There are a few things that "civilian families" don't understand about the lifestyle. I thought it would be nice to have a blog about some information that might be helpful for the families.I will add more on eventually, but so far here are just a few things.
1. Soldiers are not made of money.
Though soldiers have a steady paycheck and wonderful benefits, they get paid less than your average teacher. For a two person family, a soldiers paycheck is enough to pay bills, groceries and have a little spending money. Most families I have met at both duty stations are extremely cautious with their spendings. Do not ask us to go home all the time. Chances are, you probably make more than the soldier. He doesn't complain about it because he's doing what he loves BECAUSE of you and FOR you.
2. Don't expect us to go everywhere on Leave.
It is super nice to be able to go home and see friends and family whenever we have a chance too. It is not however, nice when we go home and we have to go see everyone. We spent enough money making the trip home, it'd be nice to have you pick us up or meet us somewhere.
3. You are not forgotten.
The military lifestyle can be hectic. It is solely (from my experience) the wife's job to keep in contact with everybody back home. It can sometimes be a pain remembering to call everybody all the time. I didn't forget about you. I'm not trying to be one of those "convenience" friends...That's what makes facebook and other social networks so awesome. Just remember, a phone works both ways.
4. Remember OPSEC.
This is probably the most important thing you need to know in order for you soldier, sailor, airmen, etc to be safe. Do NOT post any dates/locations of any movement. See "OPSEC Policy" tab on the top of my page.
(...to be continued)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Remembering 9/11..
Each generation has one major event that they can pin point exactly where they were and what they were doing when that event happend. The traumatic event that happend in my generation was 9/11. The only thing my generation and the generations after me know, is war.
September 11, 2001 started off like any other day. I was in seventh grade. Ms. Jankowski's english class. The final bell had just rung so we were all getting settled into our seats and talking amongst ourselves. The teacher goes to her podium to get her attendance sheet when the phone rings. We all watch because we're thinking "Oooh who got in trouble now!?" She takes her glasses off her face and puts her hand over her mouth. Just like something devastating just happend and she can't believe what she's hearing. She hangs up immediately and turns on the television to the news. There were two really tall buildings in New York City. One of them looks like a bomb had went off. Then they replayed a video. It was an airplane. Everyone in that class was in shock. We didn't speak, just sat there in awe. A few of us started to cry. I didn't because I still didn't fully understand what was happening or why it happend. I didn't even know what those buildings were. Throughout the day, other students were got picked up from their parents because there were "terrorists" all over the country crashing planes. After the first plane hit, another hit the second tower. After that one, a plane crashed in Pennsylvania. And after Pennsylvania, a plane or something hit the Pentagon. Were they really going to come to Michigan and try to kill us too? Who was doing this and why?? I got home from school that day and my mom is sitting on the couch with her phone in her hand and her face is all puffy likes she's been crying. I ask her, "Mom did you see what happen?" She just nods her head. My brother who was eight or nine at the time ran up to me and says "Amanda guess what!? Jon went to NYC to help!" Jon is my stepdad. But he raised me as his own, and he is my dad. I start remembering the images I saw earlier that day with all the dust, the smoke, the missing persons signs. "Yeah, right" was my first response. Then my mom chimes in.."No really, he's on his way right now". I just remember standing in the door way of the kitchen and living room crying my eyes out. People were dying in the rubble. So much was going on. The days after the 9/11 events were even more horrible. The death toll was over 3,000 and hundreds of people were missing. I remember the President going on TV and saying that we were going to war. That whole month of September was just sad. It affected everybody regardless if they knew someone in the attacks or not. We are a nation, and together we can do anything. Remember those who were lost. Take pride in your country. Live and Love each day like it were your last. And you can NEVER say I love you too much.
For those that still fight, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifices, you are NOT forgotten.
