We landed just a few hours ago at the airport in Evansville. What an incredible trip! Less than 24 hours ago we were sitting in a rental car in a parking lot from 8am until that bus we had been anticipating finally turned the corner of "C Street" at Camp LeJeune, NC. It was now 1:57pm. Of course, the weather had been perfect up until approximately 20 minutes before the bus arrived. Now however, it was raining, and not just a little. As I started to complain about the precipitation threatening my hair, I thought about the 120 degree temperatures in Delaram, Afghanistan, and also about the text I had received just the day before describing -20 degrees as Regimental Combat Team 8 waited to leave Kyrgyzstan during one of the stops on their long journey home. I decided I liked the rain. And to be honest, I couldn't tell you if was raining or not once all those Marines started coming down the stairs of those buses. We held up a sign that said nothing but our last name on it...all in capital letters & penned with the brightest red sharpie I could find. It was the exact same sign we had held up at Luke's Boot Camp Graduation...and also at Matthew's. This sign made it easier for them to find us. We discovered a while ago that finding your own child in a sea of Marine Corps Cami's would prove to be more difficult than one would expect. This particular sign would work to our advantage in a couple different ways. We knew if we held it up high enough that Luke would be able to see it, and would come to us. We found out that as soon as Luke's bus passed in front of us, several of his brothers who were lucky enough to have window seats yelled out, "Hey Stauber, we know where YOUR family is!" So when Luke stepped off that bus, he knew exactly where to find us, and he did just that.
He's home. Not our physical home, but the country we are blessed to call our home...the United States. Luke's year in Afghanistan has finally ended. 2011 was was such a bittersweet year for us. While the blessings of God were poured out on our family business and on our lives in general, our middle child was literally on the other side of the world...fighting in what is a terribly violent and horrific war. No mother can imagine the intensity of sending her child off to such a place unless she has walked in my "combat boots" herself. The immense weight was so overwhelming at times that I often wondered if my physical appearance reflected it. Did my shoulders really appear the way they felt? But did I mention...he's home. There is a breath inside my lungs that hasn't been there for a while. There's a sigh that is one of relief now instead of the sigh of the past 12 months that meant...can I do another day? But guess what? I trusted you Lord, and you have yet to fail me. We did it. He's safe. He's home.
So that sign that says nothing but our last name has now been put away for another day. It will be pulled out again some time this summer when my oldest child (by 2 minutes), Matthew comes home from his deployment...yes, you heard me correctly. My Matthew is on a ship out in the middle of the sea somewhere. He spent Christmas in Singapore, which sounded pretty special. In the past couple weeks however, some things have come up with Iran, so now our ships are heading that way "to make our presence known". Of course the mother in me is googling "invisibility cloak", and trying to figure out how to make one big enough to cover a boat that is approximately 512' x 65' x 22'. Assuming that it may not work out, I will just have to stick with trusting God, after all...
His promises are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Luke & Matt...you are still in God's hands.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom X2
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
When I Grow Up...Honoring Veterans Day
When Lindi was just a little munchkin, she would say "When I grow up, I want to be an Ice Cream Truck Driver". When I was a little girl and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I usually had two answers: A Veterinarian, or a Policeman. Never would I have imagined that when I grew up I would become the Mom of a Veteran. Two and a half years ago, when my world was turned up-side-down, that is exactly what I became. It is a title I now wear with much pride.
Veterans Day is a day to salute every single man or woman who has served and is currently serving in every branch of our United States Armed Forces. Our nation's history is full of great men and women who had the guts and integrity stand up and fight for freedom. In many cases, they leave their loved ones at home to protect people they don't even know. I think it's safe to say that most of us fear death. Members of our Military have to set aside this fear for causes greater than themselves. It brings to the forefront a very precious virtue: Courage. They put their life on the line for the safety and security of others. The American Soldier believes in hope for the future. They believe in their country. They believe peace should be cherished and protected. It is appropriate and necessary that these heroes be recognized for their bravery, dedication, and service to their country. We should all stop to think about the fact that behind every Veteran is a small piece of individual history and sacrifice. For too many, it was the ultimate sacrifice. General Douglas MacArthur said this: "The American Soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
In so many ways these young men and women somehow find a way to keep a sense of humor about things. Not long ago, I had to tell Luke he may need to open a care package I sent out to him with discretion. I thought I may have gotten his box mixed up with one I had sent to a young lady. I was afraid that when he opened his box, he might find a box of tampons. He laughed out loud and said "No problem, Momma Bear, I'll keep the tampons! That way if I get shot, I can shove one in the hole to stop the bleeding!" I guess in a lot of ways, being able to laugh every now and then is absolutely necessary. I'm sure it does a lot of mom's and dad's hearts good to think that they try their best to keep their good humor and courage, even under the most horrible of circumstances.
