The Milestone Weekend

My milestone birthday has come & gone.  I know that "48" technically does not constitute a milestone ... but it does for me.  Click here to see why   
This birthday sort of marked my rite of passage.  It was a day (and week leading up to) for me to reflect ... to celebrate ... and to look forward.  

If I would describe the whole week & birthday, I would have to come back to my one-word ...

aware

You can CLICK HERE to find out the significance of this five-letter word to me.  
It has truly been a God-driven year. He has given blessing after blessing and the year isn't even over yet ... how awesome He truly is!

So, Friday morning, August 24th, began as any other morning.  Grandad & I went for breakfast (no protein bars, but a special McDonald's birthday breakfast of my choice) ... I went to the gym afterwards (I know ... seems counterproductive) ... and when I came home ... 

Lucy turned around from the counter as she was eating her breakfast and declared (to the top of her little lungs)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh how grand that was to hear her! She was giggly, smiley & just so gosh-darned cute! 
(Yes, I'm like every other Granny in the universe ... I have the cutest grandkids ever!)

Blessing after blessing ... Facebook messages, phone calls, text messages, emails ... all a small portion yet an enormous dose of God's bountiful grace.  

My family treated me to a wonderful dinner at P. F. Chang's (and our kids took the bill before Grandad could even get his wallet!) 

Here is just a small glimpse into how blessed I am to have reached my milestone ...

God is the God of memories ... 

God is the God of looking forward ...

God is the God of milestones ...

I am truly blessed indeed.

So whatever "milestone" you, my reader, may be facing ...
let me assure you that God is already there for you with abundant blessings .

A Silent Milestone

Celebrations abound for reaching milestone birthdays ... baby's 1st birthday ... turning "double-digits" ... then reaching 16 to finally get a driver's license ... getting to vote at 18 ... becoming "legal" at 21 (although this made no difference to this Granny) ... becoming a "quarter-century" at 25 ... then the decades --- 30 ... 40 ... 50 (which my dear husband reached this year).  

But there's one milestone that I'm about to reach next week that neither Hallmark nor Gibson 

have the appropriate message for ...

For the past 32 years I have dreamed of this birthday ... even secretly dreaded the day. Now, I want to preface this with the fact that I truly believe that God knows the number of our days here on earth.  Jeremiah 29:11 gives us the promise that God knows His plans for each of us. These plans are not to bring us harm but to bring us to Him. 

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, 

thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)

Next week will mark my 48th birthday.  Not a "decade" milestone nor an elaborate ordeal.  But, for its history:  It was 9 days before I turned 16 years old (32 years ago) that a drunk driver took my aunt's life. When this happened, my 16th birthday held little if no significance for me. At a time when all of my friends had anxiously awaited getting their driver's licenses, I had no desire to get mine. (And didn't get it until I was 17 1/2 years old.) 

However, 48 years to the day before my aunt's funeral, she made her grand entrance into the world ... we said our final earthly good-byes to her on her 48th birthday. The comfort I have is in knowing that I did not say good-bye forever.  We will meet again. Only Omniscient God knew the events that would surround August 18th even before He spoke the universe into existence. That is my comfort.

I counted my childhood as a privileged one.  My Granny, aunts, uncles & cousins all lived around me.  They were the most influential people in my life along with my parents. I always felt as if I had 3 "mother-figures" in my life:  my Mother as my "Mother" ... my aunts have been my "mom"s ... and my Granny was always my "mommy".  What a blessing to have such role models in my family.

So tomorrow ... August 18th ... I will remember my dear aunt. Celebrate her 80th birthday ... and her rebirth in Heaven with her Savior.  And as in the past 32 years, I will quietly cry and miss her deeply. I will remember that day as it was 32 years ago ... the overflowing community in our small home church who had come to pay their respects to her and her family ... the dark, rainy day that symbolized to me only God can bring peace and comfort to those who grieve ... and my Granny upon losing her child.  

