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Leaving something or someone you love is hard to do. For 17 years we have been a Marine Corps family. My husband has been flying F-18s most of that time. It has been a great time for us. We traveled all over the U.S. and he traveled all over the globe. We have met so many great folks and stayed friends with many of them. We have parted company and reconnected many times. It just seems that we can pick up right where we left off with friends we made along the way. But now it is time to say good-bye. VMFA-142, the squadron my husband went to Iraq with, is closing its doors. Thanks for a great time, USMC. We will all miss it!
I am proud to be married to be a U.S. Marine, but never prouder than on Memorial Day. He has taught my children and me to deeply appreciate the sacrifice of those who have given everything for the freedom of others. How can we say thank you enough?
This past week we have helped a family in crisis. Although an extremely sad and difficult situation, it was wonderful to watch the Body of Christ work so beautifully to serve this precious family. Those gifted in resources gave abuntantly. Those gifted in hospitality hosted and brought food. Those gifted in mercy showed it to the fullest. Those who pray with out ceasing, prayed. The men protected and provided. The women loved and cared for up to 23 children at a time. Everyone gave time, energy, money and gifts and it was the best investment any of us could have made. It was an amazing thing to watch and be a part of. Now I know what Jesus meant when He said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." I will never be the same.
My husband and I couldn't be more different. He is like a cave dweller - I love to be outside. He is a saver - I am a spender. He is naturally neat and organized - I am naturally NOT! He feels loved when I do stuff for him - I like to receive gifts. He made fabulous grades in college - I...well, no comment. We always joke about making a commercial for "E-Harmony" as an example of what happens when two people who are completely incompatible get married. What happens? A wonderful and visible sign of God's grace! God has taken two completely opposite, sinful people and made us learn to love unselfishly. I know when my husband stops and buys me something on the way home (usually a coke!) it is really love, because giving gifts doesn't come easy to him and he doesn't like to spend money. When I go out of my way to make sure the house is picked up, his clothes are cleaned and I have planned dinner it is truly an act of love because it is not easy for me. What can I say? I love my husband! He is the best man I know. He is smart, brave, generous and fun. He is a man of integrity. He is my hero!
Maybe it was because I was the youngest of a big family, maybe I was naive or maybe it was true, but I always felt like my parents' friends were my friends, too. They always talked to me like I was a real person. I don't ever remember being asked to leave the room so they could have "grown up" conversations. I looked forward to being with "family friends" just as much, if not more, than friends my own age. I lost a friend today...her name says it all- O'Joy. She was one of my mother's dearest friends
and mine too. I will miss her easy smile, contagious laugh and the greatest southern accent I have ever heard. I love you, O'Joy!
Yesterday my children were having a post-breakfast discussion about who was the worst baby. My daughter (now 13) quickly admitted that she cried a lot and was probably the worst. I informed her that it was probably my fault since I was such a "stressed out" mother of one. Then the discussion turned to my middle boy's babyhood, which was wrought with wild antics. (Mostly because by the time he was 1.5, I had another baby!!!) The discussion went on with blessing #4 claiming that all the things his big brother had done were mistakes, to which my 13 year old quickly pointed out that opening a bottle of nail polish then painting your fingers, toes and the chair were not "mistakes". "Well, Katie" piped up #4, " Yee (Lee) had a yittle brain den!"
At "The Farm" fall 2007
