Neither Rain, nor Sleet, nor Dark of Night - and War? HECK NO!!!
Early last week, we got an email from Laurie requesting a few things for the next care package. Since we were between social security checks and a little short on funds, I asked Stephen if he could lend us some $$. He said "you've paid for nearly all of them - this one is on me." So, armed with my list and his $$, off to the commissary I went...on a mission. And I went through the commissary, putting things in my cart and checking them off the list. In less than 30 minutes, (record time for me and the commissary), I was at the cash register and out. And except for trying to find my way around the construction detours, NOTHING could dampen my enthusiasm. I got home, unloaded all the stuff on the counter, and started packing it all in boxes, then changed my mind so Stephen could see everything when he got home from work. THEN, I started packing and when Laurie Skyped that night to practice Kasey's spelling words with him, I said to her, "mission accomplished - boxes being mailed tomorrow." And so, when we picked up Kasey from school the next afternoon (10 out of 10 spelling words right for his spelling test that day- AWESOME Kasey!), we went to the post office and mailed two very heavy large flat rate boxes to Kasey's mommy. I think it's important for Kasey to see the entire process - all the things purchased, (sometimes he goes with us to shop if he's not in school), the packing, and especially the mailing. It tells him that Mommy is in a place where the everyday things we take for granted are not available to his mommy. And that's why it's so important to do it. So when we put the boxes on the counter, the postal clerk said - 7 to 10 days. But even if it gets to the APO address when it's supposed to, it's up to the Army to get it to her. But the staff at the Post Office know us now and always ask how our girl is. This may be contrary to some post offices, but here, it's the norm.
Last night we skyped with Laurie again for Kasey's spelling words, and I told her the boxes should be there this weekend - or Monday by the latest.
This morning, I received an email from Laurie - boxes arrived in the hours following our skype conversation, and she was SOOO excited. Do you KNOW what that does to a mom's heart? (not to mention how it makes the eyes leak).
And so, I am already making up the next box - and that will go out tomorrow. Not so much treats as just stuff that I think will make her smile - catalogs, papers Kasey has done in school, a candle in a patriotic holder - just stuff that will make her smile. And pretty soon, it will be cool enough to send chocolate. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. :-)
I posted my happiness on FB this morning, and I just read a comment from my good friend Betsy - "how did that happen????"
It's anybody's guess....but I am so thankful.
Good work guys!
And thank you God.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
So here we are, into our fourth month of Laurie's deployment. We are doing well, the time going quickly - now that Kasey is back in school. He's doing well this year (knocking on the wooden table beneath my laptop). Laurie Skypes at least once a week, and on the first day of school, she called Kasey in the morning before he left for his first day as a big boy in 1st grade. Last week, she Skyped one night as she began her day and we were wrapping up ours, to help him with his spelling words. Stephen told Kasey the night before he went back to school, as he was getting all Kasey's things ready, and while I packed his lunch, that being a good boy and doing well in school was his job to do during the time his mommy is away. We all have our jobs, some easier than others. But even Kasey knows his job is no less important than any other.
The 10th anniversary of 9/11 will be here this weekend. Not something to celebrate, but a day to remember. But as terrible as that day was, we can give thanks for the American spirit we witnessed every day thereafter. Ron and I have been watching some of the special interviews aired on National Geo this week - especially we caught President Bush's interview. I could watch that interview every single day and still not fathom what it must have been like for him as our nation's leader trying to console every single American -especially the families of those who did not survive.
What I remember that day, as I sat at my desk at the University of Buffalo - I attempted to process financial aid while so many of our students from NYC stood around the TV in the Student Union wondering if their families were okay knowing that we would be at war soon. Laurie - and the hundreds of thousands of other American troops had gone from serving in time of peace to a time of war. She was doing some training in TX - learning about the attacks in bits and pieces from the instructors - and I remembered the young men and women in the NCO leadership class she had graduated with less than a month before - and that some of them were stationed at the Pentagon. And Scott, at home in Hamburg, was also watching it - knowing that his little sister was about to become more than a soldier. She would be a warrior. And now - she IS a warrior.
And so, the title of this post. You see, a long time ago, when we were visiting Laurie, she took us to one of those little stores outside the main PX. I love those places - tee shirts, pins, you name it. Anything the military mom could want. I found a tee shirt that had a logo on the front - a simple logo that spelled out - Hooah. And on the back, it says "Hooah - the Cry of the American Warrior Since 1718." It's a shirt that has gone through various times of struggle - Stephen's deployments, Laurie's school and separations from her family, and all the time we have spent with Kasey. There were times when it didn't fit me due to weight gain, so it sat folded in my drawer. But having lost the weight, it is a staple in my casual wardrobe. Most people don't know what the symbol on the front of the tee means - but if they read the back, this Hooah word might ring a bell.
The day after 9/11 I had an eye doctor appt. I had gone to this doctor for several years. The nurse knew that I was the mom of a soldier, and asked me how I was doing. She made some notes in my folder as to how the 9/11 attack was affecting me. And then the doctor came in, asked how I was and I said "it's not a very good day to be a military mom." And he said, "It's about time they do some work." It took everything in me not to get up and walk away, but I didn't. I bit my tongue, said nothing to him - and I mean nothing, unless it was about my eyes - and I walked out of that office and never went back. My own way of saying "Hooah." When I called and canceled my next appointment a few months later, I told the nurse WHY I was canceling it. She sounded sympathetic and apologized for the pain it must have caused. She asked if I would come back if the doctor apologized and I said no thank you. Perhaps not very gracious, but I found a new doctor who asked me why I was changing doctors - and I told him why. He didn't know what to say, so he just shook his head and said he was sorry. I appreciated that. We all have our own ways of saying Hooah, don't we?
And so, as I sit here on a chilly Colorado morning, the tee shirt still fits well. I am about to put on a sweatshirt - I think summer is over here - but will know that underneath is a tee shirt that announces the warrior's cry.
To ALL of our American warriors - serving in all branches of the military - HOOAH!! It's said in various ways depending on the branch you serve in. I am proud of everyone who wears a uniform.
It's not just an Army thing - and it's a cry that lets your fellow Americans know that nothing can take away your spirit.
And oh yes, this tee shirt which has been washed SO many times, has never faded. Not at all. Just like the spirit of the warriors who cry out the word. And those who love them.
God bless our troops - and the America they protect and serve.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Come Hell or High Water....or War.
