February 15, 2011

tie a yellow ribbon

Dear Department of Defense,

So, it has finally come down to this.

Back in September when I first got wind that Junior Number Two was going to be deployed, I really wasn't too terribly concerned.

For one thing, my way of dealing with worrisome subjects is to swiftly scoot them to the back of my mind. That makes plenty of room for the fluffy bunny, sweet baby chick, rainbow and butterfly thoughts to live up front. Oh, I know those pesky thoughts are back there....they pop to the front every once in a while, and niggle and nag a little from the back row, but generally speaking the rainbows and bunnies have the dominant spot. Now you may be tempted to go all Dr. Phil and want to chat about the psychological ramifications of that way of thinking, but that's not what I want to talk to you about today.

The second reason I didn't immediately start to dither was the assurance I'd been given that deployment orders are known to change with the same frequency as Lindsay Lohan's hair color and incarceration status. Why get my knickers in a twist about something that very well may not come to pass.

Thirdly, the deployment wasn't scheduled to happen until Spring, and back in September, Spring was still a very loooong way away. A lot could change before then. Perhaps the bunnies, rainbows and butterflies would all head on over to the Middle East and work their magic there. Problem solved.

It could happen.

Last? In my mind, Junior Number Two still looks like this.


And everybody knows you can't send a cute little baby overseas.

But.

Last week I became the proud owner of my very own yellow ribbon pin. It's just a little pin. A subtle, little yellow pin. But when my husband placed it in my hand, that's when I finally acknowledged that this is going to happen.

For real.

Oh boy.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wholeheartedly approved of Junior's decision to join the National Guard, knowing full well he would be deployed at some point. And I have the utmost respect for all our men and women in uniform, and I was proud to the point of sinful pride when I attended his graduation from boot camp. They told us we were joining the biggest family in America. I am proud to be a part of that family. I get a lump in my throat whenever I ponder all the wonderful men and women serving our country and the huge, huge sacrifices they make on my behalf every single day.

The fact that Junior volunteered for this particular deployment just fits in with a slightly alarming pattern I've noticed around here for the last couple years.

You see, my mama princess bubble was burst years ago when it became clear that these boys of mine were actually going to have the nerve to lead their own independent and somewhat dangerous lives. My dreams of my oldest becoming a quiet country veterinarian, or my middle son becoming a mechanical engineer quickly went poof in a cloud of testosterone fueled smoke.

My hope now firmly lies in my youngest, whose aspirations to become a waiter in Hawaii sound better and better with every passing day.

But back to the subject at hand.

It has finally sunk in, Department of Defense. This is happening, isn't it. I reluctantly acknowledge that the sweet little baby pictured above has grown into the man you see here.


A man who will serve you well.

He always has been and always will be in God's hands, but for now, you're going to be playing a major role in his life.

Please take good care of him.

And make sure he drinks plenty of water. I've heard it's hot over there.

Sincerely,
Meadowbrook Mama

Oh, and p.s. I don't know if you read my blog or not? Anyway, if you do, then you know we're having a family wedding here this summer. If by some slight chance you get a bee in your bonnet and want to just pop Junior home for a quick visit around the end of July, that would be awesome! I don't want to put you out or anything, but just in case you don't have anything else going on right then, I thought I'd mention it.

87 comments:

  1. He's a very handsome man! You can be very proud of him! Blessings to you and your family!

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  2. Bless him and his service to our country. I appreciate what he does to keep us free. I know you have to be proud of him and I pray for his safety and a peace for you during his time away.

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  3. Hi,
    I just found your blog recently. I've actually just found ALL blogs recently and never post but I just had to say that your post today has me tearing up like a baby. We'll probably never meet in this lifetime but know there is a mother of five in Ohio that is thinking of and praying for you and your family.

