[CHATSDALE]

my mothering heart goes out to all who are standing firm and giving so much of their lives for us
my exsil's husband died one year the next year her youngest son [not my nephew] went for a year in iraq, her other children were older and had moved out of state leaving her alone with her thoughts
she did well and and her son returned home finished college and got married last year, i know he had a lot of prayers with him and as will your dear children

[Grace Oz]

Thanks, Chatsdale.
Prayer is what sustains this mother.
I'm glad your ex-SIL's son returned and is safe. That is the hope and prayer of all who have loved ones serving. Sadly, for far TOO MANY, it doesn't turn out that way. As well as my own concerns for my own child, my heart breaks for those who never return and their loved ones.

I wish him a long and happy life and am grateful for his service.
Bless him and his mother and other loved ones.

[Elvish]

This is a fab thread - jnette, Gracie, Leslie, ingelein, Marla, cheerfuldoer, Chatsdale - and any others I've missed - you all have no idea what reading this means to me. I know I'm not alone. I realize it's ok to be proud and scared at the same time, that it's ok to be less than thrilled about the war but bursting with pride for those fighting it.

I realize that I have a great band of sisters and brothers who are marching with me, and praying with me, and fighting with me, and crying, and hugging, and breaking out the cheesecake if needs be. Thanks so much to all of you.

[Elvish]

I have heard this song on the radio a thousand times.
Today I heard it and it made me cry. I hope that doesn't make me a freak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p45yQn816s

[VivaLasViejas]

Not at all, hon.

[Elvish]

Awww, thanks, Marla. When it's your own family, you see things so much differently.
Thanks for the hug.

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by earle58

my dd has joined the marines, and is leaving the end of may.

(((((((((( Leslie ))))))))))))

When did you find out?

((((((( everybody else ))))))))

I still haven't been able to hook up w/ my Army boy other than a few crossed emails and cell phone messages. It's enough though, for now! At least I know he's thinking about me and v/v!

[earle58]

Originally Posted by zoeboboey

(((((((((( Leslie ))))))))))))

When did you find out?

she told us her intentions, a couple of months ago.
i didn't believe her.
she filled out all the paperwork and took the tests.
still, didn't believe her.
they even put her up in a 5 star hotel, so she'd be ready to be sworn in the next morning.
and she went, and has been sworn in.

i still don't believe her.
seriously.
i just don't feel a thing.
i really think i must be in shock.

a part of me thinks this will be the best thing for my very rambunctious daughter.

but i wish she wasn't trying to maneuver ways into getting in the front lines of war.
i know women aren't allowed to.
but she's considering jobs that will enable her to be involved as much as possible.
that's when the numbness/shock sets in.
this young lady is fearless, thrives on a challenge and so competitive.
also, all her life, she has pursued sports where she'd be the first girl accepted on an all boys team.
she has time after time, demonstrated there's nothing a woman cannot do.

so, becoming a marine, does not surprise me.
but it worries me....knowing my dtr's thirst for challenge and adventure.

but i still don't believe her.

leslie

[jnette]

I don't either, Leslie.

I can't believe that. I'm in shock here now. No way. Say it's not so.

[cheerfuldoer]

A Tribute To Our Soldiers...Boots on the Ground...around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KSfT...eature=related

May the peace of God follow you wherever you may go, and uphold you with His Power and Might at all times.