I am very rarely left speechless. As the mom of 2 marines and a teenage girl. As someone who had a job answering 911 calls, and also worked in a hospital emergency room...not much shocks me anymore. But the other day when I went to my mailbox, I found a small cream colored envelope addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Stauber. The handwriting didn't look familiar. As I walked back into the house opening the little "gift", I had no idea how precious a gift it would turn out to be. It was a thank you note. The note read...
"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Stauber, Thank you for your thoughtfulness & generosity while I was in Afghanistan. Your packages helped me & my unit feel closer to home. Your kindness will always be appreciated."
The note was signed by a 20 year old young man who had just returned from a 7 month tour. A young Marine who's family prayed & worried while he was gone. A young man who not so long ago was enduring the heat, mean ol' DI's & sand fleas of "the island" with my own son, & too soon after that (in a mother's opinion) was enduring the heat, uncertainty & sand storms of the Middle East. HE was thanking ME! HE was thanking ME for the small little effort of putting some things I thought he might like in box & taking it to the post office.
Reading the note, of course, made me cry. This young man who had done so much was thanking me...who had done so little. He is a hero. I am just a mom who prays & sends boxes...yet HE was thanking ME.
So glad you're home safe "D".
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x 2
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Forgetting Is Not An Option
Nine years ago today, Matt & Luke were in a classroom in a little country elementary school in southern Indiana. The teacher's turned on a television to show the children what they thought was a terrible accident of a plane hitting a building in New York. Those teachers quickly realized when a second plane hit a second building that this was no accident. The televisions were turned off as the adults in the school scrambled to find out what was really going on.
Today, Matt & Luke are on opposite sides of the United States, each on a different Marine Military Base. To say that the events that they saw happen nine years earlier did not in some way effect their decision to become Marines would probably not be true. I believe that every single man or woman who has enlisted since 9/11/2001 probably at least had that day in the back of their mind to some extent.
On that day, like it or not, we began a war against an invisible & unconscionable enemy. An enemy that took away so many husbands, brothers, sons, dads, wives, sisters, daughters, & moms. On that day, ordinary people became heroes. Men & women who were "just doing their job" became heroes who were embarrassed by the attention. Heroes who would be haunted by what they saw for the rest of their lives.
September 11th. should be a reminder that everything we enjoy in America today is a result of someones sacrifice. It should remind us of the human cost that has been paid for our freedom. A price paid not just so you & I can pray & vote, but so that we can sit on our couch, watching tv, having 30 minute pizza delivered to our door.
Our military men & women are willing to do everything in their power to defend this great nation, including taking up arms when necessary. They made the choice to defend America so that you & your children will not be forced to do so. Please do not criticize the brave & valiant individuals who have that sense of duty, that measure of courage & determination of heart to protect & defend my nation, and I might add, you. After September 11, 2001, taking our freedom & security for granted was really no longer an option.
Matt & Luke...Momma loves you.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
Today, Matt & Luke are on opposite sides of the United States, each on a different Marine Military Base. To say that the events that they saw happen nine years earlier did not in some way effect their decision to become Marines would probably not be true. I believe that every single man or woman who has enlisted since 9/11/2001 probably at least had that day in the back of their mind to some extent.
On that day, like it or not, we began a war against an invisible & unconscionable enemy. An enemy that took away so many husbands, brothers, sons, dads, wives, sisters, daughters, & moms. On that day, ordinary people became heroes. Men & women who were "just doing their job" became heroes who were embarrassed by the attention. Heroes who would be haunted by what they saw for the rest of their lives.
September 11th. should be a reminder that everything we enjoy in America today is a result of someones sacrifice. It should remind us of the human cost that has been paid for our freedom. A price paid not just so you & I can pray & vote, but so that we can sit on our couch, watching tv, having 30 minute pizza delivered to our door.
Our military men & women are willing to do everything in their power to defend this great nation, including taking up arms when necessary. They made the choice to defend America so that you & your children will not be forced to do so. Please do not criticize the brave & valiant individuals who have that sense of duty, that measure of courage & determination of heart to protect & defend my nation, and I might add, you. After September 11, 2001, taking our freedom & security for granted was really no longer an option.
Matt & Luke...Momma loves you.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
Monday, August 16, 2010
Time Flies!