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  4. Oooh I hope he gets to come home for the wedding! I bet its tough having him deploy the first time - so proud though. He is serving with honor and giving each of us the freedom we enjoy. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

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  5. p.s. I wear a yellow ribbob "pin" (really its a charm more or less) on my tennis shoe all the time.

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  6. God bless and be with your family. Praise Him for your service.

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  7. Personally, I think babies should come with a warning label... that yes they do grow up and physically leave your home but you will always be their parents that WORRY! Thinking lots of rainbow and butterfly thoughts for you and your family...

    ~Chris

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  8. Oh Teresa, I love this post! You have such a great way of delivering what I probably would have made into such a 'heavy' post...love you for that! You have such a way with words! ;o)

    My husband is a military man, misses it every day. It is something that is in their blood, isn't it? There is just no stopping a man that has their country filling up so much of their heart, and one can't help but beam with pride at their selfless love for wanting to make our country safe and secure.

    Proof positive of what a good mama you are...you really deserve to be so very proud. I for one, send a big ol' THANK YOU his way!

    Mary

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  9. Oh Teresa, my heart goes out to you....as a mother of a 22-year-old son, I cannot imagine having to let go...to something like the war! Wear your ribbon proudly as I know you will. God will watch over him and give you the strength you need. I am learning I can do nothing in my own power but through prayer, I can do so much more than I ever imagined. I have learned to trust God and trust HIM only. Your son is quite a wonderful young man!

    xo
    LeAnn

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  10. Beautiful post Teresa. My eyes are tearing...you are one brave momma. And proud? Most deservingly so. My son in law is just finishing up (in April) and eight month tour with the Navy. Your son will be a regular in my prayers. Patty

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  11. I have two boys who aren't grown up yet. I, too, envision my oldest becoming a nice accountant, safe in an office somewhere. And maybe my youngest will have a hot dog stand.
    These are my hopes...I don't want to let go of them yet. :'(
    Incidentally I'm a mechanical engineer and this made me laugh -- you're right, we're definitely safe from too much testosterone lol!

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  12. Awww...Mama, your heart is leaving and this is one of the hardest things, ever. Wear that yellow ribbon proudly, I KNOW you will! I am so glad there are men like him willing, and ready to go when their country calls. Would you thank him for me?
    XOXO
    Joni

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  13. "Proud to the point of sinful pride". For many different reasons, I adore this line, Meadowbrook Farmergirl. You shared so well here, and I just keep thinking of how much my little dude already looks up to your wee, baby boys. Just yesterday he fashioned a Lego "Coast Guard" boat and jetted off to save someone.

    You're a brave Mama, Tee. You inspire me. (Although ask me again in about, oh, 15-odd years how brave I'm feeling...) On second thought, don't. OK, fine, do.

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  14. I am proud of you for being proud of him. I am proud of him. And I feel all your pain, coming from a family which has had Marine brothers, cousins, uncles, nephews. Sigh. We'll all be praying with you. And BTW, I love his baby picture :)

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  15. Well written and thoroughly enjoyed! Your son should be as proud of you as you are of him. God Bless him in his duties. Thank him, for me and my family. And thank you both, for being so brave.

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  16. Dear Teresa,

    You should be so proud of your son, and you should be proud that you raised such a wonderful man! This post made me teary, and lots of prayers go out to you and your family. Wear that ribbon proudly.

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  17. So all the talk from my boys about moving across the street and staying close forever is just wishful thinking? They do actually grow up and go away? Shoot!
    The picture of your handsome middle guy in his uniform did me in. Tears are swimming in my eyes imagining how this feels for you. It must be a bundle of conflicted feelings. Sending mine down the street to school everyday is a killer for me so sending yours across the world, well...I will be praying for you especially hard the next several months. And for your boys. Tell them THANK YOU from a proud American!

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  18. Thank your son for our family here in Indiana. Let him know that we'll be praying for him while he's gone - that he'll be able to come home safely. I'll be praying for you too Mama. I can't imagine the courage it takes to send your son to war.

