A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER

Self | June 12, 2002 | ohioWfan

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Essay of the summer nominee....please ping.

FYI, Freeper faithful.

[ohioWfan]

Oh thank you, dear friend! Your post brought tears to my eyes!

[hoosiermama]

Thanks for the link. It's a time when words can't express the feelings from your post. Pride, joy, tears, fear............. Will ad Eric's name next to Brad's name a newly wed in our church who is currently serving our country.............. Soldiers do have mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters............and just friends who care! Please keep us posted. Remember God will be with you and yours no matter what His will is for Eric's life!...... May you always feel his presence and peace!

[ohioWfan]

Thank you! The prayers of friends and family are holding us up right now!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Awwww Sweetie, what a time you've had, eh? I'm so happy you shared your boy with all of us! He is one handsome man! YOWSERS! There's really no more to add than what's been said by all of these wonderful Freepers. You know we'll pray for him. Please keep everyone updated as to his new life.

Someone said something about a care package. Ha! Can you IMAGINE the SIZE of that thing if the Guild, Dose, ATRW, and all of Freeperdome who felt led to do so???? Methinks he'd rise in ranks rather rapidly.

Somewhere in your freepmail is a note from me a couple days ago. The offer still stands. I'm very very proud of you & Mr. owf!!! AND ERIC! Tell him thank you.

[ohioWfan]

Gee thanks, BG!! Thanks for all your kind words! Thanks for your craziness that makes me happy, even when I'm sad. And thanks especially for your prayers.

Off to check my freepmail for one from you to see what that offer was.......it's been a bit hectic in the ohiowfan household these days!

[Brad’s Gramma]

A dating service this thread has turned into, eh? For SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you have another one in his late 20's, early 30's? Is he available????

[RJayneJ]

Thanks for the nomination! };^D)

[mafree]

Thanks for the ping- this is a beautiful thread. Very touching.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"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."

Oh my!

What a wonderful post, what a wonderful son.

What fear may be bubbling beneath the surface must be kept in check by the pride that you and your husband must feel when you look at the man your little boy has become.

It makes one stop and think about how meaningless all the posturing and chest-beating of the thousands of ideologues and "I'm more of a conservative than you" keyboard pounders that cheapen the risk one son takes, and the anguish mixed with pride that parents feel in the dead of the night, when those thoughts kept in check during the day surface to haunt your nights.

Know that I feel pride in him because of my pride in knowing you. Know that I will maintain him in my prayers, as will so many more in here. Know that with him goes a little piece of each and every one of us. Know that political ideology takes a backseat to what your son is...an American and a patriot.

Most of all, know without a doubt, that your son serves his country under a good man, a man who I believe will never put him in harm's way for any reason other than the good (and in the service) of God, flag, and country.

Like you put a face on our troops, I want to send you and your son a couple of faces myself. I have never done this, never thought I would, but this is important. These are a couple of the faces that he's defending, the faces that, as you said so well, are worth more than gold to me.

These are my little boys, and I hope that they grow into the man that your little boy has become.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Luis

[mafree]

This is such a moving essay about one fine young man. If you want to cry, go ahead- that's what mothers do when they miss their little boys, no matter how big they get. You're more entitled to tears than anyone else is. (I'm not a mother but I can begin to understand because I have four nephews ages 20-31 who are my precious "little boys.")

I will send good thoughts Eric's way and trust that God will protect him as he so bravely serves our country.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Jayne...Eagles Up!!!!!!

[CARepubGal]

Congrats Mom & Dad! What a wonderful young soldier! Prayers for his safety. And Thanks for raising a responsible youngster!

[baseballmom]

Dear Ohio,

What a beautiful tribute to your Eric, and to all the fine men and women who serve our country. We truly are a blessed nation. We should never forget that. Eric is walking with the Lord. He'll be protected. And we'll keep praying for him, and for you. I think this is the very hardest part of parenting - letting them go.

Thanks for sharing with your Freeper family. The affection and support one can find on this site is very comforting, isn't it?

[anniegetyourgun]

If it hadn't been for RC, I would have never found this incredible jewel on FR. Thanks for writing it and letting us into your life.

What a wonderful son and yet, what a frightening time for a mom. My son has just turned 17 and will have to register with selective service in a year. Things could be even more different next summer than this. Who knows what lies ahead.

BTW, I notice those who would question your commitment to freedom are no where to be found. The evidence of your legacy has shut their mouths.

[ohioWfan]

Oh, Luis!! I have always respected and admired you from your posts, but your words to me are the most wonderful thing I have ever read, and I am overwhelmed!

Thank you for posting that beautiful picture of your adorable little boys! Treasure every moment of your time with them, because all too soon they will be grown and gone!

Thank you for the perspective you bring in pointing out the folly of the conservative 'wars' on FR. Thank you for your love of country, and your support of the man who is, IMO, the finest President in my lifetime.

Thank you!!

[ohioWfan]

Thank you, mafree. Tears fill my eyes as I type this.

In some ways what Eric is doing is so ordinary, but in others it is extraordinary. I am thankful every moment of every day for God's gift to me in my family, my friends, my church, my President, and my country.

[ohioWfan]

Thank you, Caligirl!

[GretchenEE]

bump

[ohioWfan]

BTW, I notice those who would question your commitment to freedom are no where to be found

That very fact has not escaped me, annie. Where are those who would call me a Nazi, communist, or freedom hater? Where are those who question my patriotism now?

Shall I post a picture of my dear beautiful son every time I am accused? Will they back off then?
I wonder.