[jnette]

Originally Posted by mjlrn97

I just got great news the other day: Melanie and Bryan's deployment is actually being shortened by five months..........they'll be home in JULY!!! And they're planning to come out here after they pick up the baby in Georgia to visit for a week or so. YAAAAAY!!!!!

OMG... Marla... that is just WONDERFUL !!! Beyond wonderful !!! I am sooooooo thrilled for you ! Bless your dear, dear heart.. I can't IMAGINE being in your shoes, truly. Oh my, oh my, oh my !!!.. you can start counting the days now, Girlfriend !!!

Originally Posted by Grace Oz

Thanks Jnette!
Excellent idea!
I know this is primarily for US families, but can our mob join in too?
Since Australia is in this together with the US and our other allies, we have much in common. Perhaps also, much to share.



It's errie you've posted this now.
We have just heard news of confirmation of DS being re-deployed.
He leaves beginning of April.
It was on the cards, so it's no surprise.
While he's not going to the Gulf, (for which we're greatly relieved), the danger is still ever present and unpredictable.
Most other military mother's will understand the anxiety and concern I feel.
He returned safely last year, we pray the same again this time.

My thoughts and prayers for all who serve and their loved ones.

Oh, Gracie, dear friend.. this is NOT just for U.S. families.. this is for our entire NURSING COMMUNITY FAMILY with family members serving their beloved country.. Got that?
Absolutely you are welcome to join our "kitchen table", share a hot cup of coffee, and pour your heart out. And in the evenings, we might even break open a calming bottle of red wine.
I know your\ fears for ds.. regardless of where he's being deployed to.. the dangers are real, no matter where you go these days! ((((((HUGS))))))

Originally Posted by Grace Oz

Wishing your brother every success as he embarks on this challenge. You have every right to be proud of him! Being scared is totally understandable. All of us with a loved one serving and in harm's way, feel scared for them. Having others to share with, who understand, is enormously helpful. ((((Arwen))))

YES...and this was exactly the reason for this thread.

[Grace Oz]

[quote][/Oh, Gracie, dear friend.. this is NOT just for U.S. families.. this is for our entire NURSING COMMUNITY FAMILY with family members serving their beloved country.. Got that? Yes Ma'am! Got it! I guessed as much, but don't like to be presumtive!
Absolutely you are welcome THANK YOU! to join our "kitchen table", share a hot cup of coffee, can I have tea please? lol and pour your heart out. And in the evenings, we might even break open a calming bottle of red wine. Oohh yeah! Count me IN!
I know your\ fears for ds.. regardless of where he's being deployed to.. the dangers are real, no matter where you go these days! ((((((HUGS)))))) Thanks for the (((hug))). We have major problems in our region. They don't receive the media coverage as much as other places. Our isolation from the rest of the world tends to preclude this region from being given the attention which is afforded the other places. But as you rightly say; 'the dangers are real, no matter where you go these days'.
QUOTE]

I look forward to participating here in this thread!
And.... if I get too 'sooky' or 'whiney', just slap me, ok?!

[donster]

Originally Posted by Grace Oz

Thank you, Don. Bless you for your kind words.

Sometimes, it feels as though only we, the family, really care about our loved one who is serving.
It sometimes feels as if the genreal population is apathetic and indifferent.

and

[jnette]

Originally Posted by Grace Oz

I look forward to participating here in this thread!
And.... if I get too 'sooky' or 'whiney', just slap me, ok?!

Nah.. we won't slap ya.. we'll just offer you a nice cup of TEA and a slab of VEGEMITE !!!

[Elvish]

Marla - I am SOOOOOO happy that your dear daughter & SIL are coming home sooner than expected! What a shot of great news! I know it's all you can do to not all the time.

Gracie - For heaven's sake, OF COURSE you are welcome here any time. I think I speak for a lot of Yanks when I say that we're grateful for the support of our Aussie soldiers, as we're engaged in a lot of the same places. And, military families need support no matter where they are - this is in no way limited to the US! Prayers for safety as your ds is deployed again soon.

DB is going to be training in Parris Island, SC for 12 weeks. I do plan on going to his graduation, even though it's a bit of a hike for us. I'd rather do it and be tired than not do it and God forbid never see him alive again. (I hate even having to think like that!) Afterward it's anyone's guess where he'll be. There are a couple USMC bases fairly close by so it would be lovely if he were stationed there, but you never know. My stepbrother (his half brother) was a Marine & stationed at LeJeune which would be ideal.

(When our dad was in the USAF, his 'wish list' was Italy, England, and Germany.....ended up in *drum roll please* Rapid City, South Dakota, where I was born.)

[Grace Oz]

Originally Posted by jnette

Nah.. we won't slap ya.. we'll just offer you a nice cup of TEA and a slab of VEGEMITE !!!

PERFECT!
I can overdose on anti-oxidants and yeast extract!

[Grace Oz]

Gracie - For heaven's sake, OF COURSE you are welcome here any time. I think I speak for a lot of Yanks when I say that we're grateful for the support of our Aussie soldiers, as we're engaged in a lot of the same places. And, military families need support no matter where they are - this is in no way limited to the US! Prayers for safety as your ds is deployed again soon.

Thank you, Arwen! MUCH appreciated.

[donster]

Originally Posted by jnette

Nah.. we won't slap ya.. we'll just offer you a nice cup of TEA and a slab of VEGEMITE !!!

Does Vegemite come in a SLAB???

[jnette]

Originally Posted by Arwen_U

(When our dad was in the USAF, his 'wish list' was Italy, England, and Germany.....ended up in *drum roll please* Rapid City, South Dakota, where I was born.)

That's 'cuz MY Dad (and thereby "we") got the England and Germany tours ! NEENER!

Originally Posted by Don3218

Does Vegemite come in a SLAB???

Don't know, Don.. never laid eyes on the stuff. Just thought it SOUNDED good..

Slab of vegemite anyone? Yep.. I like using that.. slab....

[donster]

Originally Posted by jnette

That's 'cuz MY Dad (and thereby "we") got the England and Germany tours ! NEENER!



Don't know, Don.. never laid eyes on the stuff. Just thought it SOUNDED good..

Slab of vegemite anyone? Yep.. I like using that.. slab....

Slab sounds... hearty.

But I always thought that Vegemite was like that canned potted meat. The kind you mix with a bit of mayo and spread on white bread. I remember that from childhood, for some reason. Lord, the things we used to eat and live to tell about it! Potted meat, and Vienna suasages (which, I'm sure you know, did NOT come from Vienna...)