these Wounded Warriors, I see that they do not want to be pitied, nor thought of as heroes. What they ask of their country is the chance to be equals - the hope that their superiors will consider them worthy to remain in the world's greatest military if they so choose.
They are scarred, yes. But who they are isn't in the scars - it's in their courage. It's in the desire in their hearts to be considered worthy to remain in their jobs in whatever branch they have been serving, and to keep whatever rank they hold. To be given the chance to prove who they really are didn't leave when they were injured, or when the PTSD came home with them.
Wounded Warriors? Perhaps on the outside - but the strength on the inside lets us see who they really are:
The very best.
God bless our troops wherever they may serve. And those who love them - that we might have just a small portion of their strength.

"Can I Sleep Over Tonight, Grandma?"



It's one of those nights that I can't sleep. We slept in this morning, only til 8:30, but that seems to have been my undoing for a good night's sleep tonight.
We had a great weekend with the kids. We went to Kasey's soccer game on Saturday morning and then did a bit of grocery shopping and then Stephen, Laurie, and Kasey were going to come over for dinner. About 45 minutes before we were expecting them, my cell phone rang. Laurie's cell number came up on my caller id and when I answered, there was a little voice on the other end and he said, 'Hi Grandma! Is it ok if I sleep over at your house tonight?' 'Ohhhh Kasey,' I said, ' you tell your mommy to pack some nice warm jammies and some toys and movies and ABSOLUTELY you can sleep over.' Laurie needed to do some studying for an exam, and so we were more than grateful to have Kasey here. He sleeps in the middle of our bed since it's too cold down in the living area during the night. And so, we had Ron and I, Kasey, and Lily. Too cold even for Lily to sleep down here. Dinner was a big success, and although Apple Crisp was on the menu, the cook :) just didn't have the time to peel the apples and put it in the oven since I had to do stuffed peppers too. I was telling my friend Betsy the other day that I've had to get used to only having one oven - and a microwave/convection oven at that. There are times when I miss my two ovens in the kitchen back in Hamburg (and to be honest, I sometimes miss the five burners I had on my cooktop there too), but I'm still able to put a decent meal on the table for the kids - and I generally cook every night for Ron and I. This is good - saves money and I think it's better for the waistline. I digress.
Anyway, Grandma made pancakes and hot chocolate for Kasey on Sunday morning - Ron preferred his usual eggs and ham on a bagel. (Tonight while we were watching 24, Ron mentioned that he had a craving for pancakes, and I told him there was leftover batter in the fridge. He laughed because I am not usually THAT ready for his cravings).
I have to admit that I love catering to Kasey right now because when we have guardianship of him, I will be expected to be in guardian mode, instead of grandma mode. I can understand Laurie and Stephen feeling like this but, well, SIGH.
Ron spent at least 2 hours with Kasey (and Lily too, who took off after a cat because Ron was helping Kasey who had fallen and his nose was bleeding) at the playground, then they came back and Kasey helped (and I use that term loosely) Ron set up the sattelite dish. I called out the screen door and asked the guys what they would like for lunch. Ron asked for turkey and cheese on dark rye bread, and Kasey asked for buttered noodles. Of COURSE Kasey could have buttered noodles - oh and he wanted two dill pickles because his Grandpa had two dill pickles with his sandwich.
Laurie came by and picked him up around three just as my boys - big and little - were coming back from their second trip to the playground. They just so happened to take with them a stash of Oreo cookies. Ron gave Kasey one when they left, and then put two more in his shirt pocket. When they got to the playground, after he had played for a few minutes, Kasey asked Ron if he had any more cookies. Ron said he had two left. 'Grandpa, could I have just ONE?' And of course side by side on the bench, they sat together while Kasey ate both cookies.
Do I sound happy? I sure hope so. It's so good to be here with the kids and as Ron said tonight, that we just need Scott and Vi and Veronica here and we would have everything we need. Stranger things have happened. You just never know.
In a few days, our Laurie will be 30 years old. We will take them out for dinner of course and I will make her a cake. I have a few things to get her yet, so that means a trip to the mall - YAY!
The one thing I have noticed is that - despite their separation of a year and a half (except for
R &R, and brief visits after Stephen returned from the sand), I love watching Laurie and Stephen (and Kasey) together. It seems like they haven't skipped a beat - just picked up where they left off. They love each other and are not afraid to show this. Just the little things like sitting side by side on the couch with Stephen's arm around Laurie.
I smile just thinking about them - and thank our Father for His grace in their lives. Stephen's next deployment is coming up sooner than we realize. And then there will be Laurie's to occur sometime during Stephen's trip to the sand.
We don't think about that right now. We are just thankful for the times we have in the present - and the moments when I hear that little voice on the other end of the phone line asking, 'Grandma, can I sleep over at your house?'
I'm going to make my grocery list in the morning, and two items on that list will be a variety pack of cereal so my Kasey can pick out his breakfast next time he sleeps over....and some marshmallows for his hot cocoa.
Ahhhh, isn't life sweet?