Today was Kasey's first day back to school. The morning went smoothly - Kasey got up great, had a two waffle breakfast, and put on his new duds. Lunch was all packed, backpack had all of his school supplies, and he was ready to go a half hour early. Trying to keep him busy for a half hour without cartoons, or computer games, or anything like it was fun.(not!), but we made do. I was getting ready myself when the phone rang. I caught it on the third ring on the phone in Laurie and Stephen's room, and when I heard the familiar delay after I said "hello," I knew it was Laurie before her wonderful voice came over the wire. We talked for about 15 seconds and then I told her I love her and handed the phone over to Kasey. Listening (but not being obvious about it) to Kasey's conversation with his mom, I smiled. Funny thing, I knew she would call. It's what a mom does - when you can't be there to do all the fun stuff yourself on those important days, you make sure you talk to your child. Come hell or high water, wherever you are, you tell him good luck, wish him a great day, and most of all, you tell him "I love you very much." And even though the conversation is only a minute or two long, it means the world to that child...and to that mom, who is so far away...but here at home too.
To this mom, remembering those 1st days of school from longer ago than I care to remember, it made this day so much easier on my heart, knowing that my little girl got to speak to her little boy on such an important occasion.
I wish the picture above could be of Laurie and Kasey - but I hope it means as much to Kasey as it does to me that I can be here to help him during this school year. I'm sure we will have our share of struggles, but we will do as our family always does. We will pray, and trust, and get by...no matter what.
Today was Kasey's first day back to school. The morning went smoothly - Kasey got up great, had a two waffle breakfast, and put on his new duds. Lunch was all packed, backpack had all of his school supplies, and he was ready to go a half hour early. Trying to keep him busy for a half hour without cartoons, or computer games, or anything like it was fun.(not!), but we made do. I was getting ready myself when the phone rang. I caught it on the third ring on the phone in Laurie and Stephen's room, and when I heard the familiar delay after I said "hello," I knew it was Laurie before her wonderful voice came over the wire. We talked for about 15 seconds and then I told her I love her and handed the phone over to Kasey. Listening (but not being obvious about it) to Kasey's conversation with his mom, I smiled. Funny thing, I knew she would call. It's what a mom does - when you can't be there to do all the fun stuff yourself on those important days, you make sure you talk to your child. Come hell or high water, wherever you are, you tell him good luck, wish him a great day, and most of all, you tell him "I love you very much." And even though the conversation is only a minute or two long, it means the world to that child...and to that mom, who is so far away...but here at home too.
I wish the picture above could be of Laurie and Kasey - but I hope it means as much to Kasey as it does to me that I can be here to help him during this school year. I'm sure we will have our share of struggles, but we will do as our family always does. We will pray, and trust, and get by...no matter what.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Door Number.....?
After the events in Afghanistan this weekend, I knew that it was time for me to find a church home. God bless those who were lost yesterday, their families, and friends. And our nation's military - they are the best of the best. Seeing Laurie on Skype this weekend had a whole new meaning - and the thanksgiving to see her and talk to her was such a blessing.
God has helped me to realize that I can practice my faith in the world, but it's time to sit in a pew on Sunday, to worship and hear the spoken Word. To be fed, so that I can help to nourish others. While I haven't worshiped in a church regularly since we left Hamburg, my faith has not left me. I still pray, still study Scripture, and thankfully, I know in whom my Salvation lies. This is not my doing and that nothing I do will gain that for me. Jesus paid the debt for me on a cross on a lonely hill long ago.
But someone reminded me the other day that when we lived in Hamburg, practicing my faith in the church of my choice was a VERY important part of my life. To be in a pew on Sunday mornings with my fellow Christian sisters and brothers began and ended my weeks. Sunday was the first day of my week, and also the last; the Sabbath when being fed Spiritually would get me through each day of the coming week.
And so, this morning, God led me through a door. Sure, it was a warm and sunny morning, and the door was wide open, but it was as if God was saying to me personally, "welcome to your new home, daughter." The ushers greeted me with a smile, and the service's liturgy was one I knew by heart. It felt like God really was welcoming me home. In the hymns as well. I made mental notes during the entire service of what I liked - of what made me feel like I was home. It was a long list. After receiving the Lord's Supper, it felt complete. The closing hymn, How Great Thou Art, brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat as it always does.
And the welcome by several members after the service was awesome.
Ron hadn't attended with me - I was the one to "check it out," so to speak. Something was different for me - the usual butterflies were missing - I walked into this church with hope, and with assurance - not with any nervousness at all. And when I got back into the truck after the service was over, I said "this is our new church home." Next week he will attend with me.
I've always known that entering a church - going through the door He leads us through - isn't anything like "Let's Make A Deal." No deals with the Lord. He asks very little - but gives so much in return. He doesn't require us to be in a church every Sunday, but oh my goodness, it's such a blessing to BE there. Old or new, that door offers so much...not just a home, but a heart that knows for sure He's right again.
Why should that surprise me? He is ALWAYS right.
This post is for my friend, Nancy. She's always right too. I love you, Nance.
After the events in Afghanistan this weekend, I knew that it was time for me to find a church home. God bless those who were lost yesterday, their families, and friends. And our nation's military - they are the best of the best. Seeing Laurie on Skype this weekend had a whole new meaning - and the thanksgiving to see her and talk to her was such a blessing.
God has helped me to realize that I can practice my faith in the world, but it's time to sit in a pew on Sunday, to worship and hear the spoken Word. To be fed, so that I can help to nourish others. While I haven't worshiped in a church regularly since we left Hamburg, my faith has not left me. I still pray, still study Scripture, and thankfully, I know in whom my Salvation lies. This is not my doing and that nothing I do will gain that for me. Jesus paid the debt for me on a cross on a lonely hill long ago.
But someone reminded me the other day that when we lived in Hamburg, practicing my faith in the church of my choice was a VERY important part of my life. To be in a pew on Sunday mornings with my fellow Christian sisters and brothers began and ended my weeks. Sunday was the first day of my week, and also the last; the Sabbath when being fed Spiritually would get me through each day of the coming week.
And so, this morning, God led me through a door. Sure, it was a warm and sunny morning, and the door was wide open, but it was as if God was saying to me personally, "welcome to your new home, daughter." The ushers greeted me with a smile, and the service's liturgy was one I knew by heart. It felt like God really was welcoming me home. In the hymns as well. I made mental notes during the entire service of what I liked - of what made me feel like I was home. It was a long list. After receiving the Lord's Supper, it felt complete. The closing hymn, How Great Thou Art, brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat as it always does.
