Our family's Sept. 11th Flag - I pieced it and stenciled it
because there were no flags available in the stores at the time.
I am so very glad that everyone is remembering Sept. 11. I'm a day late I'm afraid. However, that day has been in my thoughts a lot lately.
It's hard to forget since I now have a son who may shortly be sent to Afghanistan. It is his job and his friends' job to make sure Sept. 11 stays 'a memory' sacred and painful though that memory may be.
It's hard to forget since I now have a son who may shortly be sent to Afghanistan. It is his job and his friends' job to make sure Sept. 11 stays 'a memory' sacred and painful though that memory may be.
My son, Matthew with his first Regiment after he was stationed in Hawaii.
Matthew first joined the Marines in his senior year, with our permission. He signed up with the Delayed Entry Program. As soon as he graduated, he was sent to Marine boot camp. It was the hardest thing I could have ever imagined to have our first and oldest child, after being home schooled all his life, leave home and then not be able to speak to him...at all for three months! After that, I spent the next few years wondering if he would finally get deployed.
He wanted to fight so badly, but they turned him down again and again, because they needed him working with the computer systems and then when he re-enlisted a year ago, he became a Russian translator. Now he is learning Pashto so he can speak the native language of Afghanistan. I know how bad he feels that he has somehow not done 'his part'. It's hard not to feel that way when your buddies are facing fire and dying too.
Matthew with our second grandson, Brenan, Feb. 10, 2008 (Photo by Amanda, edited by Matt.)
Some of his high school friends also joined at the same time. And they have paid a high price for their decision. For one (they went to Civil Air Patrol together), it was being kidnapped...though shortly released . His poor mother was so very anxious! Thank the Lord for miracles! For one (who graduated with Matthew) it was being so emotionally devastated from battle, that it ruined his marriage and relationship with his children. How my heart aches for that family!
Boys talk to Daddy on cell phone while he is in school in Washington D.C.
For my son, it's the toll that constant time away from his family takes on his relationship with his wife and children. It's tough having a healthy family life in a military environment--especially for enlisted guys.
Three little boys are being faithfully and valiantly raised by mommy, Amanda, while daddy Matthew is away from home...for at least a year. I so admired all that Amanda had accomplished with the boys when she last visited especially without Matthew's help.
Matthew and Rebekah (brother and sister) at her graduation
I am so grateful that the Lord has worked out so many opportunities in the last few years for Matt, Amanda, and the kids to visit. He even got to be here last May for Rebekah's graduation!
Matthew has to endure not being with his wife and family...and that's only the beginning. Only the Lord knows where this path will take him in the next year or two. Please, keep our servicemen in your prayers. If it weren't for them and the huge effort of our government to protect us..Sept. 11 would be only one of many tragic events, instead of a memory from ten years ago. For some, I'm sure the pain will never end...so let's remember all those who died in the midst of the battle that day and all who have fought and died since and for all those left behind.
Matthew and Amanda..I'm so proud of you both!
Love, Mom
Please tell me about your children who are in the military. I'd like to add them to a prayer list on my sidebar. I know you are all so proud of them too!
Blessings,
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