Through a Forum I am a member of with the Marines, I found out about Motomail/Photomail where I sent a letter with a picture attached, through the Internet to Dwayne. They don’t have internet connections where he is.
What happens then is that it is received on a fax machine and is delivered to his unit and him in 24 hours.
That is a real plus. I was so excited to send my first one.
Wouldn’t you know it? A letter came this afternoon from Dwayne to his Bride, Bobbie.
Answered prayers!
I have always loved my postman (actually a lady, Sandra), but now she is so important to us. We watch for a letter from that beloved son of mine.
Now, he is not one to write. I think at boot camp they MADE him write letters. He was in boot camp for the Navy in Great Lakes, Illinois and then went out to California for boot camp with the Marines.
At this time of year I always get a huge wicker basket of candy ready. First it is for any “Trick or Treaters” (I don’t celebrate that day, but I do love the kids, so there) and after that I keep adding to the basket to carry out to the postman, the man in Brown (UPS), my FedEx guy, and the people that pick up my garbage. Through all kinds of weather, these people bring me packages for my business, from my friends and family, and now, from my son.
So if you haven’t done this before, try it. You won’t believe the smile on their faces at this unexpected kindness when you offer them treats (especially the men).
At Christmas I give the my Teacup Candles I make up or some of my votive candles. Just a little something.
I hope someone is being kind to my son in Iraq, but I know good people are everywhere AND in the most unexpected places.
God Bless,
Cresa
I am more aware, as time goes on, of the kindness of people. Most people are ready to help, if you just ask.
I have never been one to ask, mostly wanting to help others, but at this time of my life I am learning to be humble.
For example, I am caring for my son’s dogs while he is gone and they are the best escape artist the world has ever seen. Sassy, a black female mix breed that Dwayne and Bobbie adopted from the Humane Society got out of the back yard this morning. Now my back yard is a wood fence, but one side of the fence had come loose from the supporting post. Today she pushes against it and away she goes.
After chasing her around the neighborhood for about 45 minutes, I get her back in.
My neighbor was outside while ago and I asked him if he knew of anyone who could look at my fence to repair that one spot.
Well, he said, “I’ll fix it for you.” It was like he had just awarded me a million dollars! You know what I mean? Ever had a moment like that?
He went and got his hammer and immediately got to work. The dogs are safe again thanks to that one act of kindness.
My lesson is: Ask for help. No one knows you need it, until you ask.
God Bless,
Cresa
Dwayne called yesterday in a really clear call. It was like he was just down the street. Thank God for phones!!!
He said things are really quite there. Thank you, Jesus!! All are well and they are receiving their packages.
Thanks again to Diane and Chris for sending packages to him and his unit! You Red Hat Society gals are really coming up with some creative ideas. Thanks for the Christmas tree, Chris!!
It looks like he is able to call more than once a week. They buy their minutes on the land line over there.
God Bless,
Red Hat Military Mom
Here is an article about “Red Fridays”
If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below…
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’d been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I’m escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I’m taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.’
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here’s a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the ’silent majority.’ We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking n umbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday — and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV — let’s make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once ’silent’
majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says wh en asked ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is. ’We need your support and your prayers.’ Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
I am a member of some Military Mom Forums and read this would happen. Dwayne called last night and about 2 minutes into the call, it was dropped. He wasn’t able to call back.
But, Bobbie got to hear his voice. So, all’s good!
Dwayne called last night. They get one phone call a week on a land line. Phone cards don’t work there. He is fine and is going out on patrol daily.
Katie and I have put up 7 yellow ribbons on the trees in my front yard and 7 yellow ribbons on the fence. Bobbie, his wife, will remove one on the fence every month that passes until it is time for Dwayne to come home.
The ribbons that are tied around the trees will be taken down from one tree every month and added to a tree that serves as the symbol of the months Dwayne is serving in Iraq.
When Dwayne comes home there will be a tree with seven yellow ribbon on it. Cool, huh.
Bobbie is a real champ and just tries to keep as busy as possible. She is dealing with Dwayne being gone, working 7 days a week, and taking care of all that is involved in buying and building the new house.
Dwayne is truly blessed with her.
God Bless you all!