And the welcome by several members after the service was awesome.
Ron hadn't attended with me - I was the one to "check it out," so to speak. Something was different for me - the usual butterflies were missing - I walked into this church with hope, and with assurance - not with any nervousness at all. And when I got back into the truck after the service was over, I said "this is our new church home." Next week he will attend with me.
I've always known that entering a church - going through the door He leads us through - isn't anything like "Let's Make A Deal." No deals with the Lord. He asks very little - but gives so much in return. He doesn't require us to be in a church every Sunday, but oh my goodness, it's such a blessing to BE there. Old or new, that door offers so much...not just a home, but a heart that knows for sure He's right again.
Why should that surprise me? He is ALWAYS right.
This post is for my friend, Nancy. She's always right too. I love you, Nance.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Treasures in Jars of Clay
Thanks for coming back. I know, I know, it's been awhile.
We are two months into Laurie's deployment now - never thought when she left that I could get past the first day. But the days and weeks are passing quickly for her - and for us as well. I suspect busy-ness has something to do with it. She is busy there - thank goodness, and is able to Skype once a week. She looks good and looks forward to letters and packages - she shares everything with the other soldiers in her unit so I always try to send a variety of things. We try to send pictures by email of Kasey doing just the day to day things, and of anything special that might be going on.
For me, it's taking care of the house, and cooking, and most important to me, making sure that my 3 Colorado men - big and little - get through the days.
And of course sending letters and packages to a faraway place.
Then there is my 4th guy back in Buffalo trying to get through this deployment too. I know that Scott always has his little sister on his mind even with the things he and Vi are trying to prepare for. They are doing well, but Vi has surgery again in a few weeks to re-do the original surgical procedure which needed undoing in emergency surgery because of the infection that set in only a couple of days after the original. I can't go back to Buffalo this time and so I hope he understands that his mom and dad are there in spirit and in our hearts. Tough decisions for a mom and dad. They (and we) are hoping they might be able to get here in the fall for a week or so when Vi's doctor allows her to travel. We will try to help them as much as possible with their airfare.
Kasey is doing pretty good - misses his mom, but we are trying to do at least one fun day out every week. We've been to the movies twice this week - on Tuesday my friend called and asked if Kasey and I would like to go to the movies with her and her daughter. We did and it was a lot of fun. We saw Zookeeper and it was a cute movie. The next day Ron and I had a planned "date" with Kasey - movie (Mr. Popper's Penguins - really cute), Wal-mart and out for dinner. Although we were hoping that Stephen could join us for dinner, his hours were too long for that. But we had a great time - and somehow, at Wal-mart, Kasey even talked Grandpa into buying him a sizable water gun. Not the "soaker" but a respectable size. LOL. School will start in less than a month so we are making the most of the time we have left.
I sometimes wonder, from day to day, what the next day will bring. But unless we have appointments or something, we take one day at a time. I have had my "bad" Laurie days when I wake up in the morning missing her and worrying about her. And it's really pointless because by the time our day is getting started after breakfast, hers is over and she is on her way to dreamland. This makes the time go more quickly also since we go by the days on her calendar, not ours. :-)
As a result of the trip to AZ, I have been to a hearing aid specialist and am now awaiting a pair of hearing aids. One for both ears. They will help with clarity, and with actual hearing as well. The doctor said that I might find the improvement hard to get used to since my hearing has been so limited for so long. I'm thinking this will be something I will adjust to in no time. :) How thankful I am that my insurance covers all but $360.
You might find the title to this post a bit odd, but I base it on the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:7 which says:
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
You see, I am just me - a wife/mom/grandma - fragile as any other human being, susceptible to breaks and cracks as are jars of clay. But in me, when I feel that fragility and I think I have to do everything, or BE everything, I also know that it won't be by MY strength, but by what God and His Son do to help me through. It's stronger than any strength I could summon on my own...none of this is my own doing, and I am SOOO thankful for that.
I am only the fragile jar of clay and He and the gift of His Son are the treasure. Thankfully, God has also given me the faith to know that I carry that treasure - but again, not by my own doing.
Blessings my friends and thank you for stopping by, and for your prayers.
God bless our troops, and those who love them.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
As Time Passes....
SO, here we are at nearly a month into Laurie's deployment. We are hunkered down for the remainder - only 11 months now - but some days it's a bit hard. Okay that's a lie....it's REALLY hard. But we are in good company with hundreds of thousands of other military families and so I often stop what I am doing and thank God that I realize it's not just all about us. The days have passed quickly for me - trying to keep busy with Kasey, and cleaning, and all the things there are to do here at home. The puppy is doing her best to be beautiful, but she is a puppy after all, and it's a darned good thing that she IS beautiful or she would be outside a great deal of the day. The honor system isn't working real well yet (those beautiful brown eyes which say, "okay grandma, you can let me out now, and I'll be good the rest of the day" can be very deceptive), but we'll get there.
I tell her that all the time just so she doesn't forget that her humans are the boss. Yup. Sure we are.
Laurie is settled at her duty station and she likes where she is. We finally got the correct address for her so hopefully the packages we sent to the first one will be forwarded to her from the base she was at in the beginning. She usually skypes on the weekends so we get to see her and I can give the okay that, yes, she looks good. Tomorrow I am going shopping for her next package (s). I try to pick up this and that every time I shop but still, it takes awhile to get a good package together. We email occasionally but I let her take the lead on that since her internet time is limited right now and she does, after all, have Stephen to keep in touch with.
And so, as time passes, I realize that as a wife/mom/grandma/friend I do not have a job description. It's whatever God/my family/those I love need me to be.
Please, Lord....help me each moment of every day to be what YOU need me to be. And Lord, please bless our troops and every single person who loves them.
SO, here we are at nearly a month into Laurie's deployment. We are hunkered down for the remainder - only 11 months now - but some days it's a bit hard. Okay that's a lie....it's REALLY hard. But we are in good company with hundreds of thousands of other military families and so I often stop what I am doing and thank God that I realize it's not just all about us. The days have passed quickly for me - trying to keep busy with Kasey, and cleaning, and all the things there are to do here at home. The puppy is doing her best to be beautiful, but she is a puppy after all, and it's a darned good thing that she IS beautiful or she would be outside a great deal of the day. The honor system isn't working real well yet (those beautiful brown eyes which say, "okay grandma, you can let me out now, and I'll be good the rest of the day" can be very deceptive), but we'll get there.