September 11, 2001 started off like any other day. I was in seventh grade. Ms. Jankowski's english class. The final bell had just rung so we were all getting settled into our seats and talking amongst ourselves. The teacher goes to her podium to get her attendance sheet when the phone rings. We all watch because we're thinking "Oooh who got in trouble now!?" She takes her glasses off her face and puts her hand over her mouth. Just like something devastating just happend and she can't believe what she's hearing. She hangs up immediately and turns on the television to the news. There were two really tall buildings in New York City. One of them looks like a bomb had went off. Then they replayed a video. It was an airplane. Everyone in that class was in shock. We didn't speak, just sat there in awe. A few of us started to cry. I didn't because I still didn't fully understand what was happening or why it happend. I didn't even know what those buildings were. Throughout the day, other students were got picked up from their parents because there were "terrorists" all over the country crashing planes. After the first plane hit, another hit the second tower. After that one, a plane crashed in Pennsylvania. And after Pennsylvania, a plane or something hit the Pentagon. Were they really going to come to Michigan and try to kill us too? Who was doing this and why?? I got home from school that day and my mom is sitting on the couch with her phone in her hand and her face is all puffy likes she's been crying. I ask her, "Mom did you see what happen?" She just nods her head. My brother who was eight or nine at the time ran up to me and says "Amanda guess what!? Jon went to NYC to help!" Jon is my stepdad. But he raised me as his own, and he is my dad. I start remembering the images I saw earlier that day with all the dust, the smoke, the missing persons signs. "Yeah, right" was my first response. Then my mom chimes in.."No really, he's on his way right now". I just remember standing in the door way of the kitchen and living room crying my eyes out. People were dying in the rubble. So much was going on. The days after the 9/11 events were even more horrible. The death toll was over 3,000 and hundreds of people were missing. I remember the President going on TV and saying that we were going to war. That whole month of September was just sad. It affected everybody regardless if they knew someone in the attacks or not. We are a nation, and together we can do anything. Remember those who were lost. Take pride in your country. Live and Love each day like it were your last. And you can NEVER say I love you too much.
For those that still fight, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifices, you are NOT forgotten.
Monday, August 22, 2011
ALOHA!....ugh.
Eight plus long, exhausting hours later, we made it to Hawaii. It is absolutely gorgeous here! My husband and I are currently living in a hotel and have been for the past 2 1/2 weeks. Holy cabin fever batman. I never thought I would miss cooking so much. And I miss my couch. The first week here was probably the most fun but also the most difficult. Jeff and I were at each others throats almost everyday. I don't even remember why. I guess I can try the best of my ability to remember the first couple days...
Day before departure:
We drove out to Raliegh, NC. Car packed up to the window, dog on my lap. We stayed at a really nice hotel that was dog friendly right outside of the airport. Since I took care of most of Bella's stuff, the only thing I was worried about was if they were going to keep her on the same flight because it's been so hott. I decided to call the cargo people at American Airlines to find out information on Bella's flight so we could have a back up plan. They told us that if the temperatures in NC, TX, or HI are 85 or above she can not fly. I got off the phone, checked weather in all places. We were fine except when we would land in TX, it was 90 something degrees. So I called back, talked to this really awesome woman. At first she didn't know how to help. So since I was already worked up, I started balling my eyes out. To my advantage, it worked. The lady could schedule Bella on a flight that left a half hour after us and went to Chicago instead of TX. Score.
D-DAY:
We woke up at about 4am. Got our things together and was out the door at 5. We had to take Bella straight to some cargo place. We filled out some paper work, paid her ticket, and then had to take her into this back room. Which actually ended up being a very VERY large backroom. It was picture a Home Depot minus everything in there. We had to put Bella in the kennel and then weigh her. The guy told us we could leave her there and they'd make sure she got on the plane. Jeff says "See ya Bella" and walks off. I sit there, start crying, Bella starts crying and I say, "It's ok baby girl, mama loves you. I'm so sorry you're scared. I'll see you in a little bit. Stay strong." Don't laugh, I freaking love my dog. It was depressing and I was an emotional wreck. We left cargo and Bella...and went to our terminal and got ready for the most excruciatingly longest flight of my life.