As I prepare my heart and soul for my silent milestone next week, I will rejoice and be thankful for my dear aunt, my family and my childhood.  We lived in a very close-knit community ... we rejoiced with those who rejoiced and grieved with those who grieved ... and although I'm away from our community, we still share in rejoicing and grieving.  I have imagined over the past 32 years that my aunt has bowed and worshiped our Savior ... her melodious voice has sang praises to our King ... and she has reunited with loved ones in Glory. 

We each have milestones in our lives that may not always fit into a "category" or fit a "traditional" milestone.  But it's the comfort of knowing that God sees what's ahead of us even though we just see each moment that passes us by.  My upcoming birthday is a silent milestone for me.  I plan to treat it as any other day for me. No fanfare ... no birthday bash ... no fuss.  I will thank God for my family and will thank Him for bringing me through the day I turn 48.  And I will cherish my memories.

Here is a picture of my dear Granny holding my daughter ... my aunt's namesake. I see pieces of my aunt in her great-niece ... I like to believe that she is still holding her "mom" spot even in the hearts of her family that she never got to meet here on earth.

 

 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  
(John 14:1-4)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 

(Revelation 21:4) 

A Voice Within the Silent Ranks

 The Silent Ranks

Author Unknown

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens

But I am in the Army in the ranks rarely seen.

I have no rank upon my shoulders - salutes I do not give

But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get

But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.

I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line

But my job is just as tough, I'm the one that's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man

And the call to serve his country not all can understand.

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married, Soldiering is his life

But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Army Wife.

I follow several military spouses on Facebook & my blog roll.  (As of now, all the spouses are wives) She is a warrior herself who stands beside her husband-in-uniform and serves our country alongside of him.  She keeps the home-front while her soldier is out in the field ... whether deployed overseas or deployed stateside (unaccompanied orders) ... or stationed on a military base anywhere ... no matter the rank, no matter the branch, no matter the assignment.  She & her fellow mil-spouses are "the silent ranks".

Silent

no rank, no orders, no MOS

Silent  

Yet ... numerous times they have to be heard.  They must be the voice of their soldier & their family.  They are on the front-lines.  I've said it before & I will repeat ... I want these ladies to have my back.  When they hear the words "you are so strong"  --- they may look confused, in disbelief, or taken aback.  Most of them do not see themselves as we "outsiders" see them.  Nevertheless (in Granny's opinion), they are strongest people on the face of the earth ... along with their military kids.

I've given you some insight into our family and especially everything that's been happening since last Easter ... Mrs. Joe's miscarriage, Joe's deployment, Tag's birth, the explosion, Walter Reed.  As you can imagine, our daughter has been busy (to put it mildly) over these past 6 months so has only posted a couple of times since Tag's birth.  Well, now that their family is settling back in at home, she is blogging again with updates from these past months.  

Below is the link to her "Part One" post reliving the first days & hours of hearing of her soldier being wounded in action.  Now, there is "Part Two", so be sure to link into her overall blog after you read "Part One".  You will find an amazing story of what she felt and had to deal with just 11 days after giving birth to her baby boy ... the son whose Daddy  was supposed to meet when he came home for leave within a matter of days.  And she had to hold it together for their 3 1/2 year old daughter who was doubly ecstatic over her baby brother & anxious for "my Daddy the soldier" to come home from his work to spend time with her.  So much to process ... so much to absorb ... so much to hold together.  And yes, one of the strongest people I know.  

I know that she would love to have you stop by & read about her family.  Feel free to leave her a message & let her know that her Mommy sent you.  She definitely is one of a kind.  And her Daddy & I are so proud of the woman that God has lead her to be.  

Our daughter ... Mrs. G. I. Joe

ACU's, Stiletto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutus: The slow descent...Part 1: This is my first attempt at "filling in the gaps." Everything that happened after my first post about the explosion is mostly a blur. But ...

30 Years In The Making ...

... and I'm still a work in progress.

This weekend is my 30th high school reunion.  Sometimes it seems like just yesterday I was anxiously awaiting my name to be called to walk the aisle in the hot & humid gymnasium to receive my high school diploma from our principal who was retiring with our out-going class.  