I tell her that all the time just so she doesn't forget that her humans are the boss. Yup. Sure we are.
Laurie is settled at her duty station and she likes where she is. We finally got the correct address for her so hopefully the packages we sent to the first one will be forwarded to her from the base she was at in the beginning. She usually skypes on the weekends so we get to see her and I can give the okay that, yes, she looks good. Tomorrow I am going shopping for her next package (s). I try to pick up this and that every time I shop but still, it takes awhile to get a good package together. We email occasionally but I let her take the lead on that since her internet time is limited right now and she does, after all, have Stephen to keep in touch with.
And so, as time passes, I realize that as a wife/mom/grandma/friend I do not have a job description. It's whatever God/my family/those I love need me to be.
Please, Lord....help me each moment of every day to be what YOU need me to be. And Lord, please bless our troops and every single person who loves them.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
To the best Army ever to be formed in the world, HAPPY 236th BIRTHDAY to our US ARMY.
May God bless each and every soldier who has ever, or still does wear the uniform of a US Army Soldier.
Today is also flag day. Our proud symbol of America - the STARS and STRIPES....adopted on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. Back then there were just 13 stars but she flew just as proudly as she does today.
May God bless America and those who keep her free.
To the best Army ever to be formed in the world, HAPPY 236th BIRTHDAY to our US ARMY.
May God bless each and every soldier who has ever, or still does wear the uniform of a US Army Soldier.
Today is also flag day. Our proud symbol of America - the STARS and STRIPES....adopted on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. Back then there were just 13 stars but she flew just as proudly as she does today.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
When I changed the background for Two Star Mom a couple of weeks ago, this one seemed to fit the bill very well.
This being Memorial Day, I could say a lot....with Laurie being deployed it casts a new light on our days.
But I will just say thank you to the Armed Forces and their loved ones. For those who gave all, and their families, we know you are remembering them today as you do everyday. Just know that WE are also remembering them as we SHOULD remember them every day.
And to those who serve NOW, I pray God's loving hand upon you no matter where you serve. You give us so much in your service.
Namely - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
A happiness that sometimes means a warm puppy and his little boy.
God bless our troops and those who love them.
When I changed the background for Two Star Mom a couple of weeks ago, this one seemed to fit the bill very well.
This being Memorial Day, I could say a lot....with Laurie being deployed it casts a new light on our days.
But I will just say thank you to the Armed Forces and their loved ones. For those who gave all, and their families, we know you are remembering them today as you do everyday. Just know that WE are also remembering them as we SHOULD remember them every day.
And to those who serve NOW, I pray God's loving hand upon you no matter where you serve. You give us so much in your service.
Namely - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
God bless our troops and those who love them.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Making Lemonade .
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Of course that old saying has been around for ages.
But how sweet is that lemonade going to be ~ how much sugar do you have to add to make it drinkable?
I guess deployments are what military families consider lemons...and the days and weeks leading up to them can be filled with lots of lemonade making if it's all taken in the context of "it's what we do." We know a lot about that around here....and every day, learning more.
Things are going well here, the kids spending as much time together as possible, and including us many times. We are enjoying Kasey's t-ball games, sometimes an impromptu lunch afterwards on Saturday mornings, but we know that THEIR time together is really important at this time so we don't always say yes. We know that now is not the time to be selfish, but yet we can sense that time with her mom and dad is as important to Laurie as it is to us. I am trying not to show any stress about the deployment, but occasionally ask a question or two which Laurie is most happy to answer if she is able to. She does look a little tired - but I think she is sleeping okay and actually, so am I. As long as I don't wake up in the middle of the night, it's all good. Waking up in the middle of the night is NOT good for the well being of the military mom because the brain goes on over drive in those dark hours.
I know I haven't been around much ~ to be honest, there's not a lot to say. I have my own thoughts about the death of OBL, but do not wish to share them here. Call it a security measure.
Some of you understand, and I am thinking even if you are not walking in the shoes you still hear the difficulty of wearing them. This is the most difficult time for military loved ones ~ the time leading up to deployment. Once your soldier leaves, you switch gears and it becomes prayer and trust, shopping and baking, writing letters and sending packages. Not to mention doing what needs to be done to get everyone here through each day...and hopefully helping Laurie get through it over there as well with as many hugs from home that can possibly be sent.. As always, it will be one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.
And oh yes, did I mention prayer and trust? Sorry if I am repeating myself.
This week I am going to try something different. No lemonade. It's going to be a lemon chiffon pie. More calories, for sure, but sweeter...and garnished with fresh whipped cream around the edges.
And the recipe tells me EXACTLY how much sugar to use.
I think everyone in our home can use the change.
God bless you and God bless our troops. Thank you for the prayers that I know you are sending Heavenward for the men and women who serve. Their loved ones could probably use a few too, please. :)
Hugs to you all and thanks for stopping by.
Sue
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Of course that old saying has been around for ages.
But how sweet is that lemonade going to be ~ how much sugar do you have to add to make it drinkable?
I guess deployments are what military families consider lemons...and the days and weeks leading up to them can be filled with lots of lemonade making if it's all taken in the context of "it's what we do." We know a lot about that around here....and every day, learning more.
Things are going well here, the kids spending as much time together as possible, and including us many times. We are enjoying Kasey's t-ball games, sometimes an impromptu lunch afterwards on Saturday mornings, but we know that THEIR time together is really important at this time so we don't always say yes. We know that now is not the time to be selfish, but yet we can sense that time with her mom and dad is as important to Laurie as it is to us. I am trying not to show any stress about the deployment, but occasionally ask a question or two which Laurie is most happy to answer if she is able to. She does look a little tired - but I think she is sleeping okay and actually, so am I. As long as I don't wake up in the middle of the night, it's all good. Waking up in the middle of the night is NOT good for the well being of the military mom because the brain goes on over drive in those dark hours.
I know I haven't been around much ~ to be honest, there's not a lot to say. I have my own thoughts about the death of OBL, but do not wish to share them here. Call it a security measure.
Some of you understand, and I am thinking even if you are not walking in the shoes you still hear the difficulty of wearing them. This is the most difficult time for military loved ones ~ the time leading up to deployment. Once your soldier leaves, you switch gears and it becomes prayer and trust, shopping and baking, writing letters and sending packages. Not to mention doing what needs to be done to get everyone here through each day...and hopefully helping Laurie get through it over there as well with as many hugs from home that can possibly be sent.. As always, it will be one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.