Arrival:
We arrived in Hawaii too many hours later. It was really neat flying over the mountains and the ocean. I was waiting for them to play the Jurassic Park theme song, but they never did. So Jeff and I sat in the middle of this aircraft and hummed it. Once we landed we got all of our baggage together and he had to go check in with his "Army Folk". After all that the hotel we were supposed to stay at apparently didn't have a room, even though I called months in advance to book it. So they gave us some other hotel in Honolulu. And by the way people. Honolulu is actually pretty ghetto. For my folks back home, picture Detroit with palm trees. Anyways, we unload all of our stuff, and head over to where we were supposed to pick up Bella. We pick her up, and holy crap...This place was like the pound. I am SO glad we did not quarantine her. Her kennel was filthy and she reeked of pee. Nothing is more embarrassing than having your new friends that you hardly know pick you up from the airport with your dog that smells like pee in a brand new scion. So we get to her house all the way on base because thats where Bella was going to stay. Then we get a call saying that the hotel on base DOES have a room for us. So Jeff had to drive all the way back to Honolulu reload our stuff, cancel that room and drive back. We didnt get to bed that night until after 11. It felt like I pulled an all nighter at this point. And then the next morning since I'm not used to the time difference, I woke up at 6am. I continued to do so for the whole week.
Day 1 up to now:
Things are going a lot more smooth now. I met a lot of awesome people. Jeff and I have a house. We move in at the end of September. Its very cute. Two story, two bedroom, one and a half bath, and a fenced back yard. We like going to the beach. I'm a little sketchy about going in the water, but I still love it. The scenery is amazing. The air smells clean and fresh. People here are happy. I can definatly call this place home for the next three years of my life.
Day before departure:
We drove out to Raliegh, NC. Car packed up to the window, dog on my lap. We stayed at a really nice hotel that was dog friendly right outside of the airport. Since I took care of most of Bella's stuff, the only thing I was worried about was if they were going to keep her on the same flight because it's been so hott. I decided to call the cargo people at American Airlines to find out information on Bella's flight so we could have a back up plan. They told us that if the temperatures in NC, TX, or HI are 85 or above she can not fly. I got off the phone, checked weather in all places. We were fine except when we would land in TX, it was 90 something degrees. So I called back, talked to this really awesome woman. At first she didn't know how to help. So since I was already worked up, I started balling my eyes out. To my advantage, it worked. The lady could schedule Bella on a flight that left a half hour after us and went to Chicago instead of TX. Score.
D-DAY:
We woke up at about 4am. Got our things together and was out the door at 5. We had to take Bella straight to some cargo place. We filled out some paper work, paid her ticket, and then had to take her into this back room. Which actually ended up being a very VERY large backroom. It was picture a Home Depot minus everything in there. We had to put Bella in the kennel and then weigh her. The guy told us we could leave her there and they'd make sure she got on the plane. Jeff says "See ya Bella" and walks off. I sit there, start crying, Bella starts crying and I say, "It's ok baby girl, mama loves you. I'm so sorry you're scared. I'll see you in a little bit. Stay strong." Don't laugh, I freaking love my dog. It was depressing and I was an emotional wreck. We left cargo and Bella...and went to our terminal and got ready for the most excruciatingly longest flight of my life.
Arrival:
We arrived in Hawaii too many hours later. It was really neat flying over the mountains and the ocean. I was waiting for them to play the Jurassic Park theme song, but they never did. So Jeff and I sat in the middle of this aircraft and hummed it. Once we landed we got all of our baggage together and he had to go check in with his "Army Folk". After all that the hotel we were supposed to stay at apparently didn't have a room, even though I called months in advance to book it. So they gave us some other hotel in Honolulu. And by the way people. Honolulu is actually pretty ghetto. For my folks back home, picture Detroit with palm trees. Anyways, we unload all of our stuff, and head over to where we were supposed to pick up Bella. We pick her up, and holy crap...This place was like the pound. I am SO glad we did not quarantine her. Her kennel was filthy and she reeked of pee. Nothing is more embarrassing than having your new friends that you hardly know pick you up from the airport with your dog that smells like pee in a brand new scion. So we get to her house all the way on base because thats where Bella was going to stay. Then we get a call saying that the hotel on base DOES have a room for us. So Jeff had to drive all the way back to Honolulu reload our stuff, cancel that room and drive back. We didnt get to bed that night until after 11. It felt like I pulled an all nighter at this point. And then the next morning since I'm not used to the time difference, I woke up at 6am. I continued to do so for the whole week.