Honey, We're HOOOME!



At 4:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, I dialed Laurie's cell and when she answered I said, "Hi Honey - we're hoooome!!" We are back home in Colorado in a very nice campground with a view of the Rockies right out our back window - we moved here this morning after spending Saturday and Sunday night in a very overpriced, & poorly cared for campground. We'll be at this one for a few weeks, and then go to our summer campground where we will be Camp Hosts at a Colorado State Park. The best thing is, we're going to be here - in the state of CO - for a long, long time. And Scott, Vi, and Veronica are coming out for a 10 day visit in July. Am I beaming from ear to ear? YOU BET!
After we got set up on Saturday, we stopped at Pizza Hut and picked up some pizza, wings, and breadsticks and headed over to Laurie's. Stephen was at his Saturday night poker game, but we had a great time with Laurie and Kasey....in fact, Kasey spent the night with us on Saturday. Then yesterday, we drove around to find this campground and made the arrangements to move here this morning. Kasey was with us, so of course lunch at McDonald's was in order. Then we went to Laurie's and she invited us for dinner - chops on the grill, with wild rice and thick grain bread to go with it. Strawberry shortcake for dessert. Then we headed home to do get ready for this morning's move. Stephen had to work yesterday - we could hear the guns firing as we drove to our campground on the way home last night. One of these days we will see Stephen. Seven and a half years ago, when we first set eyes on Pikes Peak, we fell in love - with the state of CO. We always hoped we could live here someday - and here we are. Of course Western NY and our family and friends there are always very, very close to our hearts and our visits back there will happen too. After all, home is where the heart is, and our hearts just happen to be in two places.
That's ok, right?
God bless our troops and those who love them.

HE IS RISEN!!!

He is risen indeed.

It Takes a Village


On my Living the Dream blog this morning I posted about villages. RV parks are like villages, and the smaller they are, the more we get to know people - especially during long term stays.
It reminded me of the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.
How true.
In the 12 years that I have been a military mom, the "village" made up of people we know because of this roller coaster life has grown to be like a huge city - no boundaries or distance. Just bridges to connect us across the miles.
On Wednesday, we were in SEARS to get a few things I needed and we met a WWII veteran. We stopped and chatted after Ron made a comment to him about his WWII veteran's cap which sported all sorts of pins from the units he served in. Ron had his Fort Carson shirt on which was a great thing to have on at that moment because the man just happened to have been stationed there before Fort Benning...from which he "took a little boat ride." He mentioned that he was only in combat for 10 months before the end of the war - after which he completed his military commitment in Germany during the post war occupation. He is 84 - had just finished walking two laps of the huge mall we were in, and was very proud of his service. NOT a boastful pride, but rather the pride of being able to serve our country and protect her during a time of war. His eyes glistened at times, his voice thickened as he spoke of how important the men and women of today's military are. I found myself tearing up as well.
This man is part of a disappearing generation of men and women - more and more of them passing each day, but whose service will never be forgotten or cease being appreciated.
When he asked about Laurie and Stephen, his interest in them was genuine. We parted ways, but not before he told us to take care of them....and said that he would keep them in his prayers.
Yes, it takes a village to raise a child. And we never know when we will meet (or become) another villager. Here on the internet, or in the aisle of the Misses department at SEARS.