And oh yes, did I mention prayer and trust? Sorry if I am repeating myself.
This week I am going to try something different. No lemonade. It's going to be a lemon chiffon pie. More calories, for sure, but sweeter...and garnished with fresh whipped cream around the edges.
And the recipe tells me EXACTLY how much sugar to use.
I think everyone in our home can use the change.
God bless you and God bless our troops. Thank you for the prayers that I know you are sending Heavenward for the men and women who serve. Their loved ones could probably use a few too, please. :)
Hugs to you all and thanks for stopping by.
Sue
Sunday, April 10, 2011
DARN IT. Guess I Can Use the Yarn After All.
About a week ago, Stephen came home from work and announced that Laurie wouldn't be deployed after all.
I RAN across the kitchen to the living room, where Stephen was standing by the couch. I screamed, and cried, and hugged Stephen as he laughed, and hugged me back. It seems that someone in Stephen's new brigade, a COL, hadn't given up on it once he heard about it when Stephen was transferred there. He had gone all the way to the top to have Laurie's deployment reversed, and told Stephen's platoon Captain that it was successful and to let Stephen know - which he did. Because Stephen said that it was "as 100 percent certain as the Army gets, we told Scott and Vi, we told my younger sister, and our closest friends. When Laurie returned home from officer training last weekend, we hugged her and told her how thankful we were that she was going to stay at home. Don't get me wrong - Laurie has never shirked her duty, and we wouldn't want her to....it's just not in her. But a legitimate change in orders and transfer to a different company was not shirking her duty - it was about several officers from Stephen's brigade trying to keep a family together for a year who hadn't had a full year together in over 4 years. As Laurie hugged us back, she said not to count on it since her company didn't know about it yet and she didn't know if it would go through. I didn't blog about it here or at Living A Dream because after 13 years of riding this roller coaster, I'm never quite sure of the guy in the station who controls the car we're riding in. Know what I mean? Is he going to listen to his own instincts or to the quiet voice telling him to stop the ride for a little while because it's been going up and down too often?
So I had all this yarn I had purchased to make Laurie an afghan for her deployment - to wrap around her when she gets cold, or tired....or lonely for home. And now, with Laurie not deploying, I had this wonderful dilemma about who to make an afghan for....several suggestions to me were a home for abused women, or for a nursing home - someone disadvantaged.
Laurie came home on Thursday after running errands, and checking on some things over on post. She wasn't in the door 30 seconds when her cell rang. She looked at the caller ID, and ran upstairs to take the call. This was my first inkling that we were about to find out some news...and something told me it wasn't going to be happy news. A few minutes later I heard her talking to Ron, and then she came downstairs to the kitchen where I was getting dinner ready to put in the oven.
It seems that the 100% as sure as the Army gets turned out to be 50/50. There is another Army officer also trying to get his orders reversed for the same reasons, and since he out ranks Laurie, it will probably swing in his favor.
Therefore, we are in preparation mode, this time for Laurie. We were so disappointed for the kids, and for Kasey. And, okay, for us too. Sending our little girl to such a strange place will not be easy - especially for Ron. Alright, for me as well. But I will use the time ahead to make sure every moment we have before she deploys is as easy as it can be. I don't know when she leaves, but it will be too soon. And every day she is over there I will keep as busy as I can trying to make it pass quickly for us all. Every thought of her will be a prayer - for all of us.
So the dilemma about the afghan isn't as wonderful as it was, but that I CAN do this for my little girl is a blessing to me. Now I will decide on the pattern, and knit every moment I can when she is at work during the day. And at night after she has gone to bed. It will be one of those gifts that I can't watch her open because it won't be done before she leaves. And even though she probably will have to leave it behind when her deployment is over because of baggage space, leaving it for someone else will be her way of letting someone else know that they are in good hands. The hands of our Father.
I am so hoping that when this afghan is around her shoulders, she will feel not just the love between a mom and a daughter, but the prayers of a mom as well. That she will know each knit or purl is a prayer.
Dear Lord, let her not only feel my love for her, but YOUR love which is stronger and mightier than any love.
About a week ago, Stephen came home from work and announced that Laurie wouldn't be deployed after all.
I RAN across the kitchen to the living room, where Stephen was standing by the couch. I screamed, and cried, and hugged Stephen as he laughed, and hugged me back. It seems that someone in Stephen's new brigade, a COL, hadn't given up on it once he heard about it when Stephen was transferred there. He had gone all the way to the top to have Laurie's deployment reversed, and told Stephen's platoon Captain that it was successful and to let Stephen know - which he did. Because Stephen said that it was "as 100 percent certain as the Army gets, we told Scott and Vi, we told my younger sister, and our closest friends. When Laurie returned home from officer training last weekend, we hugged her and told her how thankful we were that she was going to stay at home. Don't get me wrong - Laurie has never shirked her duty, and we wouldn't want her to....it's just not in her. But a legitimate change in orders and transfer to a different company was not shirking her duty - it was about several officers from Stephen's brigade trying to keep a family together for a year who hadn't had a full year together in over 4 years. As Laurie hugged us back, she said not to count on it since her company didn't know about it yet and she didn't know if it would go through. I didn't blog about it here or at Living A Dream because after 13 years of riding this roller coaster, I'm never quite sure of the guy in the station who controls the car we're riding in. Know what I mean? Is he going to listen to his own instincts or to the quiet voice telling him to stop the ride for a little while because it's been going up and down too often?
So I had all this yarn I had purchased to make Laurie an afghan for her deployment - to wrap around her when she gets cold, or tired....or lonely for home. And now, with Laurie not deploying, I had this wonderful dilemma about who to make an afghan for....several suggestions to me were a home for abused women, or for a nursing home - someone disadvantaged.
Laurie came home on Thursday after running errands, and checking on some things over on post. She wasn't in the door 30 seconds when her cell rang. She looked at the caller ID, and ran upstairs to take the call. This was my first inkling that we were about to find out some news...and something told me it wasn't going to be happy news. A few minutes later I heard her talking to Ron, and then she came downstairs to the kitchen where I was getting dinner ready to put in the oven.
It seems that the 100% as sure as the Army gets turned out to be 50/50. There is another Army officer also trying to get his orders reversed for the same reasons, and since he out ranks Laurie, it will probably swing in his favor.
