Memorial Day 2008

How ironic that today, "Memorial Day" is the day Sean deploys to Iraq! And the roller coaster ride continues. After the let down of all leave and liberty canceled and all Airmen confined to base, the off base liberty order was rescinded. The Airmen were permitted off base if they stayed with 50 miles of Fort Dix/McGuire AFB. Alyssa and I went to the base on Saturday and spent time with Sean, later we were joined by his Dad and his dad's S.O. The one thing that Sean really wanted to do before he left was to see the new Indiana Jones movie. He said that he "wasn't alive" to see any of the others on the big screen and really wanted to see it before he left. Sean, Alyssa, Shane (one of the Airmen that came to NY) and I saw the movie. A good time was had by all. The next day we were joined by Uncle Howie and Aunt Julie. Dad and S.O. came back too and we had a BBQ. Sean invited most of the guys deploying with him including the Team Leader, Staff Sgt. Carlos Durango, who promised me that he would keep Sean and all of his Team safe. He seems like a man that intends to keep his word. It was great to meet these brave young men. The bond they have formed is truly inspiring and I know "they have each others backs" Words cannot begin to express how proud I am of my son and all of these brave lunatics. Please keep them all in your thougts and prayer. I found this prayer on the internet: The Special Forces Prayer Almighty God Who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the oppressed hear our prayer. We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved. May we ever remember that our nation, whose motto is "In God We Trust," expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men. Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, strength from Thine arm, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor's crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever, Amen! - Chaplain John Stevey For all intents and purposes for the last year or so Sean has just had a job in another state. He had a cell phone and we texted and spoke frequently. Now the reality is hitting me. I don't know how or when we will communicate next. His cell doesn't work in Iraq and he doesn't have his laptop yet. And I don't have his APO. Aaaagh. This is definately not fun. The countdown begins: How long before I hear from my son? Peace & Hugs PAFM, Susan