It seems that in the past few months we have just been waiting for this deployment to be over! Now, finally we are on the last two weeks of our second son's deployment. We won't got to see him and his unit land. We are in Kansas and they will come into Ft. Bragg NC. We didn't get to see our oldest son's unit leave or come home from Indiana. So it goes! But they both knew that our hearts were there with them. We have been with them in thoughts and prayers, many, many boxes of shipped snacks, cards and even some junk to just help them pass the time. Each day since Dec 3, 2008 have been about what time is it in Iraq?, Wonder where on the mission they are now?, was that bomb blast near them?, was that a soldier from their unit that was killed?. Some of the strangest things go through your mind while your son is in a war zone.
For the past year I have worn a metal bracelet with his name on it and the date he left and his unit name. I worn one last year for his brother and I will purchase another one this December for the next year, when our oldest son goes to AFG. While sitting at church I hold it and pray for safety, strength and that God will bring them ALL HOME soon. I never have a problem telling others about Casey and where he is. Or that this is ending the second year of our families deployment, and we will start year 3 in Jan. 2010. How hard it's been with him gone and for him there working non-stop and about the conditions there. Now waiting for next week feels so different, the excitement that they will land in the USA and he will be home. Not, physically home in Kansas, but back to the USA. He will have two weeks there for all the after deployment things, physicals, mental checks, paperwork and just geting a place to stay again. He will fly home for Thanksgiving and I'm already imagining hugging him and just that first sight of him again after all these months. It's really amazing to think that two of my children have served on Iraq and been around the world and back again 3 times each... (one time over, one time back for 2 weeks leave, then back and now returning home again) But my heart is also heavy when I think of those that aren't coming back. Each of my son's units lost soldiers. They will forever be heros of the ultimate gift to us. Now to wait just one more week. God please watch over the 82nd Airborne as they fly home next week, give them patience and strength as they return to families and lives that will be different and life might be harder then they remember. Our economy is different and time has passed. Give us all understanding and love for these family members that have been away at war protecting us and our country. God please Bless all our service members as we wait for them to return!
For the past year I have worn a metal bracelet with his name on it and the date he left and his unit name. I worn one last year for his brother and I will purchase another one this December for the next year, when our oldest son goes to AFG. While sitting at church I hold it and pray for safety, strength and that God will bring them ALL HOME soon. I never have a problem telling others about Casey and where he is. Or that this is ending the second year of our families deployment, and we will start year 3 in Jan. 2010. How hard it's been with him gone and for him there working non-stop and about the conditions there. Now waiting for next week feels so different, the excitement that they will land in the USA and he will be home. Not, physically home in Kansas, but back to the USA. He will have two weeks there for all the after deployment things, physicals, mental checks, paperwork and just geting a place to stay again. He will fly home for Thanksgiving and I'm already imagining hugging him and just that first sight of him again after all these months. It's really amazing to think that two of my children have served on Iraq and been around the world and back again 3 times each... (one time over, one time back for 2 weeks leave, then back and now returning home again) But my heart is also heavy when I think of those that aren't coming back. Each of my son's units lost soldiers. They will forever be heros of the ultimate gift to us. Now to wait just one more week. God please watch over the 82nd Airborne as they fly home next week, give them patience and strength as they return to families and lives that will be different and life might be harder then they remember. Our economy is different and time has passed. Give us all understanding and love for these family members that have been away at war protecting us and our country. God please Bless all our service members as we wait for them to return!
2 comments:
hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....
was scanning blogs for article on families in military, came across yours. I am looking for those who are earned special awards, any purple hearts, or medals of honor?Will ask all be placed on prayer lists for safe homecoming. Surprised, the one in the guard, was gone so much.Glad you have your spouse and other kids at home. May the young men be home soon,their minds and training keep them safe, and God watch and bring them home. Any wives waiting for them? I will check back occasionally as I compile my midwest blog re our boys at war.
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