Therefore, we are in preparation mode, this time for Laurie. We were so disappointed for the kids, and for Kasey. And, okay, for us too. Sending our little girl to such a strange place will not be easy - especially for Ron. Alright, for me as well. But I will use the time ahead to make sure every moment we have before she deploys is as easy as it can be. I don't know when she leaves, but it will be too soon. And every day she is over there I will keep as busy as I can trying to make it pass quickly for us all. Every thought of her will be a prayer - for all of us.
So the dilemma about the afghan isn't as wonderful as it was, but that I CAN do this for my little girl is a blessing to me. Now I will decide on the pattern, and knit every moment I can when she is at work during the day. And at night after she has gone to bed. It will be one of those gifts that I can't watch her open because it won't be done before she leaves. And even though she probably will have to leave it behind when her deployment is over because of baggage space, leaving it for someone else will be her way of letting someone else know that they are in good hands. The hands of our Father.
I am so hoping that when this afghan is around her shoulders, she will feel not just the love between a mom and a daughter, but the prayers of a mom as well. That she will know each knit or purl is a prayer.
Dear Lord, let her not only feel my love for her, but YOUR love which is stronger and mightier than any love.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Circle of Life - and Love.
We are getting ready for Stephen. He'll be home soon - a blessing we never expected when he left for the sand in October. Even though it's only been 5 months -the time has probably gone much more quickly for us than for him-I know it's been much harder on the kids with all the ups and downs. There have been changes made by the Army, promotions which are good, but have altered the course of things for Laurie and Stephen both.
But the circle of life continues. Kasey still goes to school every day, and Ron and I keep our routine fairly simple so that we can keep Kasey's life on an even keel too. There's the occasional "want to go have breakfast before we go run our errands?" in the mornings after Ron takes Kasey to school. I never turn that down. :) And of course, the new "adventure" of shopping at the commissary because we are eligible as Kasey's guardians. We went there last week, not heeding Laurie's advice of never shopping there on the 1st or the 15th or on Saturday. Uh huh - she knows what she's talking about. But life is good - complicated sometimes, but good.
Last night was Kasey's birthday party - 13 boys and girls aged 5 and 6. Quite an experience to plan and carry out, but one which we wouldn't have missed for anything. Tomorrow some dear friends of Laurie and Stephen (therefore OUR dear friends as well) , and their girls, too, are coming over for swiss steak dinner and all the fixings. I am fighting off a cold - or something. Shopping in the PX this morning for a couple of last minute Kasey presents was a bit difficult as the feverish and stuffy feeling started working it's gradual "magic" on my system. I am headed for the couch in just a few minutes but first, this post.
So back to the title of my post. I've spoken in part of the circle of life. But the circle of love isn't so easy. It brings tears to my eyes and wonder to my heart when I think of it.
As I was dusting Stephen's chest of drawers the other day in preparation for his return, a small and wonderful symbol of Laurie's and Stephen's love caught my eye. When Stephen left in October, he left his wedding band here - he often loses weight when he is over "there" so he generally leaves his wedding band here with Laurie. She keeps it for him - wears it on a gold chain quite often. But when she came home for President's Day weekend, she placed it on his dresser so that it would be waiting for him when he gets home. She knew then that he would be home soon.
I gently picked it up so I could dust the dresser, and placed it lovingly back in the spot where I found it.
Life, love, and marriage.. Faithfulness, and a steadfast love between two people all represented in a simple gold band. The Army may keep them apart, but their love keeps them together across the miles.
Each day I pray for them - that they are strong in their separations and safe as they wait for their reunions. And sometimes, His answers are so clear - as clear and present as the gold band of a husband/soldier/dad waiting to come home.
We are getting ready for Stephen. He'll be home soon - a blessing we never expected when he left for the sand in October. Even though it's only been 5 months -the time has probably gone much more quickly for us than for him-I know it's been much harder on the kids with all the ups and downs. There have been changes made by the Army, promotions which are good, but have altered the course of things for Laurie and Stephen both.
But the circle of life continues. Kasey still goes to school every day, and Ron and I keep our routine fairly simple so that we can keep Kasey's life on an even keel too. There's the occasional "want to go have breakfast before we go run our errands?" in the mornings after Ron takes Kasey to school. I never turn that down. :) And of course, the new "adventure" of shopping at the commissary because we are eligible as Kasey's guardians. We went there last week, not heeding Laurie's advice of never shopping there on the 1st or the 15th or on Saturday. Uh huh - she knows what she's talking about. But life is good - complicated sometimes, but good.
Last night was Kasey's birthday party - 13 boys and girls aged 5 and 6. Quite an experience to plan and carry out, but one which we wouldn't have missed for anything. Tomorrow some dear friends of Laurie and Stephen (therefore OUR dear friends as well) , and their girls, too, are coming over for swiss steak dinner and all the fixings. I am fighting off a cold - or something. Shopping in the PX this morning for a couple of last minute Kasey presents was a bit difficult as the feverish and stuffy feeling started working it's gradual "magic" on my system. I am headed for the couch in just a few minutes but first, this post.
So back to the title of my post. I've spoken in part of the circle of life. But the circle of love isn't so easy. It brings tears to my eyes and wonder to my heart when I think of it.
As I was dusting Stephen's chest of drawers the other day in preparation for his return, a small and wonderful symbol of Laurie's and Stephen's love caught my eye. When Stephen left in October, he left his wedding band here - he often loses weight when he is over "there" so he generally leaves his wedding band here with Laurie. She keeps it for him - wears it on a gold chain quite often. But when she came home for President's Day weekend, she placed it on his dresser so that it would be waiting for him when he gets home. She knew then that he would be home soon.
I gently picked it up so I could dust the dresser, and placed it lovingly back in the spot where I found it.
Life, love, and marriage.. Faithfulness, and a steadfast love between two people all represented in a simple gold band. The Army may keep them apart, but their love keeps them together across the miles.
Each day I pray for them - that they are strong in their separations and safe as they wait for their reunions. And sometimes, His answers are so clear - as clear and present as the gold band of a husband/soldier/dad waiting to come home.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It's About the Soldier's Sibling Too.
Several years ago when I began this blog, I mentioned that being a military mom isn't JUST about being a military mom. There is Scott as well, our son who is back in Buffalo with his family. After a somewhat amicable divorce from his first wife, Tina, Scott met and fell in love with Violet. We love Vi as our daughter already, and she always makes sure we know the feeling is mutual. She is an awesome young woman who not only loves Scott, but Veronica as well. Tina knows this - Vi gives Veronica wonderful care every weekend when she comes to visit. This is all good.