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  19. Wear your yellow ribbon with pride and know that there are lots of mamas praying for all of those brave men and women serving our country with their lives, and praying for you mamas who had to let them go! Thanks for sharing with us so that we can remember you in prayer too..it's hard being a mama with a son or daughter living in harm's way. I have learned that it is a lesson in trust and faith that He can use to shape us into the people we were meant to be.

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  20. T Tap, this is my favorite post of yours eva. The nerve of that baby making his own choices! Make sure you keep #3 under wraps. Thanks for giving me strength today. xo Yourbeefriendforeveer.

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  21. Teresa, this is one of THOSE moments! I know how very proud you must be of him and scared to death at the same time. Please tell him thanks for me and thank you for raising such a fine young man who will serve his country proudly. I will keep him in my prayers. Hugs and blessings, Nan

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  22. What a great post. I am thankful for men like him who serve for me. It takes a certain kind of heart. You did well momma. I am adding him to my prayer journal today. xoxo

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  23. Awww..he's so handsome...in both pictures!

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  24. Oh my, tearing up over here reading this! My boys are still mere babies - one and six. But I can certainly feel your Mama pain and worry in my heart as well! I will certainly be praying for your big grownup boy. Thank him for all of us for serving...you have a right to be proud!

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  25. Your son's commitment to serving our country is VERY much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    Take care,
    Pam

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  26. What a remarkable mother you are indeed... thank you for allowing your son to be there to protect and serve our country...please keep us all up to date on is whereabouts, God bless you all Hugs & Kisses, Diane a mother of a daughter.

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  27. Thank you for sharing so beautifully. I will 'Junior' to the list of soldiers I pray for. Please Thank him for serving! ( I will also pray for your family!)

    Annette

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  28. I only found your blog yesterday, and have enjoyed it.

    Your post today hit's a soft spot. My youngest son too was in the National Guard. Not my choice, but his. I came from a military family and was glad to leave that uncertainty behind.

    We attended the big deployment ceremony with our govenor spouting a bunch of hot air. The veteran motorcycler's are what touched my heart the most. They were the soldier's centinels from 5 a.m that day to 5 p.m. Real dedication comes in actions!

    My son ended up not being deployed. His foot was injured in his final training. This mama breathed a sigh of relief... even if he didn't.

    I echo your sentiments and pray and wish the best for your hansom son. God bless him as he so willingly serves his fellow man.

    Heidi

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  29. I can't imagine. I'm so proud of the soldiers that serve our country. My husband was in the NG for a few years when we first got married. While he was in boot camp there was this small incident involving hostages in Iran. We were petrified he'd be called up. Praying for your son and for your whole family.

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  30. my baby is 5 and I never thought about him joining anything like that till now, I know I will be brave if that day ever comes. But I am going to try to support the waiter in hawaii thing a little more I can deal with that. lol!

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  31. Thank you so much for sharing your son with us and protecting us over there. My prayers are with your family.

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  32. All I can think of to post is ....thank you..to you and to your son and to your husband and to your son's brothers and ..and..please God, take good care of him. Them. All of them..

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  33. Like a previous comment, know, too, that there's a mother in North Texas who has your wonderful son in her prayers. And pat yourself on the back for giving this country a man of integrity, honor and bravery.

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  34. What a cute post and we thank him for serving our country! We will keep him and the rest of our service men and women in our prayers.

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  35. Dear Teresa, Your post is so full of wonderful emotion! You deserve to be very proud of him and to want him safe at all times. Please thank him for deciding to serve our country. Tell him there are many of us who don't even know anyone serving but still think about them and pray for them......and for their families!!
    Hope he gets to come home for the wedding. And thanks for letting us know about this great young man!
    Annette

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  36. i just cried. then laughed. repeat. Thank him for his serivce. thank you and your husband for raising a noble man that will do his country proud. prayers are with him.

