Comments (0) Exactly eight years ago, I returned home safely from my first deployment. Today the boys and I remembered those that never returned. We visit the same memorial every year with flowers for the fallen. It’s not much, but I’m hoping it’s enough to ensure the boys never forget.
If you’re interested in the history of Memorial Day, please see this post.
- I like you too much to have your conversation constantly interrupted by, “Moooooommmmm!”
- I’m changing a poopy diaper
- I hear it ringing but have no idea where the boys stashed it
- I’m in the bathroom (or debating whether you will hear the toilet flush)
- In a public place chasing down the kiddos
- Too tired to talk
- I forgot to take it off of silent/vibrate
- I’m playing monsters or spies or pirates
- I’m in the shower (some days this is at 2 p.m., just being honest)
- I’m driving (we made a rule to not answer phones in the car after watching this video)
- I’m talking to Haus (he trumps all other callers)
- Dealing with spilled milk, laundry, dishes… take your pick as they happen daily
- I’m in line
- I’d rather text… hate to admit that if you really want to get a hold of me, text me.
P.S. Thanks to my BFF, Ames, for inspiring this post with #12 from her list
I can’t believe it’s been over a year and a half since I first posted about Zeke’s birth marks. Seems like yesterday, we were taking his first year pictures and now he’s walking, talking, and almost three!
I’ve been so encouraged by the comments I received after I first posted and wanted to give those of you that asked for an update some new pictures. Here’s a picture from my first post of Zeke’s angel kiss or, as one reader pointed out, what looks like an angel on his forehead:
Here’s a pic of him a year and a half later:
This one’s from a few weeks ago:
And here’s another taken a few weeks ago:
Depending upon his temperature, the lighting at the time of the picture, and his attitude, the marks range from a darker pink to almost completely transparent. I’ll be honest that it is rare anymore for me to remember that he even has birth marks!
It’s hard to explain, but his patches are as much a part of him as his sweet little pink lips or the blond of his hair. Just as a big smile on his face tells me he’s happy, that “V” on his forehead tells me he’s hot as it shows up after he’s been running around or he’s sad/angry as it’s vivid with tears. I don’t notice it anymore than his smiles or tears or hair color, it’s just… him.
Can I vent for a bit?
Sunday night was the first time in a long time that I watched the news. My first reaction? Relief. I’ve been acquainted with Osama bin Laden’s attacks more than once in my life. He claimed responsibility for the Kenyan Embassy bombing only a few weeks before I traveled to Kenya for a mission trip. I commissioned into the Army a few months before 9/11 and served two deployments in its wake. During my second deployment, I found myself immersed in propaganda and intelligence reports detailing his absolute hatred of Americans and our leadership. The images associated with his ideals will never leave me and remind me of exactly why he was wanted by our government.
So why am I disappointed? I’m a bit frustrated by Sunday night’s giant frat party outside of the White House grounds. Most of the revelers were probably only 9 or 10 years old when 9/11 occurred and I wouldn’t doubt if many of them were the same anti-war demonstrators I saw a few months ago during the D.C. rallies. I wasn’t proud of that, for sure.
I’m more disappointed in the condemning remarks I’ve seen across Facebook the last few days. I don’t really approve of the celebration over some one’s death, but at the same time is it my place to judge the victims of 9/11 that gathered to praise justice for their family members taken from them? Is this the time, hours after the news, to boast a Martin Luther King Jr. quote or condescending biblical verses to those that may be feeling some joy after almost ten years of suffering their loved one’s loss?
I’m not joyful over the death of Osama bin Laden, but I am relieved and proud of the efficiency of our military. I believe, however, that those that may never have had a chance to say goodbye on September 11th, 2001 or families that lost loved ones to the war on terror have earned the right to be joyful or relieved or any number of emotions. I can’t imagine the extent of their suffering the last ten years due in some part to the maniacal schemes of Osama bin Laden. I may not agree with joy over a person’s death, but I refuse to be judgmental. I can only pray now for blessings upon those that have suffered losses due to terrorism and protection for their families.
Thanks, friends. Couldn’t sleep and had to get that off of my chest.
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