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