But in some ways it seems like several lifetimes ago.

My family & I live several hours away from my hometown, so attending the reunions over the past 30 years has been pretty much impossible to schedule.  Grandad & I attended two of his class reunions (he graduated 2 years before I did), and we've been to one of mine.  I would loved to have gone to this one, but our schedules just couldn't be worked out. 

I haven't seen some of my high school friends since graduation night over 30 years ago.  And some I had kept in touch with (before computers, Internet, Facebook, etc.) for awhile.  But, I do embrace the technology that has allowed for re-acquainting with some high school friendships.  I've enjoyed reconnecting & actually getting to know some of these friends as adults. 

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures from this weekend's 30th on Facebook pages.  Part of me wishes I could have been there as well ... but Granny's had lots of baking, laughter, squeals, hugs & kisses from her precious grandchildren this weekend.  

So, to all my high school classmates of 30 years ago ...  

I hope everyone has a wonderful time this weekend!  "Thank you" to
everyone who worked to put this reunion together.  I hope to come back
for another reunion soon.  I would love to get back in touch with so many
from our graduating class ... and hopefully we can stay in touch through
this "new technology" we have at our fingertips today. 

Each of you & your families are in my prayers as we all continue in the path that God leads us.
God bless the Class of 1982!

Here's a little collage I made today from my digital scrapbooking software -- 
"Granny" throughout the past 30 years.  
God had His plan for me when I was 17 years old ... 
and He still has His plan for me.  
Just as He has for my high school classmates of 30 years ago. 

Granny's Awareness ... and Prayer for More Heroes

Our household has been settling in to our new routine.  My days have consisted of being Granny to *both* Lucy & Tag, and the evenings find our grandchildren loving the time they spend with their Grandad.  Lucy was awarded a "you've been such a hero to all of us over the past 5 months, so here is YOUR 'Welcome Home' present" -- a trampoline :)  This little girl has so much fun every opportunity she gets to jump and use her energy.  I don't remember there ever being so much laughter, giggles & bouncing in our house. 

 And Tag is settling in to his new surroundings ... getting re-acquainted with his "full-time" sister and grandparents & home.  There's never a dull moment nor a quiet moment in our house.  And  most times it can be just pure chaos ... which Grandad and I simply love.  

It's been a great week for our family, and we do not want to take our family life for granted.  On Friday the 20th, 'Joe celebrated his "5 Month ALIVE Day" ... it's a common thing for our wounded heroes to mark each month they survived since their injuries.  It seems that when a tragedy strikes, we become more aware of the little things we normally have taken for granted in the past.  Here's a short list of Granny's awareness over the past 5 months:

• None of us are promised our next breath.  God knows how long each of us will live on this earth ... and He is the only One who knows when we will draw our last breath.  Although we awaken in the morning hours, we have no guarantee that we will see the end of the day.  I endeavor to make my days count for Him & to be a blessing to those around me. 

• Lucy & I traveled back & forth on a weekly basis to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  We dealt with traffic, construction, weather, congestion, accidents ... and never once were we involved in an accident nor were we pulled over for traffic violations nor did we have any vehicle problems.  God was watching over us as we traveled.

• God protected our health.  Only 1 week out of the 5 months were Lucy & I sick, and we both were sick the same week ... so no traveling.  That was the only time either of us were sick.  I will admit that during that time I was not taking very good care of myself ... but God sustained our health -- each of us.  Grandad was in his busy season at work & wasn't taking care of his health either ... and was never sick (even when Lucy & I were).  God was taking care of our health for us. 

• Everyone is home now.  I follow some amazing heroes & their stories through Facebook & blogs.  Each story is different ... each is inspiring ... each brings my awareness to a new level. I'm including some sites that you can find out more about some awesome military heroes at the bottom of this post.  My family is all home together now ... it's our prayer that these families will be home together soon as well.

My New Year's Eve post can only be described as a "God-thing" in light of the events that have taken place in our family since then.  Click here  to see how God was preparing me for what was in my very near future.  

Only HE could have known ... 

only HE could prepare ... 

only He could make me *aware* ...

