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.