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  37. Sending you many, many hugs and much love! Thoughts and prayers going out to you, your family and most especially that boy of yours! Making the choice to he did, is a very brave and honorable thing! God Bless him!

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  38. Oh, Teresa. This makes my heart ache for you! You must be soo proud and yet, scared out of your mind at the same time. I hope you can find peace again and put those butterflies and fluffy chicks to the front of your mind again. I thank your son and all the men in women in the service for what he's doing for us. I will pray for his safe return.

    Is it wrong to hope that my son does not grow up and choose this path??

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  39. My goodness, he is a lovely handsome looking man. I can imagine you are bursting with pride at his achievements... my boys are still very little, three and five, and I'm not thinking of them being independent men. At the moment their biggest treat is an ice cream, and I'd like to keep it that way thanks.

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  40. Godspeed to your son, I hope he stays safe and comes home soon. Few know, except those who are directly affected by it, how much our men and women in uniform along with their families, sacrifice for all of us!

    And butterflies, bunnies, and rainbows are all beautiful I think!

    Kat :)

    P.S. If you find a way to keep sons from pursuing dangerous professions, would you please let me know. Mine is working towards becoming a police officer...sigh! He would have been such a great weather man!

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  41. Oh, I had two girls. Enough said on that front. I do have a grandson though. He just turned seven. I imagine I'll see a grownup next I look though. My heart goes out to you, mom. Not easy "being mom."
    Brenda

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  42. God Bless everyone who serves, and their families! We'll say a prayer for everyone's safe return!

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  43. Teresa, Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us - even the Dept. of Defense (I'm sure they read the blog!) I so appreciate your son, and his willingness to serve. I'm not sure that does anything to calm your mama-heart - but I want you to know it anyway. Hugs to you! ~Sally

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  44. Please thank him for his service, and thank you for your service as well. The families of our men and women over seas serve as well here at home. I'll keep him in my prayers.

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  45. Okay, as an emotional pregnant lady I need warning when a post is going to contain such content that will send me into a blubbering mess. That man that you see standing in that there picture...you did that. You made that. You raised that. Everything you poured into him, he takes with him now. Every prayer you have ever prayed into him follows him over there. What a sacrifice, what a honor to be that boy's momma. May many angels follow him where ever he goes, may God's hand be over him. May he come home to you safely.

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  46. I am the wife of a retired military man and I know what it feels like to watch a husband go. I am also the mother of a son and cannot even imagine how hard it is to watch this boy (man) leave. Please know that there is a greatful country that appreciates his service. You are correct - he is in God's hands as are we all. Prayers from Washington State.

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  47. Dear Friend, I'm in
    absolute awe of you
    both. For your handsome
    son as he bravely serves
    our country and for his
    wonderful mother, who
    must send him off with
    her love and prayers.
    Sending you big hugs,
    today....This made me
    cry.
    xx Suzanne

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  48. I am so thankful to your son for the willingness to serve our country and to you for letting him! I can't imagine..it is because of courageous people like him that we live in the most wonderful country in the universe! May God protect him and give you peace.

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  49. God bless you all, this won't be easy but God will give the grace to see it through. Thank him for all of us for his service to our country and may God shelter him in the palm of his hand!

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  50. My cousin is Afghanistan right now so I can relate on some level to your feelings.

    Thank you to your son and to you and your family for your sacrifices and service.

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  51. I missed my little sister's wedding because she got married the day my husband deployed from the opposite coast she lived on, I am sad I missed her wedding, but would not trade those last moments with him for anything. His deployment was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but we are all better people now because we learned we are stronger then we ever thought! Good Luck!

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  52. Sending big hugs to you today, Teresa! Such a jumble of sadness and pride...I guess if my kids HAVE to grow up, I want them to grow to be just like your boy...good hearted, brave and strong. I'll be thinking about you! XO

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  53. It is such a pleasure to read about your sons. I hope that my son is as successful as all of yours in his adult life. You have lots to be proud of!

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  54. You're one brave mama! Maybe that's where your sons get their courage. God bless and protect them both here and abroad!

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  55. Dear Teresa,
    God bless your handsome son. I know you are torn between oh-so-proud and oh-so-frightened.Please know that you have a lot of bloggy-friends who will hold him up in our prayers. God does listen.
    Love,
    Lee

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  56. Dear Teresa-

    I have wiped my eyes enough to write that I am willing and able to do a
    "Not Without My Daughter (Son)" segment.
    Do you remember that Sally Field movie?

    You have clearly raised remarkable, selfless young men.

    Bravo Mom (and Dad).

    It will all be OK.

    Keep a tight rein,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  57. My dad was in the Army for many years, I was always proud of that. Still am! But it is scary. Tell your son thanks for sticking up for the rest of us.

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  58. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless you.

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  59. Poor T! Don't you hate when that reality kicks in? What's a Mama to do? Your boy will be safe at home soon. I hope he will be able to come home for the wedding. What a shame to miss it. P.S. I'm glad to hear Riley has a goal.

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  60. Teresa, You should be proud and I know your mother's heart is full of mixed emotions. I will pray for your son and all of our military to be safe from harm's way. I will say a little extra that he get's to be there for his brother's wedding. I too am a pretty colors, butterflies and magic dust kind of girl. Hate when reality interferes! I left a little award for your blog on my own. No pressure to post it or anything. I know many bloggers don't do that. I just wanted you to know you inspire me with all of the fabulous eye candy and photo tips. Thanks and all good things to you and your family.

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  61. Our 22 year old leaves for boot camp in June. And he would have made such a great history teacher. Nice and safe and predictable. I guess our country wasn't founded on those principles though. Godspeed to your son and may you have peace in your heart during his absence.

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  62. Hi Teresa! I jsut wanted to send a quick note and tell you to be sure and let your son know just how proud and honored we are to have such strong and willing men to fight for our country! He's so handsome, and may God give you all the best to you and your sweet family!
    Hugs,
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

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  63. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  64. Darn typos. Trying again.

    When one serves, you all serve.
    Thank you - from our family to yours!

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  65. Teresa, I can only imagine how hard this is for you! I've said before that I feel like you're living my future, because we have three boys, too. (And we just found out we have a baby on the way.) I would be so proud of my boys for serving their country, but it also scares the bejesus out of me. You all will be in my prayers!

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  66. Sometimes, reality bites....doesn't it? My son in law serves proudly in the US Army. He has done 2 tours in Afghanistan.(before his marriage to my daughter) I'm fearful he will have to go back. It's a lot to comprehend when you think of the enormous sacrifice by a lot of families. How does the saying go? The only thing harder than being a soldier, is loving one.

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  67. Teresa, I can't imagine all the things racing through your mind and your heart as "Mom." But I do know that you can be sooo proud of him and this big step he is about to take. There's clearly wonderful stuff inside that handsome young man. Prayers and blessings for all of you in the weeks and months ahead.
    Heidi @ Show Some Decor

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  68. Please accept our thanks to your babies for their service. They are true men in the best way possible.

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  69. I know the feeling EXACTLY. I too pushed it back in my mind. Well, my son is scheduled to leave Feb. 25 for Afghanistan, he is a marine and it's all getting too real for me. He gave me his address so I guess this is it. I'm really getting scared now. I pray for your son and all those in harms way. We have to rely on God to keep them safe and keep us sane.

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  70. Thank you for sharing him with our country. I appreciate his service and your whole family's more than you know. Keeping you all in my prayers.

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  71. Bless you all as your son (and your family) serve our country!

