Thursday, April 9, 2009

Some big changes around here

The picture above is of Jeff (and D. Duck) when he was 14 months old.
This was his favorite thing to wear and it was difficult to pry him out of it.



This was a photo taken on Halloween in 1981 (check out the wires in the background).
Again, this became his favorite thing to wear.
Well, now he is wearing it for real and mom is kind of weepy.
I won't bore you with the entire story but here is the short version.
He has talked about going into the Army since he was a kid. He has always been very patriotic. When he and Dorothy got married,
it still came up occasionally. After 3 children, it still came up occasionally.
Last year he got laid off from a pretty terrific job. After months of looking and finding nothing, "the Army talk" came up again. He talked, I cried.
And cried and cried.
It was something that the kids had talked and prayed about and felt certain that this was the right time. Even my precious little ladies, believed that this was where God wanted him to be.
He enlisted. Last month he was to leave but it was delayed. There was another delay but yesterday was the day he left Phoenix for Fort Jackson, SC.
He will be there for Boot Camp. Can you tell I am a little weepy as I type this?
I am very proud of him for following his calling.
He is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead and the chance to serve his country.
His brother is having a difficult time with the decision.
All I can do is pray. He is watching over them.
I also wanted to wish everyone a blessed Passover and Easter.
We are so lucky to live in a country where we can celebrate our faith.

14 comments:

Lorrie said...

Yes, we are so blessed to live in countries where we have freedom of religion - and freedom to choose our path.
While this must be hard for you as a mom, I know that you are proud of your sons.
Easter blessings of hope and joy to you, Barb

Lorrie

alice said...

Please thank your son for his courage and service to our country!
Have a blessed Easter Barb.

Angie said...

Oh my friend...

I can feel the pain in this post..but I also sense that your pride is beyond measure for him. It is not an easy time...and choosing to stand up for your country is a choice not to be taken lightly...it sounds like he has a good head on his shoulers and has given this lots of thought. Thank you for raising such a brave and caring son....our country is the amazing place it is because of him and the others that have followed before him. God Bless him in his journey. Sending lots of love your way....Angie

Elizabethd said...

You are going through a turbulent time right now I think. How wonderful to know that you have your faith to sustain you. What a very special son you have, may God be with him and all his family.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh dearest Barb. I just want God to give you rest and peace in your heart. What a cute little boy, but now he is a man, having to do what his heart is calling him to do. I am not a mother, so what can I say, but that you are dear in our hearts and we are with you. Watching someone grow up and make tough decisions is never easy. God bless you this resurrection day!!! Anita

Barb said...

I am crying as I read your comments. I am thankful for all of you.

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

I'm so sorry you are sad,little boys grow up to be men,and well I know all about the Army and Marine life. 3 of my brothers and husband all retirees,You worry,you cry,you pray.But your son will be OK.May God bless you ,him and Happy Easter!!! Marie Antionette

Unknown said...

Yes, we are so blessed to live in a country where we can believe in and live our faith! Thanks heavens for people like your son who choose to defend that freedom.

May the Good Lord bless and comfort you Barb! Happy Easter! :)

Debi said...

Hi Barb,
Your little boy is adorable and I am sure a handosme young man! I am a mother too and can only imagine your great sadness yet at the same time being so proud for the man he has become.It takes a man of great stregnth and courage to do what he is doing. We are so grateful to him. Yes, it is wonderful that we can enjoy the religious freedom that we have here.
Take care Barb and may God be with you, your son and the rest of your family.
Wishing you inspite of it all a Happy Easter.
Hugs,
Debi

Rebecca Ramsey said...

I'll be praying for you and for your son and his family. How lucky we are to have men and women who make choices like his! Please pass along hugs to him from all of us!

And on a side note...Yey! The package came on Saturday and I'm still doing a Snoopy dance! I plan to make the celebration part of my blog on Wednesday. What a generous friend you are!
Love ya!
Becky

nanatrish said...

Please tell him that I appreciate his service to our country. I know you are so proud of him.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Barb,
I hope all is well...take care. Anita

Anonymous said...

I will certainly say a prayer for his safekeeping and also for his heart to serve. As a mother you must be very proud.... stop by my blog today and skip over to Dedes....It will lift your spirits. I promise.

All my hedge of protection prayers....

KAREN EILEEN

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am glad to hear that you are finding peace; we are constantly under attack of some kind and we usually have no choice but to sit still until we find the peace. I keep you in my prayers and thoughts, Barb. God bless you and your precious boys. Anita

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