Day 1 up to now:
Things are going a lot more smooth now. I met a lot of awesome people. Jeff and I have a house. We move in at the end of September. Its very cute. Two story, two bedroom, one and a half bath, and a fenced back yard. We like going to the beach. I'm a little sketchy about going in the water, but I still love it. The scenery is amazing. The air smells clean and fresh. People here are happy. I can definatly call this place home for the next three years of my life.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Are we there yet? Ultimate blog for your PCS move.
If you're a first time reader or if you don't know me at all, my husband and I are PCSing to Hawaii. For all you non military folk out there, PCS is a permanent change of station. Basically when you hear a soldier say "Oh, I'm stationed here." The process of getting to that station is a PCS. There are hundreds upon hundreds of duty stations for US soldiers all over the world. My husband and I were lucky enough to get Hawaii. You call it lucky, I'll call it headache. Dont get me wrong, I am excited, but the process of actually getting there is a lot more stressful than I had imagined. As I'm sitting here yet AGAIN, in an empty (for the most post) home, I'm going to take you through all the steps we've gone through to make this move possible.
Step 1: Get Orders.
My Husband found out we got Hawaii in January of this year. We were ECSTATIC. We started googling Hawaii, buying movies made in Hawaii, looking at fun things to do, etc. Daydreaming basically. The only thing I knew right away about things to get done was that if you have a pet, it has to be quarantined for 120 days. Thats like four months! Anyway, at this time we didn't have "orders" we just knew thats where we were going, we had no idea when. So we wanted to take care of Bella first.
Step 2: Take care of your pet.
Hawaii is a rabies free state/region whatever, so your animal has to be up to date on their vaccines. They also have a quarantine law. Your animal must be quarantined for 120 days. I called the vet right away. We scheduled an appointment for Bella to be seen. She needed her rabies shot, a micro-chip, and an overall exam. We had to wait I want to say 90 days (I may be wrong) to take her back. When we took her back again, they took some of her blood (FAVN test) and sent it to a lab in Kansas. The day the lab got her blood her quarantine started. Animals can do a quarantine here on the "main land" they just shouldn't really be around other animals. If you arrive in Hawaii before the quarantine is up, your pet has to stay at the Quarantine station (a kennel) for the remainder time. Also, before you leave you must get a copy of your dogs health certificate from a vet and a hundred copies of her rabies vaccine just to be sure.
Step 3: Levy briefing and other crap the soldier has to do.
I'm honestly not sure what a levy briefing is because I didn't go. Its mainly for the soldier but the spouse may go if they wish. Its basically a meeting where they talk to you and other soldiers that are PCSing overseas. They talk about what you have to do before the move, how you schedule the movers, etc.
Step 4: Your medical shiz.
Make sure that you have an up to date "annual exam" and you get a check up. I don't like going on post to the doctor because it makes me feel weird so I went to planned parenthood and got raped by a woman. Not really, but it sure didn't tickle. After you get that, make sure you schedule an appointment for EFMP. (Exceptional Family Member Program). EFMP is usually just for people who have medical conditions that need treatment so I really don't know why I had to do it. Also, the spouse gets put on the husbands orders. If you are NOT on his orders, you have to fly separately and you have to pay for your own plane ticket.
*******NOTICE!! If you live off post, be sure to give copies of orders to your landlord and give them 30 days notice!!*******
Step 5: Scheduling the movers.
I honestly don't know how we did this either because Jeff took care of it. We didnt get our movers until today. (Two days before we leave).
