This is hard for me to type, as I know we are all stretched to the limits emotionally and mentally right now. I have had a rough couple days, and today everything was brought to a head for me.
I live in a middle class neighborhood in Wisconsin. Farm country. I don't see the violence that some of you see. So it is easy for me to turn off the TV and pretend I live in Mayberry. Really easy.
For the past few days they have been doing documentaries on MSNBC on a Army Ranger company in Afghanistan. I have been paying close attention, as the Captain is the husband of a dear friend of mine. Each day she posts a video from the documentary. It is ripping my heart out. This is not political. These men, as many, many before them for many, many years have been fighting for our freedom.
Then, today, another military friend got news that was upsetting to her. I take my life for granted...I forget that some people can have their lives disrupted at a moments notice to either fight for our freedom, or make sure that someone else is there to fight for our freedom.
So, can you just say a prayer for all of our military. Then one for all our military FAMILIES.
If you want to view the videos, here is Steph's blog.
Start with the Oct 20 entry.
http://stephaniehowell.typepad.com/
Thanks to all the military ladies here. Thank you.
Please, I beg of you... don't make this political.
Sweet Cherry Pie
I think the military and their families are incredible people! I send well wishes to all of them...and I do my best not to take their efforts for granted!
Hugs to you Pam!
erica
Hugs to you Pam!
erica
Chocolate Covered Cherry
Good thoughts & wishes to all military members, families and friends. We owe them so much & I'm extremely greatful for all they have done for me!
Cherry Cropper
Thanks for posting this! I know a lot of people don't realize how real the wars are since they aren't here on US soil. God keep those soldiers and their families!
Cherry Jubilee
As someone whose dh was in the military for 23 years & as someone who personally knows so many families that have a member currently deployed, I have the utmost respect for them & their families that deal with the heartache on a daily basis. They are always in my thoughts.
Cherry Cola
aww pammy of course I can dear. *hugs* so sorry sweetie.
Ally
Sweet Cherry Pie
Lets pray for ALL of the men that are fighting for our freedom and their families. Canadians and other countries are there too. I just want them all to come home soon.
Cherry Jubilee
God bless all the men and women who are fighting. And their families too!
Em
My blog
My blog
A Cherry on Top
((((((((((((Pam))))))))))))) Blessings to you :) After 20 years of active duty, I can honestly say; I'm glad I retired when I did.
Sweet Cherry Pie
I join in asking for prayers for out troops serving 24/7. This is my favorite poem that makes it around every year. It makes me cry. I think of my brother in Afghinstan as I read it, and my friends hubby who missed his 6 child, first daughter be born and every other person that misses their family for us! These men and women are so important to us, and they need to know we see that! Please read this, cry if you want, and pass it on!
A differant CHristmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
>I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
>My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
>My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
>Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
>Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
>The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
>Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
>
>My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
>Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
>In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
>So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
>The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
>But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
>Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
>Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
>
>My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
>And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
>Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
>A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
>A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
>Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
>Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
>Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
>
>"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
>"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
>Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
>You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
>For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
>Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
>To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
>Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
>
>I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
>Sleep without fear as you turn out your lights."
>"It's my duty to stand at the front of this line,
>That separates you from the darkest of times.
>No one has asked or begged or implored me,
>I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
>My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
>Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembered."
>
>My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
>And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
>I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
>But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
>Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
>The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
>
>"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
>Away from my family, my house and my home.
>I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
>I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
>I can carry the weight of killing another,
>Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
>Who stand at the front against any and all,
>To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
>"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
>Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
>
>"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
>"Give you some money, prepare you a feast?
>It seems all too little for all that you've done,
>For being away from your wife and your son."
>
>Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
>"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
>To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
>To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
>For when we come home, either standing or dead,
>To know you remember we fought and we bled.
>Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
>That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
A differant CHristmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
>I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
>My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
>My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
>Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
>Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
>The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
>Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
>
>My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
>Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
>In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
>So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
>The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
>But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
>Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
>Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
>
>My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
>And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
>Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
>A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
>A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
>Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
>Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
>Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
>
>"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
>"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
>Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
>You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
>For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
>Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
>To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
>Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
>
>I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
>Sleep without fear as you turn out your lights."
>"It's my duty to stand at the front of this line,
>That separates you from the darkest of times.
>No one has asked or begged or implored me,
>I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
>My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
>Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembered."
>
>My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
>And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
>I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
>But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
>Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
>The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
>
>"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
>Away from my family, my house and my home.
>I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
>I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
>I can carry the weight of killing another,
>Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
>Who stand at the front against any and all,
>To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
>"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
>Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
>
>"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
>"Give you some money, prepare you a feast?
>It seems all too little for all that you've done,
>For being away from your wife and your son."
>
>Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
>"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
>To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
>To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
>For when we come home, either standing or dead,
>To know you remember we fought and we bled.
>Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
>That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
wife of one, mother of FOUR!
http://socksscrapsandotherthings.blogspot.com/
Cherry Berry
God Bless all the men and woman.I say a prayer every night.
Lu-Ann Lover of Ladybugs
Wild Cherry
I've been following Steph's blog too Pam, and it breaks my heart to see what those men and women are put through! I'll keep praying for all those who are working to ensure our freedom!
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They military men and women are forever in my thoughts. As some of you may remember, my best friend, Mark, is Army Special Ops. Every tour puts me on edge and leaves me holding my breath when they list the "names" on the news at night.
My thoughts are with your friends, Pam, and the rest of the families feeling the seperation.
My thoughts are with your friends, Pam, and the rest of the families feeling the seperation.
Cherry Delight
Prayers being said for all of our military and for all of those who love them.
May those who DO love them, remember why WE are so proud of them. And may they know that THEIR sacrifices are appreciated as well as the soldiers. And that it is partly that willingness to serve that made them fall in love with their soldier to begin with.
(((HUGS))) to all you military families.
Rosa sat so that Martin could walk. Martin walked so that Barack could run. Barack ran so that our children could fly.
Cherry Addict
that is exactly right! unless something major happens, we rarely know what is going on; its terrible to say, but we do forget what is not in front of us... thank you Pam for the reminder!dianagirly wrote: Thanks for posting this! I know a lot of people don't realize how real the wars are since they aren't here on US soil. God keep those soldiers and their families!
Ann ~ Life is always better at the beach!
view my blog (new) https://ourhideawayparadise.blogspot.com/
view my blog (new) https://ourhideawayparadise.blogspot.com/
Cherry Blossom
Awww Pam, (((hugs))). And bless all the military families out there!
Cherry Bing
Yes, thank you for the reminder of the men and women fighting for our countries and for their families and friends who miss them everyday. I will continue to pray for them all.
Pam 
Cherry Crush
Most definitely! I pray for our armed forces all the time....my dh's cousin's husband is in Quatar, away from his wife and little girls right now. I so appreciate all who fight for our freedom and this poem reminds me that this is not the first war, nor will it be the last...
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Laura
Cherry Cola
Prayers indeed.
My brother will be getting deployed near Cmas time. He is National Air Guard.
My brother will be getting deployed near Cmas time. He is National Air Guard.
Christine
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