Called to Serve

6/15/03 | ohioWfan

[The Mayor]

Was that from his farewell to the troops?

I do beleive you are right..

Those are actually two pics, I just love to put them together like that.

"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." --Patrick Henry

[WomanofStandard]

Thank you for sharing...I am blessed!

[Cordova Belle]

I've read your account, and the first 50 responses. I'll make my way through the others soon.

Ohio, you have so much to be proud of. Your Eric is an incredible young man. The character, the strength, the ATTITUDE he carries, is a reflection of your and Mr. O's careful nurturing. You have raised him in the "fear and admonition of the Lord," and now you see him bearing fruit in his life.

There's so much I could say. My children are 24, 21, and 19, and each one--by God's grace, not my goodness--is serving the Lord today. My heart overflows with gratitude to the Lord for that---that's why I can empathize with what YOU are feeling.

For Eric, and for his parents, I pray God's continued, richest blessings and his protection and anointing for each day he continues in service to our country.

My heart is just too full to write any more right now....

[azGOPgal]

While I was reading through your recollections of Eric, I had the sense that it would be somewhat therapeutic for you. I imagine that you must feel helpless a great deal of the time, but by writing this essay and putting it out there for many others to read, you've just locked in a bunch of new prayer warriors for Eric, your family, and his unit.

I'm sure Eric would be red with embarasment if you showed this to him, but I bet he would be more than greatful. He's got great parents who love him and care for him.

[ohioWfan]

Thank you, Mo!

[Cordova Belle]

if you showed this to him

You will, of course, save this thread and print it out for him to read--either when he comes home, or earlier?

I want him to know the prayers (and people) that stand behind him.

[ohioWfan]

Well, perhaps you're right! But we still feel honored!

[ohioWfan]

Well, they fit together beautifully! Thanks again!

[ohioWfan]

You are most welcome!

[ohioWfan]

By God's grace indeed, Belle. There is no greater joy than having your children walk in truth.

They're given free will and make their own choices........so when they choose to serve the Lord, it's overwhelming for us as parents!

[ohioWfan]

I mentioned that to someone else earlier on the thread. Eric would be VERY embarrassed if he knew I did this! :o)

I may show him when he's 40! :o)

[WVNan]

How on earth did I manage to miss this thread? Let me add that I am privileged to have met Eric and everything his Mom says is true. He is the sweetest young man I know. He went with ohioWfan and I to Charleston to see the President and he seemed to be having a ball the whole time. He did shake the President's hand and then he looked somewhat stunned and said, "I just shook the hand of my Commander-in-Chief!" When we got ready to drive back to my home, Eric was kind enough to drive for this old lady with bad eyes. We stopped at Applebie's for a late dinner and he talked about his plans and I was impressed at his self-confidence and level-headedness, not to mention his charm.

Eric is in my daily prayers and I too wish for the day when he will be at home. He's a keeper. Lord bless and keep him.

[ohioWfan]

Go back on your comment list, Nan! I pinged you at least 3 times so you wouldn't miss this!

But I'm SO glad you came, and retold that marvelous experience we had together! (And verified that I didn't make all the stuff about how neat he is up!)

That whole experience is almost surreal to me now......especially since Eric is so far away..........

I will NEVER be able to thank you for giving me that call, and asking me to come to hear our fantastic President! NEVER!

[Cordova Belle]

I know, I know---I have kids his age, too. Mine would kill me. (But in his heart-of-hearts, I believe he would feel so warmed and loved!)

[Cordova Belle]

#250 Amen. It's also a very humbling experience. I don't deserve the three I have. But thanking God every day, adn I know you and Mr. O are! (By the way, you will show Mr. O this thread---right?)

[ohioWfan]

Yes......actually, he's writing Eric a letter, and when he's done, he's coming in to take a look.

I had him proof it before I posted it, though, but it always looks way neater when it's on the screen! :o)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I would be too, Ohio!

What a great job you have done with your children..

We need more parents like you and Mr.Ohio!

Take Care

Ms.B

[WVNan]

I'm sorry ohio, I'm so lax about checking my comments list. I almost never do it. I comment so infrequently that I don't expect to find anything there. Just a habit I guess. Anyway, I'm glad I saw it. I was reading the Dose and saw it mentioned. That's what I do. I read the news, the Dose and if I have a few minutes to chat I go to the Finest.

I'm so glad that you and Eric came to W.Va. too. I wouldn't have missed meeting him for the world. You, I wouldn't miss, but meeting Eric was a pure joy. Hehe. No really, it was a joyful evening and I feel blessed to have met both of you.

[Kathy in Alaska]

God bless and keep safe Eric and his family. Thank you, oWf, for sharing Eric with all of us. Please thank him for his service to our country.

[ohioWfan]

Oh, now I am cut to the quick Nan! You know how easily offended I am! :o)

We both felt blessed to meet you too! If I could put time in a bottle......