Please do this Mom of a Veteran a small favor tomorrow. Go out of your way if you have to, but find a Veteran and thank them. It's really that simple. I am borrowing an inscription on a memorial to the British Second Division at Kohima because I believe it fits perfectly for our American Heroes on Veterans Day...
"When you go home, tell them of us and say...for their tomorrow, we gave our today.
Lance Corporal Luke & Lance Corporal Matt, thank you for your service, and for making me the mom of a Veteran X2. Semper Fi.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom X2
Veterans Day is a day to salute every single man or woman who has served and is currently serving in every branch of our United States Armed Forces. Our nation's history is full of great men and women who had the guts and integrity stand up and fight for freedom. In many cases, they leave their loved ones at home to protect people they don't even know. I think it's safe to say that most of us fear death. Members of our Military have to set aside this fear for causes greater than themselves. It brings to the forefront a very precious virtue: Courage. They put their life on the line for the safety and security of others. The American Soldier believes in hope for the future. They believe in their country. They believe peace should be cherished and protected. It is appropriate and necessary that these heroes be recognized for their bravery, dedication, and service to their country. We should all stop to think about the fact that behind every Veteran is a small piece of individual history and sacrifice. For too many, it was the ultimate sacrifice. General Douglas MacArthur said this: "The American Soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
In so many ways these young men and women somehow find a way to keep a sense of humor about things. Not long ago, I had to tell Luke he may need to open a care package I sent out to him with discretion. I thought I may have gotten his box mixed up with one I had sent to a young lady. I was afraid that when he opened his box, he might find a box of tampons. He laughed out loud and said "No problem, Momma Bear, I'll keep the tampons! That way if I get shot, I can shove one in the hole to stop the bleeding!" I guess in a lot of ways, being able to laugh every now and then is absolutely necessary. I'm sure it does a lot of mom's and dad's hearts good to think that they try their best to keep their good humor and courage, even under the most horrible of circumstances.
Please do this Mom of a Veteran a small favor tomorrow. Go out of your way if you have to, but find a Veteran and thank them. It's really that simple. I am borrowing an inscription on a memorial to the British Second Division at Kohima because I believe it fits perfectly for our American Heroes on Veterans Day...
"When you go home, tell them of us and say...for their tomorrow, we gave our today.
Lance Corporal Luke & Lance Corporal Matt, thank you for your service, and for making me the mom of a Veteran X2. Semper Fi.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom X2
Monday, September 12, 2011
Miss Updyke's Fifth Grade Class
Ten years ago, America endured the most terrifying and savage attack in its history. As awful as it is to let all those scary feelings come back to be a part of us once more, on this 10 year mark it is something we must do, not just to make sure we never forget the tragedy and loss, but for the incredible resilience of the American will and the ideal it still represents.
Ten years ago, Matthew & Luke Stauber were 5th graders in Miss Updyke's classroom at Cynthia Heights Elementary School. A t.v. in the classroom was turned on when the first hijacked plane hit one of the towers. The class watched as another plane crashed through yet another tower, not sure whether they were seeing an "instant replay" of the first tower, or something else. They soon discovered that what they had just seen was not a rerun. In fact, what they had just witnessed would change their lives and their futures forever. The total number dead in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania was 2977 people, not including 19 hijackers. Even these eleven year old little boys could feel the weight of the occasion.
At the time, these two little boys lives consisted of playing football for the EJFL Titans, basketball for the Cynthia Heights Wildcats and Coach Lindenberg, and baseball at the West Side Little League. Plans for a future as a United States Marine hadn't really taken shape just yet. However, that didn't change the fact that in the next ten years these two young boys would learn more about terrorism than any of us ever fathomed that they would need to. Not many of us realized that ten years later, these two young men would be in the midst of fighting this war.
In ten years we have learned so much about terrorism, yet still understand it so little. It's hard to imagine that there are actually people who have such a hatred for our country that they would give up their own lives just to hurt us. It causes us to realize that our nation exists because Americans had a vision. They believed in the ideal that each and every person should have the opportunity to rise to their fullest potential...the pursuit of happiness. And this vision comes under attack by those who don't agree with it.
