A day in the life

The average age of the military man is 19 years.
He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy.
Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155 mm howitzer.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.
He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.
He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.
He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.
He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food.
He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.
He can save a life - or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death in his short life than anyone should have to in a lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering 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 and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.
He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.
And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.
As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. . . A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Baby Blues

The last few days have been rough. We now know that the baby will more than likely be a premature baby and that is scarey. My gut tells me everything is going to be ok, my head tells me to take it one day at a time, and my heart is breaking for my son and his wife. It is so hard to be a mom. I had to turn it over to GOD, I can't do it alone.

I am not gonna get to see my grand babies from California - they are not going to make it out next month. I was looking forward to having all of my kids and grandkids in one spot. Chad is going over seas and Stephen is having a baby. Man, where did the time go? My kids are all grown up....I guess that is why I have the baby blues....

My, how the time flies.

Today, my baby is 22. He is an expectant father, in the military, a grown man. It does not seem like so long ago I was wiping his tears away. He has grown into a wonderful man...caring, loving, and responsible. He has his moments, he is far from perfect, but he is a good kid in the end. I patiently wait for the birth of his son...to hold and love like I did his daddy. It is going to be forever before November gets here, but I can wait. With the grace of GOD, everything will work out beautifully and life will continue to get better. Not until you no longer have a littel one in the house do you miss it at time. I have matured and have come to the conclusion I need to have the babies from time to time to remind me that life is short and has to be lived like it is your last day. I try to do that.....don't you?

Life is fair

OMG, I have been so busy and unable to post the last couple of days. Have you ever wondered why life threats some of us wonderfully and then well, the rest of us not so great. I think I figured it out. I think in a past life, I was rich beyond belief...more money than I could ever spend and I was stingy...I refused to help others. I was mean and hateful to everyone around me. THAT IS KARMA. Now, I am sweet as homemade pie, will give my last dollar to help a friend and what do I get in return, NOTHING.

That is GODS way of keeping the table balanced....I believe that.

Well, now that I have ranted about how unfair life is, less than a month and all my kids and grandkids will be here to drive me crazy.....I can't wait. I am so excited.

Beautiful Day

I know, that is a U2 song....but today is going to be beautiful. I am looking forward to getting up and dressed. I had a bad Tuesday.....it was hot and muggy. I am doing some volunteer work for the Health and Human Services Department so I will be busy most of the day. Filing, answering phones, organizing....it is very hard work, but I enjoy the people. Anyway, this is my way of giving back to my community. I am hoping to reep what I sow with a job. It can't hurt...As you can see, nothing really insightful to say this morning...life is just beautiful....

Job Search

I am so tired of being tired of looking for work. The job market is not good at all. The news keeps saying it is getting better, and it is for the individual able to work 3 jobs at 7.25 an hour. I am trying to get an education, take care of my bills, find a job, go to church, and live life to the fullest. Not an easy chore.

I am always on the lookout for ways to save money. I need to find some type of income. It will come I am sure, I just have to wait until my time is right. I live by the rule that good things come to those who wait. I will wait.....something good will happen, GOD will make sure of that.

Good Day

Today is going to be a good day. The heat has subsided and rain is on the way. Living in North Texas does not offer lots of rain in the summer months, but it is coming. Monday's are sometimes full of unexpected pitfalls. It takes about an hour or so to get into the groove of the upcoming week. Saturday and Sunday are days of relaxation, family time, and church. Yesterday was a good sermon...made me stop and think about what our future holds. Thank GOD I have my faith. The world can be scary.

Nothing is free

While nothing in this world is free, there are some things that will cost you alot less. The smell of fresh baked cookies, the taste of homemade apple pie, the sight of children playing filled with laughter, the sound of a new baby's coo, and the feel of God's hands holding you close.