I'm so thankful that I am living in the same village as all of you...remember that they are filled with two way streets. This villager isn't here just to reap all the benefits, but to be a good neighbor as well. Prayers are the most privileged blessing we have to offer - and you have mine as well as I know our family has yours.
Blessings to you all from a thankful mom.

Steel Wool

We are visiting Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey this weekend - to help Kasey celebrate his 5th birthday. It was a long, but leisurely, drive from Arizona - mountains and scenery that absolutely stunned us with beauty. Snow topped peaks, red rocks, and vast plains being grazed by cattle, deer, and horses. How great it was to enjoy all of this, knowing that at the end of the trip, we would see the kids. It's been nearly two months and I must admit that while being in the warmth of the Arizona sun for that length of time, I was getting a bit antsy to see them. We left the RV safely in AZ at the RV park and saved ourselves lots of time. Not pulling the RV sure did cut down on the stops at the gas stations along the way also. THIS is good.

We got here about 1/2 hour before Stephen and Kasey got home which gave Lily and Mya time to readjust to each other - they have a wonderful chocolate lab mix and she is so gentle, but Lily always needs to readjust to her since Mya is bigger than Lily. And then, each morning, the game begins again as though Lily is asking Mya who she is. The one thing we always make sure Lily knows is that this is MYA's house and she rules the roost. Lily gets that eventually. :)

And so today, while Laurie and Stephen are at work, we have the run of the house with Kasey. I will make a quick run to the store for lasagna supplies, as well as the stuff I need to make an apple crisp for dessert.

The one thing we always can count on is that Stephen and Kasey will get their hair cuts before we see them. This time was no exception-just a haircut for Kasey, though, since Stephen had his cut last week.

These fresh cuts always remind me of soft steel wool. Cut within an inch of it's life, Kasey's perfectly shaped little head always is so soft and fuzzy. And he always says, "see Grandma? I got a fresh haircut again." The picture above was taken a few months ago - notice the resemblance between Stephen and Kasey? It goes waaaay beyond the haircuts.

I often wonder whether the novelty of looking just like daddy will wear off - you know, like in those teenage years.

Steel wool - it's not just found in the cupboard under the kitchen sink. It's in the character and the fiber of our troops - and their children.

God bless them all - and those who love them.

Not just a Two Star Mom.....





I think I may have mentioned that Ron is a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam war era. He served 6 years active and his reserve duty as well. There are some things he talks about - where he's been, (for instance, he was stationed in Pearl Harbor for awhile and since he's been there sees no reason why WE should go to HI as a couple - "been there, done that Susan; I saw it for both of us).

Sigh. :)

But the one thing he doesn't mention often is his Vietnam tour of duty on a destroyer in 1967. They served off shore, took troops in at night, picked them up in the morning. Unfortunately, there were often fewer soldiers in the morning than left the ship the night before. Also supplied assistance to other ships in the area. On a beautiful day in August, 1967, they went to the assistance of another ship which was taking rounds. Only ten minutes earlier, Ron had been down in the fire room talking to a young man who was writing home. In only a few short minutes, Ron's life and the life of everyone on board would change forever as the ship took fire from shore and a man was killed. The man was the young sailor Ron had just spoken to moments earlier. Ron had never told me that part of the story.

The other day, Ron came across some information about the sailor's family and he was able to contact the young man's sister by phone. She is the only surviving member of the family now, but he wanted to tell her that he had been with her brother only moments before his death, and what a great guy he was - such a likeable young man.