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  72. Bless that beautiful baby and return him home safely dear Lord! Bless that generous family for raising him right and sharing him with so many here and abroad.
    Teresa thank you for telling bout your rainbow n fuzzy bunnie tricks... I too could use a Dr Phil interevention if thats wrong. But I tell myself Ive just handed it all to God and I'm *not* avoiding reality. Rainbows, bunnies n blossoms *ARE REAL* and need thought and attention too! I pray you don't worry but rather feel more of that wonderful pride as you look at your yellow ribbon. And I pray that his tour is short.
    xoxo
    Leslie

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  73. God bless your brave and talented son, and the rest of your family. And thank him for his sacrifice. And thank you for yours. God will protect him and you will celebrate with him for years and years to come (hopefully even July should your message be honored!)

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  74. Oh Theresa...friend you are a beautiful woman and mother and you lay your heart out so beautifully for us to see. I'm new to this whole parenting thing (mine is still that precious little toddling babe) so I cannot relate. But what I do know is that we are tied by hearts that love our children and I will be praying for you.

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  75. As the wife of a Marine that is preparing to deploy for the 5th time I really connected with your words. My children (11 and 4) are tired of their daddy leaving. As my daughter has gotten older it has gotten harder as she now understands the fear that I feel. I pray for your son and his safety. God Bless -Kelly F.

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  76. Dear Teresa, don't you wish we could keep our children little and safe in our protective arms? I'm sure that's how our parents felt about us. You have a very brave and handsome son and with a mom like you I'm sure he has many many qualities. I am grateful for his service to keep us safe and for the sacrifice that you and all that love him make. I will keep him in my prayers and you too as I can imagine how hard it must be for you. I also thank you for your prayers and your wonderful words for those are the things that keep us going.
    Blessings,
    Julie

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  77. Teresa
    My son was in the Air Force, injured before deployed and sent home. I completely understand how you feel, majorly helpless and overwhelmingly proud! We all need to applaud every young woman and young man, so many forget that there wasn't any draft, just young people who care for their country!!! Lori

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  78. Teresa, I grew up in a military family (Air Force), I know your pride and your nervousness! I will be praying for you and your son as he serves. Keep God right next to you and He will see you through. Blessings!

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  79. Wow. I think my heart already knows what you mean about the momma bubble. I have two boys (5 & 7 years old)and one is particularly, umm, shall we say brave? I know he has that particular trait for a God-given reason. I think that's what worries me so much! Blessings to you & thank you for raising a fine man to represent and serve our country!
    Olivia

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  80. Oh Teresa, I know he still is that little, adorable boy in that picture. How proud I know you are of him and I thank you and him for protecting this country with his service. What a handsome son. I pray he gets home for that wedding too. I am sure they will read your letter with great consideration. :)
    Hugs to you,
    Amy

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  81. Your son is so brave and selfless and you are too. Dealing with deployment... Just like you, I like to stay in the land of Denial until he is actually deployed. Orders change. My son texted me last summer, 'leaving for Iraq next week."
    Seriously, I was having a girls day in Seattle and could have gone all day with out that message. But he went and is now stateside again. The next one is always coming.

    Praying your son comes home safe and sound. Aren't we blessed? We can pray for them wherever they are whenever we want to. hugs

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  82. Oh my goodness- this made me cry. I also have boys (even though they are only in elem. school), I could feel your pride and worry. We raise them to be independent, but it has to be hard to let them grow up at the same time. What a wonderful young man you have raised. God bless him for his willingness to serve our country. I will continue to pray for our brave men and women in the military.

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  83. Welcome to the club! I was impressed with both my son and his fellow soliders and officers who were serving with integrity, willing to do what it took over there but not reckless in their actions. It was a comfort to me knowing that as we waited for his visits home during his 2 deployments. Praying for them all to come home safe and very soon!

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  84. This post is such a mom's heart post...prayers to you and yours from a mom of 3 sons who knows that they do indeed grow up to be men, and as men, they make their own decisions...sigh.

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  85. Don't know how I came to find your blog, but after an hour's reading I've become a fan.
    This lad -- such fine eyes looking into the distance of his future.
    Hope all is well.

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