So today as we lay flowers on memorials, and bow our heads...as we stop our lives for a moment of silence to remember a loved one, or honor a hero, it couldn't be a bad thing if we each stop to reflect on our responsibilities to one another...as the passengers of flight 93 did ten years ago. Would it be too much to ask to stop the arguing and fighting, and laying of blame? Perhaps America can become united again the way we seemed to be in the days immediately following this horrible tragedy. Maybe we can all pray together, and just decide to support the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for all of us. They didn't decide to become a part of this war on a whim. They take their duty to be a shield for you very seriously...as do their families.
Matthew & Luke, i pray that you are safe today and every day...and so does your dad. Your little sister is ready for you come home...she misses you more than she ever thought possible. You make us proud.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
Friday, September 9, 2011
Ten Years & Many Tears Later
September 11, 2001 was of course a day that changed our lives, our hearts, our country fundamentally. Will you ever forget where you were, what you were doing...surely not. I had actually just gotten out of the shower when my dear friend Lisa called. "Are you watching t.v.? Something horrible is happening." Pointing the remote at the little black box on my dresser that day turned into something I could have never dreamed or imagined. I now had an event in my lifetime that might be comparable to the way my grandparent must have felt when they learned about Pearl Harbor. Or the way my parents might have felt when they learned of the assassination of J.F.K., or Martin Luther King, Jr. The only difference...they learned about those terrible events in our history after the fact. I was sitting in shock watching this happen live. Myself, and millions of others watched as thousands died before our very eyes. I heard a Pathologist on t.v. once say that death under a microscope is merely colors and shapes. I found out that day that death on national t.v. is much of the same...colors and shapes. The limestone of the pentagon, white smoke, black wingtip shoes and brown high heels trying to escape the white smoke, a lush open green field in Pennsylvania, black towers.
As our President sat in a classroom that day, he continued reading the story of a pet goat because he didn't want to frighten the children. As those same children marveled that the President of the United States was actually reading them a story, cowards attacked. These attacks spawned two wars that, to this day, add to a rising death count affecting countless lives. While the mom in me likes to imagine that my two brave Marines are a part of an elite force that can conquer the world on any given day, 9/11 taught me that despite our nation's economic and military superiority on that day in September, we were not invulnerable.
Our ability to share has changed since that day ten years ago. It came before twitter and facebook. It was pre-youtube, and Google was barely four years old. Now we are able to share our memories, our pain, and even our triumphs with a world that back then, couldn't have heard us quite so easily. The motto was "Never Forget", and of course, we never will. The wall to wall coverage you can expect over the next few days will be sure of that. It helps remind me that whatever our differences, we all do love our country, and compared to so many others, we are very fortunate to live in the most extraordinary democracy the world has ever known. We are a people, though scarred, God has continued to bless beyond measure. And though some memories are hard, many of us find healing in sharing. I know I do. Thanks for listening.
Matt & Luke, I miss you beyond words, and you continue to make me proud. Semper Fi.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
As our President sat in a classroom that day, he continued reading the story of a pet goat because he didn't want to frighten the children. As those same children marveled that the President of the United States was actually reading them a story, cowards attacked. These attacks spawned two wars that, to this day, add to a rising death count affecting countless lives. While the mom in me likes to imagine that my two brave Marines are a part of an elite force that can conquer the world on any given day, 9/11 taught me that despite our nation's economic and military superiority on that day in September, we were not invulnerable.
Our ability to share has changed since that day ten years ago. It came before twitter and facebook. It was pre-youtube, and Google was barely four years old. Now we are able to share our memories, our pain, and even our triumphs with a world that back then, couldn't have heard us quite so easily. The motto was "Never Forget", and of course, we never will. The wall to wall coverage you can expect over the next few days will be sure of that. It helps remind me that whatever our differences, we all do love our country, and compared to so many others, we are very fortunate to live in the most extraordinary democracy the world has ever known. We are a people, though scarred, God has continued to bless beyond measure. And though some memories are hard, many of us find healing in sharing. I know I do. Thanks for listening.
Matt & Luke, I miss you beyond words, and you continue to make me proud. Semper Fi.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wanted...Dead or Alive
So, Osama Bin Laden is dead. The world's most wanted man, who most of us thought was hiding in some cave in some big ol' mountain was really hangin' out in a pretty decent "compound" within walking distance of a Pakistani Military base. He had some of his wives with him, some of his kids. He had televisions, computers and even people who ran errands for him. And guns - he had guns. Hiding in plain site really. It took our Intelligence many years to track him down, but we did...just like we said we would.