Step 6: Shipping your vehicle.
We had to drive all the way to Charleston, SC to drop off our car. From Fayetteville, that is like three hours. Talk about long drive. Make sure you know people that can go with you so you don't have to rent a car like us and pay $500 for three days. For this you need 4 copies of orders and some other junk. Side note: after you get orders, make sure you print off literally about 30 copies, just to be safe.
Step 7: Let it go.
About a week before the movers come, start going through your stuff. Start throwing away stuff you don't need. Remember that you can always buy more. Yesterday we were going through stuff and Jeff wanted to keep a box of q-tips. Don't be afraid to just let it go.
Thats all the steps I can think of at the moment, I'm sure I am forgetting something. It doesn't seem like a lot but it's a lot more stressful than what I wrote. When clearing post and trying to schedule things, you have to work around the army. We did everything last minute and I was ready to go on a rampage. Jeff and I were/are at each others throats. We just have to keep thinking that in two days we will be in paradise for three years. I'm really excited and things seem to be finally falling into place. The only thing I'm nervous about right now is getting the dog on the plane. I'm praying and praying that everything works out. So cross your fingers for me.
Words of wisdom:
When you feel like taking your wrath out on your husband, take it out on idiot drivers on your way back from shipping your vehicle.
Step 1: Get Orders.
My Husband found out we got Hawaii in January of this year. We were ECSTATIC. We started googling Hawaii, buying movies made in Hawaii, looking at fun things to do, etc. Daydreaming basically. The only thing I knew right away about things to get done was that if you have a pet, it has to be quarantined for 120 days. Thats like four months! Anyway, at this time we didn't have "orders" we just knew thats where we were going, we had no idea when. So we wanted to take care of Bella first.
Step 2: Take care of your pet.
Hawaii is a rabies free state/region whatever, so your animal has to be up to date on their vaccines. They also have a quarantine law. Your animal must be quarantined for 120 days. I called the vet right away. We scheduled an appointment for Bella to be seen. She needed her rabies shot, a micro-chip, and an overall exam. We had to wait I want to say 90 days (I may be wrong) to take her back. When we took her back again, they took some of her blood (FAVN test) and sent it to a lab in Kansas. The day the lab got her blood her quarantine started. Animals can do a quarantine here on the "main land" they just shouldn't really be around other animals. If you arrive in Hawaii before the quarantine is up, your pet has to stay at the Quarantine station (a kennel) for the remainder time. Also, before you leave you must get a copy of your dogs health certificate from a vet and a hundred copies of her rabies vaccine just to be sure.
Step 3: Levy briefing and other crap the soldier has to do.
I'm honestly not sure what a levy briefing is because I didn't go. Its mainly for the soldier but the spouse may go if they wish. Its basically a meeting where they talk to you and other soldiers that are PCSing overseas. They talk about what you have to do before the move, how you schedule the movers, etc.
Step 4: Your medical shiz.
Make sure that you have an up to date "annual exam" and you get a check up. I don't like going on post to the doctor because it makes me feel weird so I went to planned parenthood and got raped by a woman. Not really, but it sure didn't tickle. After you get that, make sure you schedule an appointment for EFMP. (Exceptional Family Member Program). EFMP is usually just for people who have medical conditions that need treatment so I really don't know why I had to do it. Also, the spouse gets put on the husbands orders. If you are NOT on his orders, you have to fly separately and you have to pay for your own plane ticket.
*******NOTICE!! If you live off post, be sure to give copies of orders to your landlord and give them 30 days notice!!*******
Step 5: Scheduling the movers.
I honestly don't know how we did this either because Jeff took care of it. We didnt get our movers until today. (Two days before we leave).
Step 6: Shipping your vehicle.
We had to drive all the way to Charleston, SC to drop off our car. From Fayetteville, that is like three hours. Talk about long drive. Make sure you know people that can go with you so you don't have to rent a car like us and pay $500 for three days. For this you need 4 copies of orders and some other junk. Side note: after you get orders, make sure you print off literally about 30 copies, just to be safe.