Recently, Vi has had some serious health issues related to Crohn's disease. If you are familiar with this disease, you know that it is very painful and can cause serious complications. The complications part finally caught up to Vi and she will be having surgery in a couple of weeks. Scott has been very worried and I knew that not going to Buffalo to support them is just not an option. Laurie realizes this and understands that I need to go and help her brother and his fiance right now.
Got a great fare on a flight after Vi called me this morning with her surgery date, and I'll be boarding a plane to Buffalo to go and help out the kids for about 10 days. As much as I hate to be going for the REASON I am going, I am excited that I will see Scott and Vi and Veronica more than once this year. I hope to see some friends and extended family while I am there, but every visit that I have with others outside of my time with the kids will be a bonus. A BIG bonus.
Of course there are Ron and Kasey who will stay here, and that means two holes in my heart for 10 days. BIG holes. My two men, big and small will miss me a little bit too, (I hope), but I am so thankful for the price of the flight that makes this visit so much easier on our budget, and for the income tax refund which came our way just in time. God does bring blessings even in the difficulties of life.
And so, I need to begin my lists. There are many: Kasey's birthday party list, the meals I want to put in the freezer before I leave, the little incidentals I need from Walmart before I leave....socks, makeup, a pair of jeans and/or new sneakers. And of course the little "somethings" I want to take to Scott, and Vi, to Veronica, and to Luke.
It IS about the soldier's sibling, and even though so much of my life is here in CO, those I love in Buffalo are just as much of a blessing to me and I am ALWAYS mindful of - and thankful for - them.
I can't wait to wrap my arms around them all.
Several years ago when I began this blog, I mentioned that being a military mom isn't JUST about being a military mom. There is Scott as well, our son who is back in Buffalo with his family. After a somewhat amicable divorce from his first wife, Tina, Scott met and fell in love with Violet. We love Vi as our daughter already, and she always makes sure we know the feeling is mutual. She is an awesome young woman who not only loves Scott, but Veronica as well. Tina knows this - Vi gives Veronica wonderful care every weekend when she comes to visit. This is all good.
Recently, Vi has had some serious health issues related to Crohn's disease. If you are familiar with this disease, you know that it is very painful and can cause serious complications. The complications part finally caught up to Vi and she will be having surgery in a couple of weeks. Scott has been very worried and I knew that not going to Buffalo to support them is just not an option. Laurie realizes this and understands that I need to go and help her brother and his fiance right now.
Got a great fare on a flight after Vi called me this morning with her surgery date, and I'll be boarding a plane to Buffalo to go and help out the kids for about 10 days. As much as I hate to be going for the REASON I am going, I am excited that I will see Scott and Vi and Veronica more than once this year. I hope to see some friends and extended family while I am there, but every visit that I have with others outside of my time with the kids will be a bonus. A BIG bonus.
Of course there are Ron and Kasey who will stay here, and that means two holes in my heart for 10 days. BIG holes. My two men, big and small will miss me a little bit too, (I hope), but I am so thankful for the price of the flight that makes this visit so much easier on our budget, and for the income tax refund which came our way just in time. God does bring blessings even in the difficulties of life.
And so, I need to begin my lists. There are many: Kasey's birthday party list, the meals I want to put in the freezer before I leave, the little incidentals I need from Walmart before I leave....socks, makeup, a pair of jeans and/or new sneakers. And of course the little "somethings" I want to take to Scott, and Vi, to Veronica, and to Luke.
It IS about the soldier's sibling, and even though so much of my life is here in CO, those I love in Buffalo are just as much of a blessing to me and I am ALWAYS mindful of - and thankful for - them.
I can't wait to wrap my arms around them all.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Since Laurie and Stephen are both away, Ron and I are the "parents" who now receive the emails from Kasey's teacher so we know what we are supposed to be doing and what needs to be done or what the kids are supposed to be doing as class or individual assignments. Since we have both met his teacher, it's been a very easy transition - most of the time. The homework was a little intimidating until I figured out the website but now things are going pretty smoothly. Of course I always forward the emails to Laurie so she knows what is going on.
The other day we "parents" received an email outlining a poster project the kids were being asked to do, and the plans for the Valentine's Day party.
The project - very specific - was to make a poster using 100 of the same thing - buttons, beads, anything crafty. They are celebrating 100s week. When I told Kasey that night at the dinner table that we needed to make a poster, I asked him what he thought he wanted to make.
"A FLAG, GRANDMA!!"
Boy after my own heart. And so, we went to Michael's on Saturday, bought everything - we chose buttons - and started the project on Sunday morning. Felt, GLUE (way too much glue but it was a glue stick so it made for less mess), red, white, and blue buttons. Stars, hearts, plain buttons - all red, white, and blue. This morning I went to Hobby Lobby to get the yellow buttons for the yellow ribbon banner which I had suggested ("GREAT IDEA, GRANDMA!!"). And of course enough white buttons for the stars.
Above you see Kasey with the finished product. A proud little boy - not of his achievement, but that it represents his pride in his mom and dad.
Things have changed here - we will not be moving. Stephen might be coming home earlier than we expected and Laurie will be deploying much sooner than she and Stephen (or Ron and I) ever expected.
Kasey doesn't know any of the changes yet - doesn't know that his Mom will now be one of those soldiers we pray for at dinner (as his Daddy is now) when we add to the blessing, "and please Lord, watch over the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Another difficult year ahead - but his pride runs deep. And as I mentioned earlier, a boy after my own heart.
Your prayers are appreciated, very, very much.
God bless our troops.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Last night, when Laurie checked in to let us know she was almost to her base where she will do her officer training, she told us that Stephen had made the selection list for E-8. Master Sgt. 3 up, 3 down. His selection number on the list is low, so we expect that very soon - before his deployment is over ~ he will be, officially, a MSG.
In early October, just before he left for the sand, we were going somewhere in Stephen's truck. I went to get in the back seat and there were folders and papers all over the place. Stephen gathered them all up and apologized for the truck being in such disarray. He told me he was up for E-8 and he was getting all his stuff ready to send to the board before he left for the sand. He was really hoping to make it in this year's selection.
Last deployment, he was so thankful that none of his soldiers were lost - they all came home. They did missions 6 out of 7 days a week during that deployment and sometimes when he called, he sounded so tired. Usually it would be in the pre-dawn hours of the morning his time, dinner time for us. But he made sure that the first thing he did when he got back in was to call Laurie at school, and then Kasey at our house. His words were sometimes few, but they counted. And to hear his voice was music to our ears.