The last couple months have been full of things to do! Both the boys are now permanently stationed. Luke at Camp LeJeune & Matt at Camp Pendleton. Of course, they would have to be on complete opposite side of the United States...but no complaints here...at least they are still in the United States!
Luke had a pretty great opportunity to go to Fleet Week in New York! He was able to see alot of the city & do some pretty neat things. The one thing that I'm sure he will never forget was the honor to be promoted to Lance Corporal while he was there. What was so special about that? The ceremony took place at Ground Zero. What a humbling experience that must have been to stand in the very place where evil tried to consume us & know that he is a part of the warriors who are fighting to make sure that never happens again. He is a part of the courageous men & women who will stand up to ensure that the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 will not be forgotten.
Matt is in sunny California, & I was recently blessed with the opportunity to go see him there! He was able to show me around Camp Pendleton. I got to meet some of the guys in his unit. And he took me on a tour of Hollywood. He is preparing to go into some kind of training for a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit), and he seems to be looking forward to that. California weather suits Matt perfectly & I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up wanting to live there...although the thought of possibly having grandchildren (eventually) that far away does not sound good to me!
The mother in me just wants both of my sons to come home sooner than later. However, I do believe that our goal as parents is to raise our children to become independent, productive members of society who act with conviction and do what they believe is right. That part of the mother in me is filled with pride that these wonderful young men, who made the fact that when you look up "never a dull moment" in the dictionary our family picture is right there, made a decision to do something with their lives & took the steps necessary to achieve it. They are walking down a path that was not easy to choose, yet they accept their responsibility. They do not let fear, or the fears of those around them get in the way. Would I be a good mother if I discouraged them from moving forward every day to achieve their goals? The possibility of my fears keeping them from doing that doesn't seem fair.
So most of the time when I have tears in my eyes, they are tears of immense pride. Both of my sons are representing the United States of America. Not a school or a team, but our country.
Good To Go!
Proud Mom of 2 U.S Marines
Luke had a pretty great opportunity to go to Fleet Week in New York! He was able to see alot of the city & do some pretty neat things. The one thing that I'm sure he will never forget was the honor to be promoted to Lance Corporal while he was there. What was so special about that? The ceremony took place at Ground Zero. What a humbling experience that must have been to stand in the very place where evil tried to consume us & know that he is a part of the warriors who are fighting to make sure that never happens again. He is a part of the courageous men & women who will stand up to ensure that the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 will not be forgotten.
Matt is in sunny California, & I was recently blessed with the opportunity to go see him there! He was able to show me around Camp Pendleton. I got to meet some of the guys in his unit. And he took me on a tour of Hollywood. He is preparing to go into some kind of training for a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit), and he seems to be looking forward to that. California weather suits Matt perfectly & I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up wanting to live there...although the thought of possibly having grandchildren (eventually) that far away does not sound good to me!
The mother in me just wants both of my sons to come home sooner than later. However, I do believe that our goal as parents is to raise our children to become independent, productive members of society who act with conviction and do what they believe is right. That part of the mother in me is filled with pride that these wonderful young men, who made the fact that when you look up "never a dull moment" in the dictionary our family picture is right there, made a decision to do something with their lives & took the steps necessary to achieve it. They are walking down a path that was not easy to choose, yet they accept their responsibility. They do not let fear, or the fears of those around them get in the way. Would I be a good mother if I discouraged them from moving forward every day to achieve their goals? The possibility of my fears keeping them from doing that doesn't seem fair.
So most of the time when I have tears in my eyes, they are tears of immense pride. Both of my sons are representing the United States of America. Not a school or a team, but our country.
Good To Go!
Proud Mom of 2 U.S Marines
Monday, May 24, 2010
Freedom, Justice, & Opportunity For All
I always thought of myself as a patriotic person. Always immediately standing when the National Anthem was about to be played. I would usually put my hands behind my back, or if I was feeling especially "American" that day, I would place my right hand over my heart. I would scan the crowd to see who hadn't taken their hat off, or who was still carrying on a conversation during the tribute & feel a little disappointment in those people. Now that I am the mother of two United States Marines, I look back & feel disappointment in myself for the times when I was younger & might have shown too little respect for our country's anthem, & the flag that represents us. Now however, I'm sure the person next to me must be able to hear my heart pounding at the sound of the notes that lead into our nations most famous song, and the sight of an unfurled red, white & blue flag with its 13 stripes & 50 stars as it blows in the breeze. Now, when I stand for the National Anthem, or the flag of the United States passing by me, I sometimes bite my lip to hold back the tears of pride that come with knowing that both of my sons are members of a long line of hero's who's job it has been for over 200 years to protect our nation & others. It is a reminder of the heroism of our forefathers. A symbol of us all - all of America. It is not a political symbol. It represents the honor, courage & sacrifice of those who struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded: Freedom, Justice, & Opportunity for all.