People were actually cheering in the streets. While my head completely understands that, my heart is a little weighted by it. It makes me think about the extremists who were undoubtedly cheering in the streets as the images of the Twin Towers crumbling to ground were broadcast over and over again all over the world. This man's (coward's) death makes me realize that although this was the revenge that so many people thought would bring closure...it actually seems to have reopened many wounds. The fallen will not come back because of this. The wounded are still wounded. The hero's of our military will not pack up their tents and head home. There is still a war going on. One man does not make the war on terror. He was, in the end, just one man, with only one life to give after having taken thousands. I think back to that December day in 2003 when the U.S. forces captured Saddam Hussein. The world seemed to breath a sigh of relief, but the Iraq war raged on for several more years. In fact, the post-Hussein era were some of the darkest days of that conflict. To think that this post-Bin Laden era might be different could be foolish. While it's a relief that this evil man is no longer capable of harming another family, we must understand that his ideology is still prevalent in some parts of the world...perhaps even somewhere in the United States.
The events of 9/11 have changed our nation forever. In my opinion, the death of Osama Bin Laden has not. Honestly, that man's life became irrelevant to me a long time ago. Maybe we should think of it this way...by the time our special forces surrounded his compound and made sure that the last thing he saw was an American Soldier, he was already a nobody.
While I hope and pray that this is a turning point, we still have men and women deployed. Americans who need our continued support. Please don't forget about them. Please don't let them down. There sacrifice and courage is something that can never be repayed. Keep praying. You better believe this Marine Momma will.
Miss you Luke, & Matt...be safe.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
People were actually cheering in the streets. While my head completely understands that, my heart is a little weighted by it. It makes me think about the extremists who were undoubtedly cheering in the streets as the images of the Twin Towers crumbling to ground were broadcast over and over again all over the world. This man's (coward's) death makes me realize that although this was the revenge that so many people thought would bring closure...it actually seems to have reopened many wounds. The fallen will not come back because of this. The wounded are still wounded. The hero's of our military will not pack up their tents and head home. There is still a war going on. One man does not make the war on terror. He was, in the end, just one man, with only one life to give after having taken thousands. I think back to that December day in 2003 when the U.S. forces captured Saddam Hussein. The world seemed to breath a sigh of relief, but the Iraq war raged on for several more years. In fact, the post-Hussein era were some of the darkest days of that conflict. To think that this post-Bin Laden era might be different could be foolish. While it's a relief that this evil man is no longer capable of harming another family, we must understand that his ideology is still prevalent in some parts of the world...perhaps even somewhere in the United States.
The events of 9/11 have changed our nation forever. In my opinion, the death of Osama Bin Laden has not. Honestly, that man's life became irrelevant to me a long time ago. Maybe we should think of it this way...by the time our special forces surrounded his compound and made sure that the last thing he saw was an American Soldier, he was already a nobody.
While I hope and pray that this is a turning point, we still have men and women deployed. Americans who need our continued support. Please don't forget about them. Please don't let them down. There sacrifice and courage is something that can never be repayed. Keep praying. You better believe this Marine Momma will.
Miss you Luke, & Matt...be safe.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom x2
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Just Come Home
As a parent, you always worry about your kids. When they walk those clumsy first steps, weaving around all the furniture while you keep your hands reached out towards them so that when they do fall, they won't fall too hard. Next they are running all over the place, up the slide the wrong way, jumping off the swing. Then riding bikes, then skateboarding. All of the sudden, they're driving a car! Each new progression has a little more speed, a little more danger, a little more independence. All of these new experiences put them on their way to the place that we as parents are striving to take them....the place where they become "productive members of society".
As the mom of 2 United States Marines, I think we've got the "productive" part accomplished. Since they placed their feet on those yellow footprints on the island, they haven't had much of a chance not to be productive. No time to be lazy. Not many days to sleep in. And all too soon, the phone call came. "Mom, we leave the 15th." He didn't have to say where...I already knew. A whole new set of worries. The news that I've watched religiously since they enlisted has become a little harder watch. I try hard not to read too much into the stories. Avoid looking at the pictures...well, I try. It seems like every mother's nightmare that something will happen to one of their children & they won't be able to get there. That one of my children would be crying out for me & I couldn't get to them. When you have a child in the Military, you do think those thoughts. It's the most counterintuitive thing a mother can be asked to do. I've spent their entire lives making sure they were safe. Not too hot. Not too cold. Looking both ways. Now I've sent him off to a place where it's always too hot. Always too cold. Looking both ways isn't nearly enough because people could be shooting at him! I try desperately to avoid thinking about those posibilities. But when they creep in I can feel the emotion swell right up to my eyes. Then I remind myself that God is in control.