Step 7: Let it go.
About a week before the movers come, start going through your stuff. Start throwing away stuff you don't need. Remember that you can always buy more. Yesterday we were going through stuff and Jeff wanted to keep a box of q-tips. Don't be afraid to just let it go.
Thats all the steps I can think of at the moment, I'm sure I am forgetting something. It doesn't seem like a lot but it's a lot more stressful than what I wrote. When clearing post and trying to schedule things, you have to work around the army. We did everything last minute and I was ready to go on a rampage. Jeff and I were/are at each others throats. We just have to keep thinking that in two days we will be in paradise for three years. I'm really excited and things seem to be finally falling into place. The only thing I'm nervous about right now is getting the dog on the plane. I'm praying and praying that everything works out. So cross your fingers for me.
Words of wisdom:
When you feel like taking your wrath out on your husband, take it out on idiot drivers on your way back from shipping your vehicle.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Prepare Yourself.
A lot of pride and love comes along with being a military wife. There is no way you can prepare yourself for the hardships you will face. Since the Army's motto is "Hurry up and wait", the only thing you can really do is just take things how they are and take them a day at a time. I am prepared for next deployment because I have been through one. I KNOW that my husband may have to stay at work a few days or weeks at a time while he should be home. I KNOW the army comes first. I had expectations that some things would happen. Having somebody tell me to my face that my husband and our fellow soldiers are just overseas killing women and children...I did not expect. Maybe if we were still in the middle of Vietnam I could expect that, but not in today's day.
The media doesn't show everything. The media only shows the attacks, the deaths, and the bad things happening. In war people die. Civilian and military. I don't know what Afghanistan or Iraq is first hand, but I live with a man who experienced it. The year he was in Afghanistan, he did not fire his weapon once. (I'm not by any means saying that there is no killing going on because there is.) What most of America DOESN'T know, is that Afghanis and Americans are working TOGETHER to help build a better nation. They DO want us there. Below are some pictures my husband took during his tour. You can be the judge of the pictures if you think that those people hate us. Just the other day an insurgent (sp?) killed a young child because they told the father that if he didn't supply them with a vehicle and weapons, they'd kill his son. We are doing what we can to STOP those evil people and to help those children live better lives so they can grow to be successful and NOT terrorists.
One thing I will always live by now, is if you don't like this great nation we live in, please feel free to live. We are not a communist nation and nobody is making you stay here. Ask yourself what you are contributing to the country. If you can't think of one thing, I feel bad for you.
Talk to a soldier, be in his/her shoes. Thank them. You have the right to your opinion about this war because of them.
The media doesn't show everything. The media only shows the attacks, the deaths, and the bad things happening. In war people die. Civilian and military. I don't know what Afghanistan or Iraq is first hand, but I live with a man who experienced it. The year he was in Afghanistan, he did not fire his weapon once. (I'm not by any means saying that there is no killing going on because there is.) What most of America DOESN'T know, is that Afghanis and Americans are working TOGETHER to help build a better nation. They DO want us there. Below are some pictures my husband took during his tour. You can be the judge of the pictures if you think that those people hate us. Just the other day an insurgent (sp?) killed a young child because they told the father that if he didn't supply them with a vehicle and weapons, they'd kill his son. We are doing what we can to STOP those evil people and to help those children live better lives so they can grow to be successful and NOT terrorists.
One thing I will always live by now, is if you don't like this great nation we live in, please feel free to live. We are not a communist nation and nobody is making you stay here. Ask yourself what you are contributing to the country. If you can't think of one thing, I feel bad for you.
Talk to a soldier, be in his/her shoes. Thank them. You have the right to your opinion about this war because of them.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Weekend 2011.
Hardiness , valor,strength, and bravery, peace and honesty, Vigilance, Perserverance, Justice, truth, and loyalty. What do those those words represent? If you're completely puzzled or you think you have an idea, they represent the colors of the American Flag. Good Ole Red, White, and Blue.
