Friday, May 28, 2010

Thank you from the bottom of my heart


Some of you may recognize this photo.

Last year at this time, Jeff was in boot camp at Fort Jackson

and this Army mom wasn't sure if the Doctor would clear her to travel.

Obviously, I was there.

While sitting in the stands, it really hit me hard about the sacrifices

our service men and women have made so we can live

the lives we live.

Sacrifices beyond belief.

Although this photo was taken in June, I think it is perfect for Memorial Day.

I have to warn you-this is kind of a long post for me.

The photo below is my precious dad.

He passed away 5 years ago on Memorial Day.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him.

I revisited 2 posts I wrote about Memorial Day since I've

been blogging.

This post was written when I was a very new blogger.

This post was written last year.

And now...... my soldier son has graduated

boot camp, The Defense Language Institute (Indonesian),

and is currently at Fort Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas.

He should be moving to Hawaii in July (unless things change).



The photo above was taken at his graduation from DLI.

How I miss all of them.

He will miss the birth of Andrea Jeanne.

She is due the end of August/first of Sept.

and Dorothy and the girls will be in Monterey on base.

I know he is NOT THE FIRST to miss a birth but....

it still breaks my heart.

Not just for him but for all the soldiers that have and will

miss out on the important milestones.

I am so grateful he is safe however.

When we were at Fort Jackson for his graduation,

we had the opportunity to drive around the base and explore a bit.

We found an old cemetery.

These are photo's of some old gravestones.

Sad but beautiful.




There is a long line of service in my family.

The letter below is one that was written to my

great-grandma.

My great-grandpa was a POW in Andersonville Prison

during the Civil War.

I have it framed and I have to tell you that I held my breath

as I took it out of the frame to scan it.

Thank God, no damage done.

It is something I treasure and it will

be passed down to the kids someday.



To sum up this VERY long post,

May God Bless and keep our Military strong and safe.

I know that many of you have loved ones that

are currently serving this country.

My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

May God continue to Bless America.

15 comments:

Connie said...

I'm a military mom and wife as you know so this touches my heart greatly, sweetpea! Give Jeff a hug and smooch next time you see him, will ya?!
xoxo,
COnnie

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hi Barb! You have such a deep love your family...it is so beautiful. How is everyone doing? Thank you for raising such dedicated children that care so much for those around them!!! Anita

C'est La Vie said...

Amen to that, Barb! I have so much respect for these men and I am ever so grateful for them. May God bless and watch over them as they fight to protect our country.

sara

Elizabethd said...

What a very poignant post, beautifully written.

Bonnie said...

Hi Barb, thank you for a beautifully written post. Have a wonderful weekend. Bonnie

Quincy said...

Dear Barb,
your family is so wonderfull and I will pray that God safe them all.
A wonderfull weekend
Best wishes from Quincy

P.S.: Please forgive my very bad English but i hope you can understand it.

Sandy said...

I'm a Military Daughter, mom, mom-in-law,grandma, neice...sister... so many people in my life have been Career Military! Now my son is a Lt. USCG...We grew up all over the world with the Military, and let me tell you... "There is NO place like HOME"
Lovely post!

Sandy

Pondside said...

What a touching post and tribute to your family members.

Betsy Brock said...

OH, thank you, thank you to your family! Yes, their sacrifice is very great...we are SO appreciative!

Joanne Kennedy said...

What a great post. I can't believe how blessed you are to have that letter. What a great piece of history for your family.

We are all so blessed to have such brave men and women who stand up and offer their life so we can live in a free country.

God bless America and all the men and women who have been and still are in the military.

Hugs,
Joanne

Theresa said...

WOW, you grabbed my heart with this post! It breaks my heart that he will miss the birth of a child but we will all pray for his safe return! Your Dad is precious and what a Memorable day for you, Sad and Proud! My Nephew will be home in a couple of months from Afghanistan, I pray! Have a blessed day my friend! I am thankful! HUGS!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a beautiful tribute, Barb. We are so fortunate to have all our service men and women, your son included. Adding him to my prayer list. xoxo Lidy

katylinvw said...

Amen & Amen!

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Your son and his family are just beautiful. I'll be thinking of your family on Memorial Day. I'll also thinking about my own mom, who lost her dad on her first birthday, as he was killed in World War II. Military families pay so many prices-missed births, frequent moves, and sometimes the ultimate price. We appreciate you and your family!

Barb said...

Jeff and I appreciate your comments so much. They really do mean the world. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.

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