In My Own Words

Our Warrior Rick is home from Afghanistan finally – I was glad to hear he made it back safe and well. He just got home today; seemed like forever to him, I’m sure. He lost several friends and battle buddies over there; that’s bound to haunt him for awhile.  I hope if it gets to be more than he can deal with on his own, he’ll seek professional help.

Too many of our Warriors are afraid to call attention to the fact that they are dealing with issues bigger than themselves and wind up being like a train wreck waiting to happen. Not all wounds and scars are visible ones, and it’s no crime to ask for help. It is, however, both a sin and a shame when the very men and women who have been through hell on our behalf don’t get the assistance they need to deal with PTSD.

Kenneth is also home enjoying his new Harley and spending time with his wife and family. Well, maybe I should have said spending time with his wife and family and enjoying his new Harley…whatever, whichever you put first, the important part is that he made it home safe and sound. Thank God for that!

Randy is home for R&R. He’s also enjoying spending time with his wife and kids (they’ve got some adorable young’uns!), and I’m guessing it’s harder going back over than the initial deployment was. Our guys have to cram so much living into those two weeks of R&R, it’s like a whirlwind. In the few days since he arrived home Randy’s bought a boat, gone golfing with friends, is taking the kids to Sea World (free, thanks to Anheuser Busch)…there’s no telling what other plans are in store before he heads back.

A couple of our other Warriors have just gone back from their R&R. Bert is in Kuwait, on his way back to his post. And Ian – well, he’s just gone over not long ago. He’s got every “Mama” from the AnySoldier chat room nagging him to stay safe…LOL!! And I do mean that literally, as in “blah blah blah, nag nag nag, STAY SAFE! Don’t make me have to come over there!” (I’ve got that Mama glare down to a science; just ask my boys… *grin!*)

I haven’t heard any news on the Marine we’ve been praying for, who nearly drowned at Camp Pendleton, CA. If Vicki posts any updates, I’ll be sure to let y’all know by posting another blog, as well as e-mailing those I have e-mail addresses for. Hopefully it’ll be all good news…

I updated my “Shout Out to Donors” page. I had listed the donors since this page opened; now I’ve gone in and added the previous donors, including those that I have dates for because their donations were mailed and I put the letters/envelopes in my ring binders with my letters from the troops.  Also included folks who have walked up and handed me items for care packages, or a book of stamps, or money to buy stuff and pay postage, which I didn’t mark down with dates, but I know who they were. If I’ve left anybody out, feel free to kick me in the shins and say “Hey, don’t you remember when I gave you…” whatever it was you contributed to the cause.

I’m going to hit the hay. I’ve been roped into babysitting Jeremy and Ana while Jini and Shawn are at work tomorrow. I’m such a sucker. I won’t get anything accomplished tomorrow while they’re here; I can’t turn my back on them for a minute without Ana doing something to make Jeremy scream like a banshee, or Jeremy getting into the trash can – he likes to throw things away and dig them back out….eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Goofy little boy-child. Anyway, y’all have a good’un, and thanks for reading my posts. When you leave a comment, that lets me know I’m not just writing to myself…*nudge!*