Called to Serve

6/15/03 | ohioWfan

[ohioWfan]

Thank you, Kathy.....I will!

[GOP-Pat]

What a wonderful tribute to Eric. He sounds like such a nice young man. For some reason; from what you've written about him, I bet you he wouldn't be that embarrassed because--- since he's such an outstanding young man, I think he would be proud that you love, respect and admire him so much. Having such an outstanding young man, speaks loud and clear about the type of parents who groomed him to be the person he is. His "Peace like a river" remark, reminds me of my favorite song and expression "Joy Comes in the Morning". Actually the song I like is "Joy in the Morning" but I like to always think and say "Joy Comes in the Morning".

OWF, I can feel the pride you have in him, as I read your words. Tell Eric we are all so very proud of and ever so thankful for, his service. Also, ask him to tell his friends we are proud of them and are praying for each of them to come home safely. Hang in there and just remember we care so much for you and Eric.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Ohio, thank you SO VERY MUCH for sharing your precious Eric with all of us.

I can just about picture him standing there, singing at that horrible time of the morning!! LOLOL!!!!!

God bless you for raising such wonderful children.

[Cinnamon Girl]

G-d bless Eric and keep him safe. Thank G-d for all those who serve in the military, and protect our liberty.

[radu]

I well remember "meeting" Eric last year at the Canteen. There's no way to forget such a fine young man. :-)

I've been following the situation in Iraq like a hawk and praying for the safety of our fighting men and women over there. I'll most definitely add Eric, by name, to those prayers for his safe return home. And I'll add your name to my prayers for some peace of mind during this time. I know this can't be easy.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!!!

[rintense]

OWF, what a beautiful post! Eric has truly answered a calling- with such courage at such a young age. It's almost as if Eric has become a little brother or another son to many of us. You have much to be proud of, OWF. He is a remarkable young man.

[ohioWfan]

Thank you so much, Pat!

One of the things we have felt for our kids from the time they were born, besides the obvious love you have for your babies, is respect. We have always treated them with respect, even when we had to correct them, and expected them (more like demanded some times!) that they respect us too......or at least treat us that way even if they didn't feel like it at the time.

I think what has happened partly because of that, is that they have grown into young adults that we not only respect and love, but also admire. The same is true of our other kids.

(If you have a whole lot of time, I'll tell you about THEM too! LOL!)

[ohioWfan]

Well now, BG, did you come because of the panache ping, or one of the other ones? :o)

Thank you for your kind words, dear friend! God has richly blessed us!

[ohioWfan]

No, it is not easy, but we have faith in the Lord, and have the assurance that Eric is part of the finest military in the world!

Thanks for your prayers, radu!

[ohioWfan]

I'm not sure Eric wants so many big sisters and aunts! LOL!

But one thing's for sure. He appreciates so very much the prayers for him from my freeper friends!

Thanks, RWP!

[WellsFargo94]

Please add me to your PING list!

I am proud of your son. What a terrific example and strong, positive, influence he is for the other young people that he is serving with.

This is so well written, have you submitted it to your newspaper? This story should be broadcast all over. Thanks for sharing and we'll keep your son in our prayers.

[ReaganRevolution]

This was great Ohio, God Bless your son! Keep us posted.

[mamaduck]

Dear ohio, God Bless you and your son!

[ohioWfan]

Thank you so much! I have considered modifying several things I've written about Eric and submitting them for publication (someone suggested Reader's Digest).

I'll give it some more thought, and perhaps contact someone there.....

[ohioWfan]

Thanks for reading this, friends!

And thanks especially for your thoughts and prayers about Eric!

[ohioWfan]

Re PINGing a few friends in case you missed the first one! :o)

[Lauratealeaf]

Thanks so much for pinging me! I have been in and out this past month. (mainly out) This is a wonderful tribute to a son everyone could be so proud of. You must be extremely proud of Eric and I will continue to lift him up in prayer!

[mafree]

I'm glad I found the link to this thread on the Dose- thanks for the update and the pics.

I like seeing and hearing about all the FReeper kids and grandkids, but Eric has a special place in my heart, especially because he has chosen to defend our country at so young an age. You really bring your fine young man to life for those of us who have yet to meet him. May God protect him and all our troops and keep their loved ones at peace.

[ohioWfan]

My pleasure, Laura! I thought you might be interested.......and thanks so much for your prayers!