Today - on this Four Year Anniversary of the start of the War in Iraq - I am saying prayers of gratitude that my youngest son, Chris, made it back home safely. He was called up on December 26, 2002, and had to report to duty the next day. Within a couple of weeks he was in training at Ft. Benning, GA. - and on Feburary 14th, 2003, he was in Iraq. His life was changed during the 15 months that he served with the Florida Army National Guard overseas. So this is just a little 'moment' of sharing some photos (click on photo to enlarge) ... of Then ... And Now.
And ... it is also a Tribute to these brave soldiers from Charlie Company - 2nd Infantry / 124th Battalion - who gave their lives for our country:
Cpl. John T. Rivero (23) - 4/17/2003 - died in a Humvee accident ... and ...
Pfc. Jeffrey Wershow (22) - 7/6/2003 - killed in action - Baghdad University
God Bless our Troops. Would that they would ALL come home safely to their Mothers and Fathers ... Wives and Children ... and Friends!
10 comments:
My gratitude to all those American men and women who have served and continue to serve their country well. Also, to those Canadians who do the same, some of whom have given the ultimate sacrifice - their lives for freedom.
Thanks Ada and Leslie!
And Leslie - thanks for the reminder that it isn't just Americans who are sacrificing! Didn't mean to exclude others ... just was 'in my own world' ... as I remembered.
And yes Ada. Let there be Peace!
Brenda
Thanks so much, Mom, for this beautiful tribute. I can only imagine how it felt to have Chris gone for so long...I can't even stand it when he's gone for his weekend drills. I am keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers that he won't have to go back.
Hi Carey! Thanks for stopping by my Blog. I'm glad you like the Tribute. Every time I kept hearing 'four year anniversary' - I kept thinking - longer! It was such a hard time ... and it makes the time now so much sweeter - just knowing what he went through. And - knowing he has such love in his life now - just overwhelms me with gratitude! Thanks to you! : )
And - Carey - guess what I got today? A DVD from Larry!! : ) I'm going to check it out over the weekend - to see if everything works okay - then I'll send you a copy next week. I can't wait to see the wedding again (ha ha) - even if it is on video. So ... we are close! : )
Hello to everyone else! Hope all is going well with all of my Blogger friends!
Later!
Brenda
Hi Brenda, just checking in on everyone. Such a depressing time of year right now. Even though it's officially Spring, we've had so much rain you can't even get outside for a walk. I've been trying to get some spring cleaning done and will soon tackle the book again. Dad seems to have adjusted somewhat to where he's living now, but just wants to "die and get it over with." No more will to live.
Hi Leslie,
So sorry to take so long responding. And sorry that you are having so much rain. You need to come to Florida to visit! We are mid-60's in the mornings and evenings - and slowly get up to 80's by mid-day - but not long enough to be scorching. This is the perfect time of year here. Just amazing!
The only bad thing - is I NEED to do Spring Cleaning too - and prepare to try to sell my place - but it's so beautiful out - that I can't seem to get motivated. I'm so bad!
I can only imagine how hard it is to watch your Dad's condition deteriorate. My prayers are with you.
That's great that you will have time to continue working on the book. Good on you!
To Everyone:
Thanks to everyone who prayed for Baby Jacob! He is home now ... just a little Jaundice - but otherwise - doing well. And my Niece is recovering nicely as well. We are grateful!
Yesterday - I had a lovely 'Spa Day' - nails, pedi, hair color/cut/style and waxing. Then I went on a 'First Date' - with a guy that I met on Match. We had one drink at a little place called Oak Room ... then dinner at Catch 23 - where I also ran into some old friends of mine. After dinner - we stood outside and talked with my friends - and it was really quite nice ... and comfortable. He said that he had a good time ... and he's someone I would like to get to know better ... but not sure how he feels yet. Afer my last 'bad experience' - where I sat for four hours, nursing an ice tea, that the guy didn't even offer to pay for, I was a little gun-shy. But I think things went well. So ... now ... we shall see what happens next. If anything. : )
Hope you all have a great day!!
Take care,
Brenda
Hi Brenda, glad you had a good time with the new guy. I've yet to meet 2 that have been contacting me via emails for a while. Josie and I went out for lunch today and actually had a lovely drive around the beach areas of Vancouver and then through the university lands. And the SUN WAS SHINING!!! The cherry blossoms are out, but not quite the bright pink colour yet. One more week and they'll be at their peak.
So glad to hear baby Jacob is doing well along with his mommy. It's always such a fright when a newborn becomes ill.
So...you're moving? Why? Where? C'mon g'friend...what's the scoop here?
Hi Leslie,
Your ride with Josie sounds wonderful! So glad that the sun is out now ... and hope your weather continues to improve!
I did have a good time on my 'first date' ... and I guess he did too - as he wants to meet again this coming weekend. : )
Oh - not moving far. Just want to sell my place ... downsize ... rent for a while (here in this area) ... and be available to keep my options open on work opportunities. More later - as things develop.
This weekend is my youngest sons B'Day. Interestingly, Chris will be 26 this year (my 'April Fool' baby) - which is how old I was when I had my oldest son. My oldest, Marshall, will be 31 this year - which is how old I was when I had my youngest. I thought that was interesting. And me ... I'll be 57 next week! Yikes! Can't believe it.
Just trying to grow old gracefully. : )
Brenda
Hey, you're still young. Didn't you hear? 60's the new 40!!! So we're still young, no matter how quickly it looms ahead of us. ;D
My youngest will be 27 in May - can't believe it - and the oldest 31 in October. How can that be? I'm only 39...
I will be meeting "someone" probably next week - he's moved here from Ontario and doesn't know anyone. Will let you know if it works out. No expectations on this front as "been there, done that" many times before. :(
Beautiful sunny day again today - I sure hope this is the real thing.
Ah ... 'Forever Young'! : )
Hope you have fun when you meet 'Orlando guy'. I'm with you - on the no expectations thing. Just 'one date at a time'. I hate getting too excited - too soon - then having it not be what I hoped for. So - better just to let it play out - and see what happens. And try to enjoy it as much as possible.
Have a good one!
Brenda
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