A while ago, someone sent me an email titled "He Is Not A Boy", and part of what it said is very fitting to end this particular blog... "He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention. He tempers the burning desire to "square away" those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in & day out, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as those before him, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American fighting man who has kept this country free for over 200 years."
With Memorial Day approaching, I would ask that you stop & think about the level of respect you & your children will give to our National Anthem, or a United States Flag that may pass by you...Semper Fi!
Good To Go,
Proud Mom of TWO United States Marines
Monday, April 5, 2010
Only One Basket
Yesterday was Easter Sunday here in the U.S. My favorite holiday, since it recognizes the most important thing in my life...He Is Risen. I took the last couple days (since Good Friday) to reflect on the significance of Easter... a risen Savior, & how blessed our family has been over the years. It is overwhelming when you really think about the sacrifice He made.
As I searched the basement for the kids baskets, (ones they've each had since they were babies) it made me realize that this would be the first year that I (oops...i mean the Easter Bunny) would be be filling only one basket. I seem to get through days a little easier lately...not breaking out int o tears at the slightest reminder that my boys are so far away, but it's times like these that make my heart feel a little more empty than usual. I did send Luke a care package a couple weeks ago with a few of his favorite things and an Easter card, but Matt has been in MCT (Military Combat Training) for the past 29 days and there has been no contact with him at all. When the boys little sister woke up on Easter morning to only one basket waiting...I could tell that her heart felt a little more empty than usual too. Still, our family knows that we are blessed. We did get to speak to Luke on Easter for a little while, and finally, Matt got to send a few texts. It was a good day. My son's are in the United States....for now.
I have a friend named Elsa. We "met" online. Her son, who we call "D" went to boot camp with Luke...therefore...we are family now. D was deployed to Afghanistan several weeks ago. While I was sad over only one basket, Elsa slept with one of D's shirts under her pillow. A mom will find any way to hold her children as close as she can when they are further away than she ever imagined they would be. I ask that you keep Elsa & her family...especially D, in your prayers. I know I've said this before, but Easter seems like an especially good time to remind us that there truly are only 2 men who have offered to sacrifice their life for you...Jesus, & the American Soldier.
We've got your back here at home D!
Good To Go,
Proud & Humbled
USMC Mom
As I searched the basement for the kids baskets, (ones they've each had since they were babies) it made me realize that this would be the first year that I (oops...i mean the Easter Bunny) would be be filling only one basket. I seem to get through days a little easier lately...not breaking out int o tears at the slightest reminder that my boys are so far away, but it's times like these that make my heart feel a little more empty than usual. I did send Luke a care package a couple weeks ago with a few of his favorite things and an Easter card, but Matt has been in MCT (Military Combat Training) for the past 29 days and there has been no contact with him at all. When the boys little sister woke up on Easter morning to only one basket waiting...I could tell that her heart felt a little more empty than usual too. Still, our family knows that we are blessed. We did get to speak to Luke on Easter for a little while, and finally, Matt got to send a few texts. It was a good day. My son's are in the United States....for now.
I have a friend named Elsa. We "met" online. Her son, who we call "D" went to boot camp with Luke...therefore...we are family now. D was deployed to Afghanistan several weeks ago. While I was sad over only one basket, Elsa slept with one of D's shirts under her pillow. A mom will find any way to hold her children as close as she can when they are further away than she ever imagined they would be. I ask that you keep Elsa & her family...especially D, in your prayers. I know I've said this before, but Easter seems like an especially good time to remind us that there truly are only 2 men who have offered to sacrifice their life for you...Jesus, & the American Soldier.
We've got your back here at home D!