Growing up, I've always been patriotic. Being an Army Wife I feel even more empowered to express the way I feel about our country. Yesterday, Jeff and I went downtown to the Special Operations museum where they had 700 flags put out to represent some people in the service. The ground leading up to the museum had engravings of servicemen who had died protecting our flag, our country, us. One of these engravings in particular hit something deep down that filled me with emotion. I just wanted to break down and cry. I don't remember what his name was...but he had died in a Black Hawk crash in 1993 in Somalia. When we came home later that day we popped in the movie "Black Hawk Down." Seeing an actual memorial for this brave man and watching the movie to see what he went through was devastating. War in general is always devastating. Being stuck home on the sidelines when something is going on, we try not to think about how horrible our husbands, our brothers, or even our sisters go through or witness. I know it's nothing compared to the "real" thing but it really made me think. It also made me appreciate our troops even more. Back home there would always be parades and festivities going on to celebrate these men and women. Back home there is no active military base or "military towns". People show their appreciation however they can but it's completely different than being in a military town. In the museum a good majority of the volunteers were veterans. The Vet that I had spoken to, I shook the man's hand and told him "Thank you". I try to thank veterans when I can, I do it because I mean it. After yesterday, I think the Veteran had know I meant it because a whole lot of emotions came with it. After you thank a Vet, the expression you see on their face is always timeless. The world stops and you can feel the joy that they feel.
When Jeff was deployed, my mom had put a single candle in the window so that he could find his way home safely. I ask all of you to please do this until tuesday morning so that all of our soldiers still deployed find their ways home safely. I also ask you to do this for all the brave men and women who have fallen. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Please remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and show your patriotism by thanking a veteran.
God Bless the USA.
Growing up, I've always been patriotic. Being an Army Wife I feel even more empowered to express the way I feel about our country. Yesterday, Jeff and I went downtown to the Special Operations museum where they had 700 flags put out to represent some people in the service. The ground leading up to the museum had engravings of servicemen who had died protecting our flag, our country, us. One of these engravings in particular hit something deep down that filled me with emotion. I just wanted to break down and cry. I don't remember what his name was...but he had died in a Black Hawk crash in 1993 in Somalia. When we came home later that day we popped in the movie "Black Hawk Down." Seeing an actual memorial for this brave man and watching the movie to see what he went through was devastating. War in general is always devastating. Being stuck home on the sidelines when something is going on, we try not to think about how horrible our husbands, our brothers, or even our sisters go through or witness. I know it's nothing compared to the "real" thing but it really made me think. It also made me appreciate our troops even more. Back home there would always be parades and festivities going on to celebrate these men and women. Back home there is no active military base or "military towns". People show their appreciation however they can but it's completely different than being in a military town. In the museum a good majority of the volunteers were veterans. The Vet that I had spoken to, I shook the man's hand and told him "Thank you". I try to thank veterans when I can, I do it because I mean it. After yesterday, I think the Veteran had know I meant it because a whole lot of emotions came with it. After you thank a Vet, the expression you see on their face is always timeless. The world stops and you can feel the joy that they feel.
When Jeff was deployed, my mom had put a single candle in the window so that he could find his way home safely. I ask all of you to please do this until tuesday morning so that all of our soldiers still deployed find their ways home safely. I also ask you to do this for all the brave men and women who have fallen. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Please remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and show your patriotism by thanking a veteran.
God Bless the USA.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Make A Wish
For those of you that know me, I've always been really big on helping people. I started doing volunteer work at the age of 13. It was mandatory at my high school in order to graduate. But the more I did the work, the more I appreciated doing it. It makes you feel good and it makes you feel like you accomplished something. People are always talking about change and making a difference. You can make your difference TODAY.
