In Rememberance

Today is Memorial Day. I always look back to this day 2002. This day 9 years ago, I was very fortunate to see my (now) husband. They got back at about 2230 hours from the war in Iraq. He was home and he was home alive!!

The days and night were long and at some times dreadful. His battalion left early February (the 8th to be exact). Every day I set by the TV waiting to get a glimpse of his face. Heck I even bought all the papers in the local area. People in San Clemente would look at us as if we were warriors. Funny thing is that we never saw ourselves as such but only saw our husbands as heroes. We all knew that one day our children would see that in them as well. Throughout the now 14 years in the military no trial has ever been so difficult. We made it! He was home. I remember when they got home. He got home on Memorial Day. What a blessing.

The worse part was during the time they were deployed, I stood watch in front of the TV. It came out that someone in 2/4 was killed. It was the first one while at war, an unjust war. All the wives in housing sat quietly listening if their door was the one they would have to face.

At the time I had more then one person to worry about. Anthony too was out there. He left 1 week after Mike did and was home 2 days before Mike came back. Only difference was that Anthony was with ¾. I knew he was fine. As long as I didn’t get word he was fine. I lived by the saying “no news is good news”.

Anyhow, 2/4 was the unit Mike was with. A day later it came out in the news that LT. Childers was shot to death. As selfish at it seems; it was with great relief that wasn’t us. Yet at the same time my heart went out to his family, which at the time lived up the hill from us. It was the first death in Operation Freedom. I knew then that regardless of the reasons that were given if one day I was in those shoes; I would know that my husband would have passed with honor that no matter what he died for, he died for the rights in which we take for granted today.

Today I sit here and think about all the people who lost their lives in the wars that have taken place in history. All whose souls were lost. All who left a mother, a father, a spouse, and perhaps children.

All together I lost 11 friends in the first 3 months of war.

Austin lost his daddy to a shot gun wound to the head. Austin was only 5 at the time. Austin also played with Michael.

SGT. Reynoso lost his life trying to save the life of a fellow brother, a marine. He left behind a 3 year old son and 8 year old daughter. He was hit in the chest and died instantly. He was my best friend.

I would name all 11 if I could get myself not to cry so I’m going to stop here. I just want to say that who have served and currently serve, you are a hero in my eyes and the eyes of my children. There is no greater hero then YOU. Thank you for endless amount of hours you put in. Thank you for thinking of a nation that at times doesn’t seem to remember all you’ve done and all the sacrifices you endure each day.

To my cousin Mark, God has his angels watching over you. Thank you making a decision that not anyone can make. I love you my little cousin. You are a MARINE!

Isn’t it something that they sacrifice so much for so little? A few days ago “Sarah” posted a link about how the schools in CA will vote to bring a Gay Marriage curriculum. I’m opposed to it. I don’t see why a child should be taught this. I hope that God lays his hands on the state of CA.

Here in Pace, we have a Vice Principal (I think). I honestly can’t remember if he’s the vice or the principal. They were at a meeting sometime last week. He asked that they come together in prayer. Very simple right? After all, praying isn’t going to kill anyone. Guess what happened to him? Never mind, I’ll just tell you. This man of God is now being prosecuted for praying. He has to stand in front of judge and plead himself guilty of a “crime”.

I’m sorry people, but even at some point when do we realize that something is wrong?

The weather in the panhandle of Florida is absolutely gorgeous right now.

Let’s see here. Okay so I’m going back to school. My first goal is to receive an AA in Religious Psychology. Amazing isn’t it?! As soon as I receive that I will go ahead and get my BA in Business in Health. I’m going to shock some people when they read this. I have only shared my thoughts with one other person. She knows who she is.

Here’s my life in a nutshell. My family knows some but not to its fullest extent. Either I have or a family member has allowed me to witness this. I have experienced the following in my life;

Prostitution,
Drugs and Alcohol,
Gangs,
Attempted Murder,
Rape,
Abandonment,
Emotional Abuse,
Homeless,
Lastly, Faith and a broken vicious circle!

I have to say that without any of these I couldn’t be the person I am today. I LOVE my life.

Let this be the last paragraph for the night. Tomorrow I will be going in to see my Dr. My appointment is set for 11am. I’ll update tomorrow.