Good To Go,
Proud & Humbled
USMC Mom
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Cherry Luden Cough Drops
When the boys were in boot camp on Parris Island, my heart hurt like I never imagined it could. As a mother, I had always been able to protect them...sometimes even when they didn't know...sometimes even when they didn't want or need my protecting. When it was cold outside, I could tell them to wear a jacket. When our family was going to Holiday World for a wonderful summer day, I could always make sure there was sunscreen to rub on shoulders. When they had a fever, I could always make sure they got plenty of liquids and rest. Now, they were 800 miles away, and there wasn't a thing I could do for them. Talk about a bird with a broken wing...I was lost. My very first letter went something like this...."I miss you so much, but I know you can do this! I pray that God gives you strength every single day! Can I send you anything?!!!!!" You cannot imagine how my heart jumped when a letter finally came from Luke saying "please send me cough drops...Cherry Ludens cough drops!" Immediately, this mother hen sprang into action! I was on a mission! To try and stop me would be at your own risk!
Let me back up just a little. Luke's recruiter told us before he left for boot camp that under no circumstances should we send him anything while he was on the island unless he specifically asked for it. Also, if we did send something that he specifically asked for, we would have to send enough for the entire platoon. Platoons usually run approximately 85 recruits.
Back to the mission. Ludens cherry cough drops are easy to find...most discount stores carry them. Most discount stores carry 4 to 5 bags of Cherry Ludens cough drops. I started at Walmart, then CVS, then Dollar General. I had about 19 bags...only 66 more to go. After calling a couple family members to check stores near their homes, and a date night with my husband that consisted of a trip to a little town approximately 45 minutes from our house we had gathered 90 bags of Cherry Ludens cough drops. In less than 24 hours from the time the request was delivered to my mailbox, the throat lozenges were gathered, packed & shipped!
Less than 6 months later, Lindi opened a letter from her brother Matt. She took it upstairs like she always did to read it in the privacy of her own room. A couple minutes had passed when she came down the stairs to read me a small tidbit of the letter. "P.S. tell mom to send cough drops...the same ones she sent to Luke." (Insert here the theme song from Mission Impossible) Once again, this mother hen taped up her broken wing and took flight. This time was a lot easier! When the Pharmacist at Walmart asked me why I could possibly be needing 90 bags of this particular cough drop, and I told him...he smiled intently and said "wait here." A few minutes later he appeared on my side of the counter with 5 boxes (20 packages per box) of Cherry Ludens cough drops! My hero!!
Now, if you've lasted this long in the story, here is the important part. It turns out, when Matt's box of cough drops arrived on Parris Island, his DI (Drill Instructor) was not in a good mood that particular day. He decided that Matt would do 25 push ups for every bag (90)of cough drops in the box. The DI asked Matt if he intended on sharing the cough drops with the rest of his Platoon. Matt responded "Ay Sir!" The DI counted out a bag of cough drops for each Recruit. There were 5 bags left over. He told Matt that he would have to do 25 push ups for every bag left over...times 2...or 250 push ups total. Matt got down in front of the other Recruits and began his "punishment". After only a few push ups, another Recruit, realizing that Matt was being punished because they all got a bag of cough drops...dropped down beside him and began to count out 250 push ups for himself. And then another Recruit dropped down...and then another, and then another. Within minutes, all 85 recruits in Bravo Company, Platoon 1013 formed a bond...a brotherhood, over 25o push ups and a bag of Cherry Ludens cough drops.
Luke and Matt...you're worth it!
Good To Go,
Proud USMC Mom
Let me back up just a little. Luke's recruiter told us before he left for boot camp that under no circumstances should we send him anything while he was on the island unless he specifically asked for it. Also, if we did send something that he specifically asked for, we would have to send enough for the entire platoon. Platoons usually run approximately 85 recruits.
Back to the mission. Ludens cherry cough drops are easy to find...most discount stores carry them. Most discount stores carry 4 to 5 bags of Cherry Ludens cough drops. I started at Walmart, then CVS, then Dollar General. I had about 19 bags...only 66 more to go. After calling a couple family members to check stores near their homes, and a date night with my husband that consisted of a trip to a little town approximately 45 minutes from our house we had gathered 90 bags of Cherry Ludens cough drops. In less than 24 hours from the time the request was delivered to my mailbox, the throat lozenges were gathered, packed & shipped!