Christmas Eve five and a half years ago, my cousin James was born. He was a great baby, but something wasn't right. After multiple doctors visits, they diagnosed James with Pompe's disease. For those of you that don't know what Pompe's disease is here is a little information:
Glycogen storage disease type II (also called Pompe disease or acid maltase deficiency) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder[1] which damages muscle and nerve cells throughout the body. It is caused by an accumulation of glycogen in the lysosome due to deficiency of the lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme. It is the only glycogen storage disease with a defect in lysosomal metabolism, and the first glycogen storage disease to be identified, in 1932.
The build-up of glycogen causes progressive muscle weakness (myopathy) throughout the body and affects various body tissues, particularly in the heart, skeletal muscles, liver and nervous system. (Wikipedia)
James has been in and out of the hospital every since he was a baby. Doctors told my family that it is very rare for children with Pompe to live past the age of three. James will be six this winter. This child has showed everyone in my family what love really is. I look up to my aunt and uncle so much. It takes two very strong people to raise a child with a disability. The strength these two have is amazing and unbelievable. I hope and I pray to God that I can be as strong as them both. Enough with the mushy stuff. James gets to go to school, he gets to play with his brothers, and he has one heck of a personality. He can't walk, but he makes you appreciate the small things in life. One of his favorite things to do right now is to go for walks. My family takes turns pushing him in his chair around his house. James will put his little hand out and knock all of the magnets off of the fridge. It's cute and you can see how much joy he gets out of that. The smallest things.
This past April, Make a Wish foundation paid for James to go to Disney with his family. He has a blast!! His favorite ride was the Jaws ride. I've always heard really great things about make a wish, but seeing what it can do for a family is totally different. There are hundreds of thousands of children with disabilities and diseases that Make a wish helps every day. I think it's time for us to show our appreciation. This summer, my Uncle Rick is doing the "Make a Wish ride". It's a bicycle marathon that will probably end up with hundreds of people breathless and puking their brains out. Just kidding. Ha. Anyways, below is a link. Please check it out. Any donation helps, whether it's one dollar or twenty. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Donate to Make a Wish!!!
Christmas Eve five and a half years ago, my cousin James was born. He was a great baby, but something wasn't right. After multiple doctors visits, they diagnosed James with Pompe's disease. For those of you that don't know what Pompe's disease is here is a little information:
Glycogen storage disease type II (also called Pompe disease or acid maltase deficiency) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder[1] which damages muscle and nerve cells throughout the body. It is caused by an accumulation of glycogen in the lysosome due to deficiency of the lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme. It is the only glycogen storage disease with a defect in lysosomal metabolism, and the first glycogen storage disease to be identified, in 1932.
The build-up of glycogen causes progressive muscle weakness (myopathy) throughout the body and affects various body tissues, particularly in the heart, skeletal muscles, liver and nervous system. (Wikipedia)
James has been in and out of the hospital every since he was a baby. Doctors told my family that it is very rare for children with Pompe to live past the age of three. James will be six this winter. This child has showed everyone in my family what love really is. I look up to my aunt and uncle so much. It takes two very strong people to raise a child with a disability. The strength these two have is amazing and unbelievable. I hope and I pray to God that I can be as strong as them both. Enough with the mushy stuff. James gets to go to school, he gets to play with his brothers, and he has one heck of a personality. He can't walk, but he makes you appreciate the small things in life. One of his favorite things to do right now is to go for walks. My family takes turns pushing him in his chair around his house. James will put his little hand out and knock all of the magnets off of the fridge. It's cute and you can see how much joy he gets out of that. The smallest things.
This past April, Make a Wish foundation paid for James to go to Disney with his family. He has a blast!! His favorite ride was the Jaws ride. I've always heard really great things about make a wish, but seeing what it can do for a family is totally different. There are hundreds of thousands of children with disabilities and diseases that Make a wish helps every day. I think it's time for us to show our appreciation. This summer, my Uncle Rick is doing the "Make a Wish ride". It's a bicycle marathon that will probably end up with hundreds of people breathless and puking their brains out. Just kidding. Ha. Anyways, below is a link. Please check it out. Any donation helps, whether it's one dollar or twenty. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Donate to Make a Wish!!!
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