Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER
Self | June 12, 2002 | ohioWfan

Posted on 06/12/2002 7:32:27 AM PDT by ohioWfan

A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER

I want you to meet my son, Eric. He was born in 1984, the third of our four children, and on Sunday he graduated from High School in the class of 2002 as part of the so-called ‘Millennium Generation.’ President Bush has told members of the class of 2002 that they are graduating into a very different world than previous classes have done. He is right.

Eric has always been called what child experts label a ‘compliant’ child. As a small boy, he was so sensitive to wrongdoing, that he would cry when we raised our voices at him. He never needed punishment. Eric is still acutely aware of his own sinful nature, even though outwardly he never does anything very wrong. At the same time, he is very sensitive to the pain of others, and has cried because friends of his were in rebellion against God, and hurting themselves and others as a result.

Eric loves to make people happy. From the time he was a baby, we called him our ‘laughing boy’ because he smiled or laughed all the time. He still does. He loves to make others laugh too, and is gifted at imitating voices…….he can do a perfect Yoda or any number of other Star Wars characters, and can recite the entire script of Monty Python and the Holy Grail in flawless dialect, or quote lines from Braveheart and any number of other movies with perfection. He is a charming young man, who makes people happy just to be around him.

At the same time, Eric has always been a warrior. At 18 months he was seen wielding a piece of orange and yellow Hotwheels track, keeping his older brother and sister hostage in the bathroom, and delighting at their yells for help. He once chased the neighborhood kids around with a saw because he felt he had been fouled one too many times in a pick-up basketball game. He was 6 years old. He has been an avid Civil War collector since he was 8 or 9, but the only things he ever really wanted were the guns and the swords. He ran an entire Cross Country race on a stress fracture in his foot because he refused to quit ‘pressing on toward the goal.’

He is quiet, yet bold; so bold in his faith that he told his classmates Sunday in his Valedictory speech that the only way they could have a truly successful future was through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest desire in life is to serve that Savior and live a Christ-like life, and to serve others. He is handsome, mature, stable, interested in history and politics, fiercely competitive, wanting to be the best he can be at everything he pursues, a talented athlete and musician, and well liked by his peers…… and pretty much everyone who has ever met him. He is our son, and we are proud of him.

But today, our pride is mingled with tears, because last night he left for Army Basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. In the Spring of 2001 when he was a junior, an Army Recruiter came to his school looking for potential recruits. Eric took note, but wasn’t really interested. Then in August, he got a call from the Recruiter, and felt as though he should pursue it. He and his Dad met with the Recruiter, we all prayed about it, and knew that God was leading him to join the Army Reserves.

It was a great deal. The men at the recruiting station did not try to hide their pleasure at the new Commander in Chief. The Army would help pay for college, train him in a different field while he attended college, so he would end up doubly ready for a career. He only had to put in a weekend a month, and two weeks in the summer, and would be paid for it to boot, and the only way his unit would ever be mobilized beyond the United States, would be ‘World War III’.......A great deal.

Then came September 11, and the world as we knew it came crashing down. I waited for a day after the attack, so he could start to absorb what it meant for him, and asked Eric how he was doing about the Army thing. He said ‘OK.’ And then said he now knew he had signed up for the right reasons…….not just for the college money, but because he wanted to serve his country, and now he knew they needed him.

Today he is beginning preparation for whatever his country, and his Commander in Chief, want him to do, along with thousands of others of young men and women who have made the same choice. A number of his friends have joined different branches of the service. Some young men and women have postponed college plans to serve actively, while others, like Eric, will be able to go later next year, and serve in a reserve capacity.

Last summer, Eric worked at a blueberry farm, cleaning barns and warehouses, played tennis and goofed around with his friends. This summer will be very different. Even though boot camp is not what it used to be, it is still tough, and Eric will need to pull up all the toughness he has inside to make it through. We are sure that he can do it, and he just might even like it, because he likes to be pushed and tested, and he does have that warrior inside of him. But there is also in him that little boy who cried when he was yelled at, and wants to make everyone happy. That part of himself will have to be buried deep inside for the next 9 weeks.

The reason I decided to write this, is that many of us never put a face on ‘our troops’……..even when we pray for them...... and perhaps my telling you about Eric can help you see one of those faces. Eric is not overseas……yet........ though he is seriously considering a military career, and may well end up there. He is not in combat, but many young men like him are……many young men and women are serving this great country all over the world and are in harm’s way, and in need of our support and prayers. Each one of them has a story that his or her mother or father could tell about what wonderful people they are, as I have done about Eric.

And many young men and women who last summer as teenagers, worked at blueberry farms or grocery stores, factories or fast food restaurants, are now beginning training to serve their country in this very dangerous new world…… as adults, preparing to fight the first war of the new millennium, in a very different kind of summer.

Please pray for them……..and those who love them.


TOPICS: Military/Veterans; Miscellaneous; Society
KEYWORDS: military; personal; prayer; prayforbushlist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 121-140141-160161-180 ... 221-230 next last
To: txrangerette
You say ahmbre and I say ohmbre.....

I'm just an Ohio gringo who took 3 years of Spanish in High School. At any rate, Eric and the President are both tough hombres with soft, caring souls who love their Lord, and their country.