Less than 6 months later, Lindi opened a letter from her brother Matt. She took it upstairs like she always did to read it in the privacy of her own room. A couple minutes had passed when she came down the stairs to read me a small tidbit of the letter. "P.S. tell mom to send cough drops...the same ones she sent to Luke." (Insert here the theme song from Mission Impossible) Once again, this mother hen taped up her broken wing and took flight. This time was a lot easier! When the Pharmacist at Walmart asked me why I could possibly be needing 90 bags of this particular cough drop, and I told him...he smiled intently and said "wait here." A few minutes later he appeared on my side of the counter with 5 boxes (20 packages per box) of Cherry Ludens cough drops! My hero!!
Now, if you've lasted this long in the story, here is the important part. It turns out, when Matt's box of cough drops arrived on Parris Island, his DI (Drill Instructor) was not in a good mood that particular day. He decided that Matt would do 25 push ups for every bag (90)of cough drops in the box. The DI asked Matt if he intended on sharing the cough drops with the rest of his Platoon. Matt responded "Ay Sir!" The DI counted out a bag of cough drops for each Recruit. There were 5 bags left over. He told Matt that he would have to do 25 push ups for every bag left over...times 2...or 250 push ups total. Matt got down in front of the other Recruits and began his "punishment". After only a few push ups, another Recruit, realizing that Matt was being punished because they all got a bag of cough drops...dropped down beside him and began to count out 250 push ups for himself. And then another Recruit dropped down...and then another, and then another. Within minutes, all 85 recruits in Bravo Company, Platoon 1013 formed a bond...a brotherhood, over 25o push ups and a bag of Cherry Ludens cough drops.
Luke and Matt...you're worth it!
Good To Go,
Proud USMC Mom
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Member of My Marine Family
As you know, I am the proud Mom of TWO United States Marines. In fact, once they enlisted, I became a "Mom of sorts" to a lot of Marines many of which I only know their last names. None the less...we are family. Two days ago one of my "sons" left Cherry Point, NC on a plane headed for Afghanistan. Kevin went to Boot Camp with my son, Luke.
One day while I was in the chat room of the online board that kept me sane during Boot, (ParrisIsland.yuku.com) another Mom & I began to chat. We quickly figured out that we only lived 45 minutes apart, and that she had been at the send off in Louisville with her son the same day Luke left there. It was so funny to learn that my Luke was actually in the background of nearly all of the pictures she had taken that day. She was kind enough to send them to me. We became instant friends. Luke and Kevin became brothers.
Kevin should be arriving in Afghanistan any time now. He is 19 years old. He has a younger brother, a little sister and a girlfriend. His Mom's name is Cathy. He will become a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 20, 2003 in Iraq and will end...who knows when....who knows where. It may not be a war that you "support". Who really "supports" any war? But no matter how you feel about the war or the President (past or present), the young men & women who are fighting for the freedom of all of us deserve our support. I hope you will keep Kevin in your prayers, as well as all of the warriors fighting this fight.
Hang in there Kev! We've got your back here on the home front!
Luke and Matt...proud can't begin to cover it.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom of Many!
One day while I was in the chat room of the online board that kept me sane during Boot, (ParrisIsland.yuku.com) another Mom & I began to chat. We quickly figured out that we only lived 45 minutes apart, and that she had been at the send off in Louisville with her son the same day Luke left there. It was so funny to learn that my Luke was actually in the background of nearly all of the pictures she had taken that day. She was kind enough to send them to me. We became instant friends. Luke and Kevin became brothers.
Kevin should be arriving in Afghanistan any time now. He is 19 years old. He has a younger brother, a little sister and a girlfriend. His Mom's name is Cathy. He will become a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 20, 2003 in Iraq and will end...who knows when....who knows where. It may not be a war that you "support". Who really "supports" any war? But no matter how you feel about the war or the President (past or present), the young men & women who are fighting for the freedom of all of us deserve our support. I hope you will keep Kevin in your prayers, as well as all of the warriors fighting this fight.
Hang in there Kev! We've got your back here on the home front!
Luke and Matt...proud can't begin to cover it.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom of Many!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2gether Again
Luke graduated from Marine Corps Boot Camp on Sept. 4, 2009. He is now stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. Matthew graduated from Marine Corps Boot Camp on Feb. 12, 2010. We were very fortunate that Luke was able to fly over to Parris Island, SC to attend the graduation. After that, we all drove home to Evansville together to spend the week at home. Lindi was so glad to have her brothers here for a while that she even gave up her big bedroom for them!
On Saturday, Luke boarded a plane to head back to base and get back to work...his leave is over for now. On Monday, Matt jumped on a plane to head to his next destination...which happens to be in North Carolina...right around the corner from where Luke is. It looks like Matt will be there for about 6 weeks, occasionally getting to hang out with his little brother (by 2 minutes). We've gotten phone calls and texts, making this separation a little easier than boot camp. It's been nice to see how the experiences of the Marine Corps have given the boys yet another bond in their lives. It is said that Marines are brothers! The mom of another Marine said to me the other day "your boys are double brothers!" I'm glad they're 2gether again....in more ways than you know.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom
On Saturday, Luke boarded a plane to head back to base and get back to work...his leave is over for now. On Monday, Matt jumped on a plane to head to his next destination...which happens to be in North Carolina...right around the corner from where Luke is. It looks like Matt will be there for about 6 weeks, occasionally getting to hang out with his little brother (by 2 minutes). We've gotten phone calls and texts, making this separation a little easier than boot camp. It's been nice to see how the experiences of the Marine Corps have given the boys yet another bond in their lives. It is said that Marines are brothers! The mom of another Marine said to me the other day "your boys are double brothers!" I'm glad they're 2gether again....in more ways than you know.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom
Monday, February 22, 2010
Double Trouble
Hi! My name is Kristi...here's my story! I'm a wife, mom, daughter, sister, BFF, and the list goes on. I have 3 children. My 2 boys are 19 year old identicle twins (thus "Double Trouble") and my sweetheart daughter is 13...yes 13, and still as sweet as they come...her name is Lindi. "The Boys", Matt & Luke are both members of "The Few, The Proud". I read a quote somewhere that said "he may have enlisted, but I was drafted," hellooooo! How true is that!!!!
My life as a Proud Marine Mom officially began on September 4, 2009 when Luke graduated from boot camp on Parris Island. Not long after, Matt enlisted and took off for the island himself. He graduated February 12, 2010. It has been a roller coaster ride (to say the least) and I have definitely figured out the definition of "Semper Gumby"! I am learning to be as flexible as I have ever been in my life. I have learned the lengths a mom will go for her own Marines as well as others that she doesn't even know. It's been a blessing to realize that you really do become part of a family. We are all in this together.
This blog is probably as much my chance to "vent" as anything else, but maybe along the way it will be a chance to keep anyone who cares up to date as much as possible. I'm sure there will be great news, unexpected twists, screams of insanity, pleads for prayer, and hopefully not too many sad tears. I have a pretty great support system. My sister-in-law, Angie has proven to be able to "stick it out" with me every step of the way for sure! Any new "family" that I am blessed to meet are certainly welcome, as I have questions galore!!!!! Who knows? Maybe I will be able to answer a question some day too!
So, if you're lean and mean (ok, even if you're not either of those) if you just want to support our troops in big or little ways, let's see what we can do together!
Good To Go,
Proud USMC Mom!
My life as a Proud Marine Mom officially began on September 4, 2009 when Luke graduated from boot camp on Parris Island. Not long after, Matt enlisted and took off for the island himself. He graduated February 12, 2010. It has been a roller coaster ride (to say the least) and I have definitely figured out the definition of "Semper Gumby"! I am learning to be as flexible as I have ever been in my life. I have learned the lengths a mom will go for her own Marines as well as others that she doesn't even know. It's been a blessing to realize that you really do become part of a family. We are all in this together.
This blog is probably as much my chance to "vent" as anything else, but maybe along the way it will be a chance to keep anyone who cares up to date as much as possible. I'm sure there will be great news, unexpected twists, screams of insanity, pleads for prayer, and hopefully not too many sad tears. I have a pretty great support system. My sister-in-law, Angie has proven to be able to "stick it out" with me every step of the way for sure! Any new "family" that I am blessed to meet are certainly welcome, as I have questions galore!!!!! Who knows? Maybe I will be able to answer a question some day too!
So, if you're lean and mean (ok, even if you're not either of those) if you just want to support our troops in big or little ways, let's see what we can do together!
Good To Go,
Proud USMC Mom!
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