I send packages, cards, & emails trying to always be upbeat, positive & encouraging. I wouldn't want to do anything that might distract from his mission...stay alive & come home. But the worry takes up a little more of my time every day that he's gone. I miss my son. Can't wait to hug him.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom X2
As the mom of 2 United States Marines, I think we've got the "productive" part accomplished. Since they placed their feet on those yellow footprints on the island, they haven't had much of a chance not to be productive. No time to be lazy. Not many days to sleep in. And all too soon, the phone call came. "Mom, we leave the 15th." He didn't have to say where...I already knew. A whole new set of worries. The news that I've watched religiously since they enlisted has become a little harder watch. I try hard not to read too much into the stories. Avoid looking at the pictures...well, I try. It seems like every mother's nightmare that something will happen to one of their children & they won't be able to get there. That one of my children would be crying out for me & I couldn't get to them. When you have a child in the Military, you do think those thoughts. It's the most counterintuitive thing a mother can be asked to do. I've spent their entire lives making sure they were safe. Not too hot. Not too cold. Looking both ways. Now I've sent him off to a place where it's always too hot. Always too cold. Looking both ways isn't nearly enough because people could be shooting at him! I try desperately to avoid thinking about those posibilities. But when they creep in I can feel the emotion swell right up to my eyes. Then I remind myself that God is in control.
I send packages, cards, & emails trying to always be upbeat, positive & encouraging. I wouldn't want to do anything that might distract from his mission...stay alive & come home. But the worry takes up a little more of my time every day that he's gone. I miss my son. Can't wait to hug him.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Mom X2
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Pity Party Table For One!
It's taken me a while to be able to write this one. I started thinking about it a few weeks ago when we said goodbye to Luke at the airport on January 5th. I was so proud of myself the last couple times we took him to the airport. Knowing he was only going back to Camp Lejeune was making it a little easier to watch him go through that security gate. I know he would be texting me every couple days & calling about once a week to tell me stories of how his life on base was going. But this time was different. This leave was different. This was his "pre-deployment" leave. This leave was nearly 3 weeks long because good ol' Uncle Sam was nice enough to give us extra time with our little boy before he would send him to the other side of the world for an entire year.
I found myself staring at him as he napped on the couch. Turning down the tv anytime he was in the room so that I wouldn't miss a single word that he decided to say. Watching him as he & his brother acted out funny stories of their lives as devil dogs. Revisiting all the subtle facial expressions of this young man that I've grown to recognize & seen grow with him every since he really was my little boy. I really didn't want to miss a thing. And we were so blessed that Matthew got to come home for Christmas too. Our whole family together for the first time in 10 months was such a blessing. To see my 3 children teasing & wrestling with each other was without a doubt all the Christmas present that my husband & I needed. Our hearts were full, our cups overflowing.
Then the time came. We had taken Matt to the airport a few days earlier. Not completely earth shattering for me because I knew he was headed back to sunny California...a place he has grown to love. I know the hardest part of his departure for him was the realization that his little brother would be taking off for "country" soon, & they may not see each other for quite some time. The boys are always "tough", but Momma can tell that this is a bit of weight for both of them. Now, we were at the airport for the third time this week (inside story)and about to walk away from our middle child (by 2 minutes) knowing where his Marine destiny was about to take him. I tried to keep the emotions that were welling up inside me under control. The last thing I wanted for him was to walk away from us knowing that I was so upset, thus upsetting him more, thus upsetting me more...a vicious circle! I saw him stiffen up a bit to shield himself from the hurt that I couldn't disguise. He & his brother are tough guys. And their toughness has served them well, & will continue to do so through the difficult times ahead of them. I used what little energy I had to suck it up as much as I could...for his sake. Then we didn't take our eyes off him as he walked to get in line at the security gate. We watched him empty his pockets, take his shoes off & his belt. Go through the scanner without a hitch. Put everything back in his pockets. Put his shoes & belt back on, & turn the corner toward the next chapter of his destiny as a United States Marine.
