Called to Serve

6/15/03 | ohioWfan

[wrbones]

The sacrifices that are made by those who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, and by their familes, are enormous. It is truly something that cannot be fathoned from the 'outside'.

My children chose another path for their lives. I am thankful and yet regretful for that. Something perhaps only another parent might understand. I'd be worried sick all of the time that they served, even having done the same service myself, but I'd be proud of them, too. They are doing well in their chosen pursutis, and I am proud of them for that.

I currently 'mentor' young men and women online who are joining the service. They have become 'my kids'. It was surprising to realize that I worry over them as if they were my own kids. The only relief I get is to remember that I have done the best I can to prepare them for their own sacrifices and to ensure that they are ahead of the game when they go to boot camp. I have some satisfaction that many of their parents have thanked me for the time that I spend to prepare them as best I can.

The only thing you can do is to know that you've done your best and they've chosen their own path, and have the best training the world can provide any military force. The rest is in the Boss's hands. He knows what's best and He'll take care of them and listen to ya when ya ask Him to keep an eye on them for ya.

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for the update on Eric. I have never forgotten how you shared that sign in which you realized that his name was contained in the word: AmERICa!!

Everytime I see it on a bumper sticker or sign I see ERIC and I say a special prayer for him. And I continue to pray for all who are serving to keep us free & safe from terrorism!

[prairiebreeze]

May God Bless Eric and keep him ohioW! Eric, his comrades and their families remain in my prayers. May his service to Country be just one of many wonderful accomplishments in Eric's life. Please thank him for me and my grateful family.

Prairie

[ohioWfan]

He knows what's best and He'll take care of them and listen to ya when ya ask Him to keep an eye on them for ya.

I'm asking that of Him 24/7, bones, and He's hearing my prayers!

Thank you for what you're doing in mentoring kids. What a valuable service you are providing for kids AND their parents!

[ODC-GIRL]

Ohio, thanks for the ping to the update on Eric. I really can't imagine how tough it must be. My hubby might come closer after seeing me off to very short deployments over the years, but certainly nothing like this. We are all so lucky to have good and honorable men willing to step up to the plate and defend us and help free others.

By the way, here is a pic of a medal that Eric will have or get when he gets back.

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

[ohioWfan]

LOL, Julie! That was a shocker when I looked down from my sign-making labors and saw the words, GOD BLESS __ERIC_

Thanks for reminding me of that 'sign' that God was indeed with him!

[ohioWfan]

Thanks for your prayers, prairie! I plan to thank him for all my friends here when I talk to him next...

[ohioWfan]

Oh, COOL!! Thanks for posting that ODC!

He's also earned the Army Achievement medal for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Do you have a picture of that one? :o)

[mtngrl@vrwc]

Great post, OWF! When you talk to Eric next, please give him a big "Thank you" from those of us at home enjoying the freedom made possible by the sacrifice made by Eric and others like him serving in the U.S. military.

[ohioWfan]

Thanks, mountaingirl!

I will thank him when we talk with him, and I will never STOP thanking him when he comes home!

[jmc813]

Your son sounds like a great guy. I especially liked the stories about how he kept a sense of humor through Basic Training. From my experience at Ft. Leonard Wood, a healthy sense of humor is second only to strong religious beliefs when it comes to making it through those two months.

[ohioWfan]

I think you're right, jmc. His faith kept him strong, and his sense of humor kept him sane!

I have the feeling the same is true right now, as he endures 125 degree temps and constant danger. He'll have stories to tell for sure about how he coped with the situation God had placed him in.

[LBGA]

What a wonderful tribute to your son, and all who serve. I know I have told you to thank him for serving before, but please thank him again for me, and know that I am sending hugs and prayers your way.

You might get a kick out of a request my son made to me while he was in Afghanistan earlier this year. I have an AOL account so my children will have email addresses. My son, who is now truly a man after serving in a war zone as well, called and asked me to take off the parental controls of his AOL account. He didn't receive a letter telling him something he ordered on the net for his girlfriend at Christmas was not available. I had allowed only certain email addresses to reach him. I guess he is not my baby anymore. ;-)

[ohioWfan]

LOL! I guess those parental controls have got to go, LBGA!

(But I'll bet he's still YOUR little boy, too, isn't he?)

[Diver Dave]

This is a GREAT post you've presented, oWf. Sure makes me comfortable knowing that young men like Eric have answered the call. Thank you and Salute to Eric.

[ohioWfan]

Thanks, Dave!

There are lots more like him out there. They just don't usually make the news! :o)

[bluesagewoman]

Peace is flowing like a river
Flowing out through you and me;
Flowing out into the desert,
Setting all the captives free.

These are words to a hymn. Next set...

Joy is flowing like a river...

Faith is flowing like a river...

Hope is flowing like a river...

Love is flowing like a river...

[ohioWfan]

Yes......there are three Christian songs that I know of with the words "Peace like a river" in them, and Eric knows them all......we sing a lot! :o).

One is an old gospel song, "I've got peace like a river in my soul" and the other is one of our favorite hymns, "It is well with my soul"

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrow like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Be proud mom. Be proud of this man, your son.

Be proud of him as we are all proud of him.

Of him and the rest of the American men and women we have seen rising to the call of duty since that September morning less than two years past.

Your boy, now a man, stands shoulder to shoulder with them who rushed into hell for the love of their fellow men.

Firemen, EMT's, policemen, citizens above a Pennsylvania field, your Eric.

These American men and women who I believe will share with another bunch of heroic Americans the title of The Greatest Generation.

[IronJack]

Eric is ... experiencing hardship and loss, and he will come home a veteran. ...

he is now a man

Courtesy of the world's finest finishing school.

I offer my prayers daily that all our sons and daughters and brothers and husbands and fathers and aunts and uncles come home whole.