A military couple gives up a lot. Time together, time with their children, living in the grit and grime of deserts far away, and wondering just when they will see and hold each other again. They are humble about what they do - "it's my job" they say, and when you thank a soldier, they thank YOU for appreciating them.
Yes, maybe it's not humble to announce achievements. But I do, as we all do when our kids do well. It's because I am happy and thankful for THEM. Nothing they work for is easily attained - like everyone else in the world, they know that if it's worth working for, it's reachable. No matter how long it takes.
We love Stephen as our own son.
Three up, three down. I can't wait to see it on our soldier son.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dog Tags.....and The Word.
Warmth is the new frame of mind we'll soon be in as we prepare for our move from Colorado to Texas
(and I use the word "warm" loosely because we will be headed into more than just your average warm temps), Laurie and Stephen's appeal to remain here has been officially denied and so we are moving forward...or South, actually.
I thought it was time I dressed up my blogs - to give them a face lift and make them a bit more individual. Hope you like what you are seeing - it's fun and since it's been nearly 5 years since Two Star Mom was begun, I thought different would be good. The words you read, however, will be from the same heart.
I joined a new "extras" website this morning - wanted to find a picture that captures what being a military mom is all about - at least for me. And I think I found the perfect one - the dog tags draped over the Bible that you see at the right of this post.
So much of our lives - Ron's and mine - has been about dog tags. Ron and his Navy service, and both of us as parents (and parents in law) of two children in the Army. And as I've said from the beginning of this blog 5 years ago, it's not just about my children who serve, but my other kids, and my grand kids, who need just as much love, and support, and as many prayers as my soldiers do.
And that's where the Bible part of this enters the picture - The Word in which we trust. It's the truth, the promises, the assurance that God is with us - and with all of our family. The military moms website many of us belong to claims Psalm 91 over all of our troops - I claim it, amongst other passages - over all of my family.
Verse 11 says: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;"
I have always believed that God's path for us is pre-ordained, and ironically, my friend Sandy mentioned in a comment on my other blog this morning that perhaps there is a fate filled reason for the denial of the appeal to remain where we are.
And I also believe that mankind has often interfered with the plans God makes for us. Is this God's ever protective hand leading us and guiding us along His path instead of the one the appeal might have changed?
Perhaps so. We will probably never know the answer to that. But we can trust, can't we?
His Word behind a set of dog tags - it's good enough for this mom.
Warmth is the new frame of mind we'll soon be in as we prepare for our move from Colorado to Texas
(and I use the word "warm" loosely because we will be headed into more than just your average warm temps), Laurie and Stephen's appeal to remain here has been officially denied and so we are moving forward...or South, actually.
I thought it was time I dressed up my blogs - to give them a face lift and make them a bit more individual. Hope you like what you are seeing - it's fun and since it's been nearly 5 years since Two Star Mom was begun, I thought different would be good. The words you read, however, will be from the same heart.
I joined a new "extras" website this morning - wanted to find a picture that captures what being a military mom is all about - at least for me. And I think I found the perfect one - the dog tags draped over the Bible that you see at the right of this post.
So much of our lives - Ron's and mine - has been about dog tags. Ron and his Navy service, and both of us as parents (and parents in law) of two children in the Army. And as I've said from the beginning of this blog 5 years ago, it's not just about my children who serve, but my other kids, and my grand kids, who need just as much love, and support, and as many prayers as my soldiers do.
And that's where the Bible part of this enters the picture - The Word in which we trust. It's the truth, the promises, the assurance that God is with us - and with all of our family. The military moms website many of us belong to claims Psalm 91 over all of our troops - I claim it, amongst other passages - over all of my family.
Verse 11 says: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;"
I have always believed that God's path for us is pre-ordained, and ironically, my friend Sandy mentioned in a comment on my other blog this morning that perhaps there is a fate filled reason for the denial of the appeal to remain where we are.
And I also believe that mankind has often interfered with the plans God makes for us. Is this God's ever protective hand leading us and guiding us along His path instead of the one the appeal might have changed?
Perhaps so. We will probably never know the answer to that. But we can trust, can't we?
His Word behind a set of dog tags - it's good enough for this mom.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Still Just Our Little Girl.
Last week, this roller coaster stopped in a really good place:
after two of the longest years of her life, Laurie received her Commission as a 1LT. as she earned her Masters Degree in Physician Assistant studies.
Hours and hours of study, two or three exams per week, long hours of classroom instruction, and many nights when more than 4 or 5 hours of sleep just wasn't to be had, she completed the Armed Forces Physician Assistant program. It is the complete 4 year civilian PA program done in 2 years with absolutely no shortcuts. They earn their Bachelor's degree the first year, and all of their Graduate studies are completed in the second year, with their clinical rotations and the exams which are administered to the students after each rotation is complete. To say that these students took 75-100 exams is not an exaggeration. In fact, I know this is a low estimate.
As Ron and I stood side by side listening to (first) the commission, and then the oath of office ~ administered by a Captain who was also Laurie's fellow graduate ~ I thought back to Laurie as a basic training graduate so many years ago. Nearly 13 years older than she was back then, with a few more smile lines around her eyes, she is still our baby girl. And as Ron and Kasey pinned a bar on one side, and I did the same on the other, I knew that it wouldn't take much for those tears I was holding back to escape.
I cannot tell you what this means to Laurie and to her little family. Truly I think only God knows what is in Laurie's heart. There are a couple of other pictures over on my other blog, but the picture above kind of captures the one moment when those tears that I had SO not wanted to be shed, finally escaped...but it wasn't just my tears that were being shed. Since Stephen is in the sand, the officers in charge of the ceremony had made arrangements for him to be there via SKYPE. He witnessed the entire graduation and promotion ceremonies and at the end, as Laurie walked over to the computer to give him her love, he stood and saluted her. Not too many eyes were dry at that moment. I cry even as I type this now. It's not so much the pride, but rather the realization of what it took....that it's over, and yet just beginning for them. Stephen has many months remaining in his deployment and so it will be up to Laurie, with our help, to move us all to her (and eventually Stephen's) new duty station.
Many, if not most, of these new PAs will serve in harm's way very soon. From their graduation, to their new post, and then to one sandbox or another, leaving family behind to settle in their new homes.
Thank you for your prayers for our family, and for all of this nation's military. Only those who walk in the shoes understand, but your support means the world to us.
God bless you for being a blessing to all who serve - and to all of us who love them.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
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
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