Happy Birthday Judi!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister. She is such a great mom, sister and friend. My life would not be the same without her. So here's to you Jud, may you have 50 more wonderful years. I love you!!

Stalking the Mailman

Today will be 14 days since Josh left and boy has it been hard. Finally found out what Platoon he's in so I can get these letters in the mail. I have sent out an email to all those I thought would be interested in writing him. If I didn't include you, feel free to let me know. I'm sure all the support would be appreciated it. I'm going to start work on a banner that can be raised during their motivational run the day before graduation. Think i'm going to ask Aunt Wendy for some input, hint, hint!!
I'd like to include of course the EG&A (eagle, globe & anchor), was thinking of getting some blue duck cloth (his Battalions colors) and going from there. Any and all ideas are welcome.

Yesterday I got most of my garden in. Still need to put in the lettuce and string for the beans and cukes. Got to feeling really bad and had to come in. Not sure if I got overheated or what, but blech!!! And today is a Petsmart today when I get to go play with the kitties.

Blog Police

Noticed I hadn't posted since last week, so I figured I'd better before the blog police came after me.
Not much has been going on, haven't heard from Josh yet, guess no news is good news. Of course I've written plenty of letters, lol. Spent the afternoon with Mom yesterday, just bumming around, did a little shopping and got a pedicure. I'm glad to report that all toes are intact after that. Things have been a little quiet around here. Trying to get some ideas on what to do for Risa birthday party next month. She's into all this oriental stuff, so we'll have to see. Lots of birthdays this month and next, so I've got to keep my card box full. Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

My Son the Recruit

Today is just day 3 of Josh being gone. It has gotten better, i've pulled myself together and just trying to see the positive side of things. And while i'm sure there will be times in the next 2 months, 26 days that I'll feel bummed again, today it's ok. I've been going to a couple of really great websites Recruitparents.com and Yuku.com that are specifically for Marine families. While it's not a great feeling that other people are feeling what I am, it's good to know that other people can relate. It's going to be a rollercoaster ride, that's for sure. I got my first phone call last night, just to let me know that he got there safely. Was really funny, was lying in bed, still fighting a headache I'd had for the past 2 days, when the phone rang at 9:45 p.m. I answer it, there is a pause, I say hello again, there is a pause. All of a sudden, I hear my son's voice, booming over the phone....."THIS IS RECRUIT B****, I HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY AT PARRIS ISLAND. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CARDS OR LETTERS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A LETTER FROM ME." I honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I did a little of both. Quickly said "I love you" and was disconnected. I thanked God for that one phone call, and for lightening my heart, because He knew it was heavy.

There has been some major soul searching these past couple of days. But the most important thing that I've thought of is, my son is training to be a Marine. Training to defend the greatest country in the world. My son!!! How could I be anything BUT proud of him. I found my step today to be a little lighter, and my heart as well.

Happy Easter

17 Hours and Counting

Less than 17 hours from now a major part of my life will be leaving. I'm trying to be optimistic about things and hopefully see some positive changes. But I can't help but feel a part of my heart is leaving. Is this normal, is it natural? I don't know. I do know it hurts like hell.

My Son the Poolie

Yesterday we had a going away party for Josh in anticipation of his departure next week. I can honestly say this is one of the hardest things I've ever gone through, just letting go. I guess it would be the same if he was going away to college, but at least I'd get to see him during breaks and such. Now, I'm not sure when the next time I'll see him. I don't know how Mom did it, all those many years ago, leaving Judi in CA to start her life and us coming to VA. Guess this is all part of the growing up process, but it really stinks. In retrospect, the last 19 years have flown by, my little boy will be leaving as a young man and coming back a Marine. He'll be going to bootcamp in Parris Island, SC and you can bet your last dollar I'll be there, if I have to crawl the 7 1/2 hours! The emotions are running high and it definitely will be the shortest week of my life. So bear with me the next 13 weeks, it's gonna be a roller coaster ride from everything I've read.

I am so very proud of him, this wonderful piece of my life making such a big decision. He's been an incredible son so I know he'll make an awesome Marine.

Deb Update

Just to give everyone an update. Deborah has been moved out of ICU into the step down unit, but still needs everyones prayers. She got to spend some time with her daughter on Saturday, her docs really felt it would be beneficial for her. They have found the whole in her heart isn't as bad as they thought and evidently a lot of people have it and it never causes any problems, go figure. She will continue with her speech therapy and OT and hopefully her docs will have some information in the next couple of days. She does have a new mass in her brain stem which could be deadly, so that's not a good thing.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, please keep it up. They sure do need them.

Prayer Request

Some of you may remember that I asked for a prayer request a while back for a friend of mine's daughter. Well, prayers are asked for again for this young woman. She has a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Isabelle and is back in the hospital with a cerebral bleed and has had a stroke. Today they found out that she has had a stroke and also has a whole in her heart. My heart is just breaking for her as a mother, and as a friend. Her mother Chris has been one of my best friends for 18+ years and I have watched Deb grow up. So please, if you can do nothing but say a prayer after you read this or whenever you say your prayers, please include Deborah in them. Her daughter needs her mother and none of us could imagine as a parent losing their child.