It has been so long since I posted... - Original Post 10 March 2007

I am so embarrassed. I hadn't realized how long it had been since I had written. So much has happened in the last month, I don't even know where to start!
I am still working on my bomb reflective canopy project...not making much headway, but I still would like to pursue this...Derek, thankfully is fine. The internet went out in the fob-that is why he "disappeared" during my last post...
Good news is....they moved to a different fob. They are still MP's in Baghdad, but they have concrete roofs over their heads, so it is harder for the bombs to get to them while they sleep. I actually got to talk to my soldier this week. He sounded so much better!..almost happy! I said are you doing ok? He said yes, MOM, I am much better. I can sleep at night. He said I have been really angry, but I am better now. I said I am so glad that you are better...I almost cried...the thing is...my soldier can't stand to see his momma cry...so this momma has to be really brave...then cry afterwords...I am sure many can relate to this. Derek went on to say that he might speak with a Combat Stress Counselor. He said he would if he can find the time. I said you need to make the time...(with my momma tone)...he said I know mom...I will if I can...but I WILL NOT ask someone else take my place on a mission...and risk that they are injured or killed instead of me! Now, doesn't that make you want to just cry your eyes out! I can't tell you how proud, scared, joyous and in awe I am at most times when talking with my son. I have watched this little bundle of joy grow into this wonderful, caring human being...when it came time for God to give out blessings..he gave me two...my son and my daughter. They are both just wonderful, caring human beings....I am so proud of them it hurts! Ah....
We have been busy here on the homefront. I am beginning to get more involved with volunteering to support our soldiers. I have designed a "magnet" for the Patriot Guard, (it will soon be listed on our website, www.dyesubprints.com . We have also assisted the local Soldiers Angels group with a float in a local parade. This group of men and women are just so awesome! Patty Patton, Great Niece to General Patton developed this program to support our troops. The website is www.soldiersangels.org Here, families can "submit a soldier". When a soldier is submitted, they are added to a list of thousands of other soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Along with this, a soldier can be "adopted". Individuals, groups, companies, corporations can "adopt" a soldier or a unit, etc. It is very simple, but means so much to our troops. Our son received at Christmas, I think he said, 38 care packages from "angels" all across the country. In addition to this, he received hundreds of Christmas cards...some came in huge envelopes-like from a church congregation or a school...he also received correspondence from a family in Australia and a family in Canada. He was just in awe. He said he had so much, he could never begin to get through it all, so he "shared" it with his Platoon. He "made" a table out of some scrap plywood and cardboard boxes, and filled the table with his gifts. I think they are still enjoying some of those gifts. But, it made him feel so special that folks he didn't know would do this for him...he just couldn't believe it...
Today, in the parade, we used his truck to pull the Soldiers Angels float. This group was just in awe of him..and the fact that it was such a nice truck! It just brought the true meaning of what they do and why they do it home...and none of the "angels" I met today, had a service member in their family...it was mostly just everyday folks...trying to do their part...and their part is so appreciated...so, my husband and I were so in awe of them, and they were so in awe of Derek and Derek's parents. It was like everyone knew about Derek-then they "met Derek's parents". we said we should call it "Meet the Parents".!
Our other volunteer adventure is that we (meaning me) will be the Kansas City Regional Coordinator for Operation Homefront. I contacted this organization after seeing the PSA's on television during the holidays featuring Sen. John McCain. (Sen. McCain is my sons' hero)..this organization is there to lend a hand to the families back home, to help ease the burden. With everything that goes on, most of us are ready to support the troops, but we forget about the families...this is for the families. They help with car repair, applaince repair, child care if the caregiver becomes ill, groceries if need be, rent, etc...the help is done on a if requested, as needed basis. It mostly is for the younger servicemembers families...they don't have much money to spready around...so, I am just beginning to try and get my head around that one...I was almost afraid to tell my husband what I was up to next...LOL!
With all this, we are also opening up a second web store, for gift baskets. You can find it at www.lovebaskets4u.com Here we will be offering numerous gift baskets but plan to cater to "soldier care" baskets and "back at home care" baskets. We will also be target marketing the real estate market with our "Welcome to Your New home Baskets". Feel free to take a look, it isn't quite done, but please check back often...we plan to have this fully operational by the end of March.
With that I will close. I pray that all our troops will be home soon, safe and free from harm.
Head down, eyes open, I love you.