Ron spent a few minutes on the phone with her, and then said his goodbyes. When he hung up, he was visibly shaken. I had never known that Ron was so close to being injured or killed during that attack, but as he deals with that reality so many years later...he wonders still, why he was spared? I quietly told him,

"It's simply called, "but for the Grace of God."
I am not just a proud two star mom - I am a Veteran's wife - thankful every single day for the Grace of God.

May the blessing of His Grace and love continue to be with all who serve...no matter where that may be.

Planning Ahead, but living for today.







We've been here in AZ for a couple of weeks now, enjoying sunshine and moderate but not hot temps and doing all my doctor appts for the radiation therapy I will be having on a benign tumor in my right auditory canal. The hearing loss and other symptoms I've been experiencing will not be going away, even after the treatments, but the nerve involving the facial nerves will be spared from being affected by this tumor by having it removed this way. There is a ten percent chance that it will be affected by the radiation itself, but that is a much lower percentage compared to the certainty of a permanent Bells Palsy type of condition if I don't have the procedure done. I am very pleased with the doctors who will be doing this, and we are just waiting now for all the appointments I need for MRIs and the treatments. They should be within the next couple of weeks, which is a huge relief.
Our soldiers, and Kasey, are busy back at home. But they are enjoying being back together in their new home. We have been blessed this past year and are not forgetting that we should take the example they set and live in the present...thinking and remembering the future, but grateful for the time at hand. We will be living with Laurie and Kasey once Stephen is deployed because halfway through his next deployment, the Army has plans for Laurie as well. And we will have guardianship of Kasey once again. We will put the RV into storage and remain at their home which will make it lots better for Kasey.
In the meantime, we continue to enjoy life in our RV - lots of senior citizens here in AZ who have been living as full time RVers for a lot longer than we have. We are meeting people here in our RV park who have come from all over the states to keep warm and we are finding that we have lots in common with many of them. Some have children who are serving or have served; or are veterans of VietNam as Ron is. They have stories as we do, and are thankful - as we are for the everyday things like good health, and the ability to do this traveling thing.
We are watching the remake of All Quiet on The Western Front. Whether on the battlefield in Germany in WW1, or in the sands of Iraq, or the mountains of Afghanistan in present day, war doesn't seem to change - but the faces do.
We are free, and the principle never changes - we want others to be free as well. I pray this never changes.
It's all part of God's plan and I don't question His will. And I know that His bigger plan is peace.
I pray that it will come soon.
God bless our troops and those of us who love them.

Words that are good to hear.


Like most of the country, we've had a spell of bitterly cold weather here, but we've been nice and warm on the inside of the RV with the two extra heaters we bought on our trip home to Buffalo in October. Yesterday morning though, we woke up toasty but with no water due to frozen pipes....and our fridge decided to die as well. All day long, Ron worked on the pipes and the we finally got our water back around 3 o'clock in the afternoon, which was also when Ron and I decided that after dinner, the food from the fridge and freezer would go in the cooler. Sigh.
Fast forward to this afternoon when the repairman came to fix the fridge. Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey arrived just before he got here so the kids came inside, and Ron stayed outside with the service man. The kids and I had a good conversation inside, and then they said goodbye to Kasey because he is spending the night here tonight. When Laurie and Stephen went outside,
I followed and got to the open door just in time to hear the repair man thanking Stephen for his service....and then Ron told him that Laurie serves as well and he said thank you to her too. It meant so much to hear someone thanking my children - it's something we military moms do all the time -walk up to service men and women and thank them.
But to hear it from perfect strangers to my own children, well, it meant something.
The fridge is going to be ok after a major repair early next week - being in warranty means that the manufacturer absorbs the nearly $800 in parts and service. THAT was good to hear too.
The one thing I hope is that all of our military hear thank yous often. It just means a lot, don't you think?
God bless our troops - and some day I hope each and every one of them knows the depth of our gratitude. Not just the pride from their families, but the thanks from the country they keep free.