With every moment Grandad & I share with the 'Joe family ... 
we are aware of what "could have been" ... 
and we are very thankful for "what is".  
This past week has been so amazing having our kids &grandkids home together.  
smiles 
giggles 
laughter 
squeals 
Each moment creates a new memory that we will hold with us for a lifetime.

Dear Lord, help us to hold on to these fleeting moments & 

not take them for granted.

Now for a very short list of websites if you'd like to be more aware of a few of our military heroes.  Some do not blog, but they have Facebook pages to follow instead.  I can give these out in private emails if you are interested.  

Thank you, my blogging friends,  for your continued prayers for the 'Joe family and our military heroes ... 
you make a difference in each of their lives.


(Click on the bolded names to go directly to their websites)

Staff Sgt Travis Mills is only the 4th quadruple-amputee to survive his severe war injuries.  He is hero to his wife & baby daughter, as well as his dedicated family & friends. 

Navy EOD Tech Taylor Morris is now the 5th quadruple-amputee to survive his severe war injuries.  He is hero to his girlfriend who has never left his side, as well as his dedicated family & friends. 

Staff Sgt Christopher Walker is a triple amputee who is learning quickly how to use his new prosthetics.  He is hero to his young daughter and girlfriend, & his dedicated Mom who has been with him daily, as well as his dedicated family & friends.  

Army soldier Josh Wetzel is a double-amputee who has been on a long road of recovery suffering neck injuries as well as hand injuries.  He is hero to his wife, parents, family & friends.


Please remember to pray for our military who sacrifice daily for our country. 


 

Friday The 13th ... Welcome Home

Friday the 13th always comes with warnings ... 

Beware

Caution

Watch out!

Well, not in our household ... 

Friday the 13th brought a special delivery for Lucy:

Mommy ... and Daddy ... and Tag came home!!!!

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here's several thousand words to describe 

Friday the 13th of July 2012 in our household ... 

A Different Wednesday

This is a different Wednesday for Lucy & her Granny.  Normally we are either on the road ... going to or coming from Walter Reed ...or Granny is catching up on laundry, house cleaning & grocery shopping if Lucy is with her family ... or we are getting Lucy's suitcase ready for her to spend time with her family ... or we're getting mine & Grandad's suitcase ready for a long weekend at the Navy Lodge.  
For the past 4 1/2 months our weeks have centered around going ... coming ... traffic ... packing ... traveling ... traffic ... construction ... North ... South ... traffic ... 
you can kind of get the picture.

But today is a different Wednesday for Lucy & her Granny.

"This day is a stay at home day, Granny!" 

So, 
no going ... no coming ... no traffic ... 
no packing ... no traveling ...  no traffic ... 
no construction ... no North ... no South ... 
no traffic!

Not even to go to McDonald's for a Happy Meal ... 

not even to go to Target or Wal Mart ... 

not even to go to Walter Reed.

Lucy is on a "special countdown" this week:  
Mommy, Daddy and Tag are coming home on Friday!!! 
As in "Daddy is released from Walter Reed outpatient & is now in-processing into his community wounded warrior unit" this week.

The 'Joe family can now live at home ... TOGETHER ... while 'Joe continues his therapy to get back to "pre-explosion" health.  It's still going to be a long road ahead for all of them.  But we hope & pray that this will be the best for their family. 

Of course it's going to bring its own set of issues & challenges for them ... but 'Joe is determined to get back to the field of duty to be with his fellow patriots defending our Constitution & our great country.  We've seen this in so many of our wounded warriors:
they want to rehabilitate --
 get their health back -- 
get back to active duty.  
They are warriors who live, eat & breathe the patriotism of the uniform they wear. 

Throughout our time knowing 'Joe (about 12 years now) and his 6 1/2 years in our family, we've heard numerous times 

"I am my uniform ... I am an American soldier." 

So ...

 God-speed in your full recovery & rehabilitation, American Soldier. 
Our family and our country awaits your return to active duty to defend & protect our country and the Constitution of the United States of America.