I'm not ashamed to say that the remainder of my day consisted entirely of pulling the cover that he had used while he was home up over my head, on the couch he had napped on. I was exhausted. Pinned up emotions will do that to you. They demand a greater supply of energy that I just didn't have to give. All I knew was that my son would soon be across the globe from his home. It was so much scarier watching him walk away this time. There is just so much unrest where he's headed. A entirely different world than the one that we are blessed to live in. I decided to give myself one day for a pity party...I thought I'd earned it.
Now it's time to dig deep in the faith that my life is rooted in. Where the promise of my God tells me that all things are possible through Christ who gives me my strength...and my children their strength as well. The God that may take us through the fire, but not without refining us into the diamonds He knows we can be. I pray every single day for each of my children. And I choose to believe that God has his arms around them, keeping them safe like only He can.
Today, I received a post on my Facebook from one of Luke's Marine brothers (now my adopted son). It read: dear mama stauber lol i just want you to no ol luke boy is ok!!they teach us how to be safe and to keep everybody else safe also.....he has a good head on his shoulders and will come home to you safe...........getting more tats hahaha lots of love.....puckett It made me smile. Thanks Puckett...Momma Stauber loves you too.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Momma x2
I found myself staring at him as he napped on the couch. Turning down the tv anytime he was in the room so that I wouldn't miss a single word that he decided to say. Watching him as he & his brother acted out funny stories of their lives as devil dogs. Revisiting all the subtle facial expressions of this young man that I've grown to recognize & seen grow with him every since he really was my little boy. I really didn't want to miss a thing. And we were so blessed that Matthew got to come home for Christmas too. Our whole family together for the first time in 10 months was such a blessing. To see my 3 children teasing & wrestling with each other was without a doubt all the Christmas present that my husband & I needed. Our hearts were full, our cups overflowing.
Then the time came. We had taken Matt to the airport a few days earlier. Not completely earth shattering for me because I knew he was headed back to sunny California...a place he has grown to love. I know the hardest part of his departure for him was the realization that his little brother would be taking off for "country" soon, & they may not see each other for quite some time. The boys are always "tough", but Momma can tell that this is a bit of weight for both of them. Now, we were at the airport for the third time this week (inside story)and about to walk away from our middle child (by 2 minutes) knowing where his Marine destiny was about to take him. I tried to keep the emotions that were welling up inside me under control. The last thing I wanted for him was to walk away from us knowing that I was so upset, thus upsetting him more, thus upsetting me more...a vicious circle! I saw him stiffen up a bit to shield himself from the hurt that I couldn't disguise. He & his brother are tough guys. And their toughness has served them well, & will continue to do so through the difficult times ahead of them. I used what little energy I had to suck it up as much as I could...for his sake. Then we didn't take our eyes off him as he walked to get in line at the security gate. We watched him empty his pockets, take his shoes off & his belt. Go through the scanner without a hitch. Put everything back in his pockets. Put his shoes & belt back on, & turn the corner toward the next chapter of his destiny as a United States Marine.
I'm not ashamed to say that the remainder of my day consisted entirely of pulling the cover that he had used while he was home up over my head, on the couch he had napped on. I was exhausted. Pinned up emotions will do that to you. They demand a greater supply of energy that I just didn't have to give. All I knew was that my son would soon be across the globe from his home. It was so much scarier watching him walk away this time. There is just so much unrest where he's headed. A entirely different world than the one that we are blessed to live in. I decided to give myself one day for a pity party...I thought I'd earned it.
Now it's time to dig deep in the faith that my life is rooted in. Where the promise of my God tells me that all things are possible through Christ who gives me my strength...and my children their strength as well. The God that may take us through the fire, but not without refining us into the diamonds He knows we can be. I pray every single day for each of my children. And I choose to believe that God has his arms around them, keeping them safe like only He can.
Today, I received a post on my Facebook from one of Luke's Marine brothers (now my adopted son). It read: dear mama stauber lol i just want you to no ol luke boy is ok!!they teach us how to be safe and to keep everybody else safe also.....he has a good head on his shoulders and will come home to you safe...........getting more tats hahaha lots of love.....puckett It made me smile. Thanks Puckett...Momma Stauber loves you too.
Good To Go,
Proud Marine Momma x2
Thursday, October 28, 2010
HE was thanking ME!
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
"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
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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