141 posted on 06/12/2002 1:51:47 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 139 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
My heart goes out to you. It was a beautiful piece you wrote and Eric will be included in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your son with us.
142 posted on 06/12/2002 2:48:46 PM PDT by olliemb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: olliemb
Thank you so much, ollie. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated!
143 posted on 06/12/2002 3:17:57 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 142 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Thanks so much for including me in your pings to this touching story. I know you're prejudiced; however, the facts speak to what this young person has accomplished so far in his life, and to his inner strength and beliefs. It does indeed put a face on "our troops". I'm so glad you posted the picture. What a fresh-faced, handsome youngster! I can only imagine the void you have in your life today. Prayers for you and yours.
144 posted on 06/12/2002 3:26:02 PM PDT by okimhere
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: okimhere
Thank you!

There is indeed a void in my heart and in my life today. I am trying to focus on the three children who are here, but my heart is with the one who is not.

145 posted on 06/12/2002 3:31:24 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 144 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Thank you for your story and tribute.May I wish you the comfort and support for your son, and others in his company, and those homes across America where there is a void and anxiety.
146 posted on 06/12/2002 3:41:25 PM PDT by habs4ever
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 145 | View Replies]

To: habs4ever
You ain't so bad for a Canuk....
147 posted on 06/12/2002 3:43:03 PM PDT by Neets
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 146 | View Replies]

To: habs4ever
Oh thank you, habs4ever! Your support means a lot to me.
148 posted on 06/12/2002 3:45:47 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 146 | View Replies]

To: OneidaM
How did you get out of ISB's pocket??
149 posted on 06/12/2002 3:52:20 PM PDT by habs4ever
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 147 | View Replies]

To: habs4ever
I borrowed a pogo stick from Johnny and jumped out.
150 posted on 06/12/2002 3:54:51 PM PDT by Neets
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 149 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your sons inner light and your agony of separation. As he has been for the last few weeks, Eric will continue in my prayers - as will you and your family.

Thank God for Eric, and other young men like him, who believe in God, duty, family, country.

151 posted on 06/12/2002 4:11:33 PM PDT by jtill
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Thank you for sharing your story and Eric's ...... and for your witness and his. That even in the midst of your own pain you can think of all the others in the military who are someone's son or daughter, brother or sister, father or mother speaks volumes about your own compassion and love.

When you can communicate with Eric, let him know how proud we are of him, how much we appreciate what he is doing, and how much we are praying for him.

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.


152 posted on 06/12/2002 4:46:28 PM PDT by kayak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jtill
Thank you for your continued prayers, jtill. They are working!
153 posted on 06/12/2002 4:54:12 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 151 | View Replies]

To: kayak
What a wonderful thing to say, kayak! Thank you!

Your prayer and support, and your friendship are very dear to me.

God is faithful, and He will sustain us and give us peace, and fill the void left by Eric's absence...........soon, I hope....I'm feeling a little empty right now. :o\

154 posted on 06/12/2002 4:58:53 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 152 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
He is quiet, yet bold; so bold in his faith that he told his classmates Sunday in his Valedictory speech that the only way they could have a truly successful future was through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is an awesome testimony...so loving and open. The war became more personal for me for having met your courageous son through your heartfelt words. Eric will be added to our prayers...along with his Mom. May we share your story with others, ohioWfan?

155 posted on 06/12/2002 5:47:36 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ragtime Cowgirl
Thank you so much for your prayers! You may certainly use his story, with my blessings!
Thank you!
156 posted on 06/12/2002 5:53:38 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 155 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Well, he is quite a handsome fellow. I can see why you are so proud of him. Glad you hear you are doing OK. He'll be just fine Mom :-)
157 posted on 06/12/2002 6:07:33 PM PDT by jokemoke
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Well, he is quite a handsome fellow. I can see why you are so proud of him. OOPS!!! Glad to hear you are doing OK. He'll be just fine Mom :-)
158 posted on 06/12/2002 6:09:15 PM PDT by jokemoke
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jokemoke
I'm doing fine...MOST of the time! I know he'll be fine, too.
He made this decision carefully, and he's excited about it.....and I totally agree.....
....... He's a handsome fellow! :o)
159 posted on 06/12/2002 6:13:08 PM PDT by ohioWfan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 158 | View Replies]

To: ohioWfan
Well, ohio, we knew this day was coming, and now it is really here, and Eric has left you temporarily to join the ranks of our military. Protecting the American citizens from enemies both domestic and abroad is the most noble assignment Eric could have chosen, and it is a testimony to his fine upbringing, his firm convictions and sense of what really matters in life, and his deep faith.

My hat's off to you and Mr. ohio, and my heart is also breaking with yours. If I could help to bear some of your pain and anxiety for you, I would. I promise you that Eric will be in my prayers every day, as will you, your family, and your father. I know that he'll be fine, ohio, and not only will he make you prouder than you already are of him, our great country will be a better place because of him. Thank you, Eric and ohio.

160 posted on 06/12/2002 6:41:22 PM PDT by marylina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 159 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 121-140141-160161-180 ... 221-230 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson