You know Marge,

That day changed my life forever. I remember it like yesterday. I remember the fear I felt and the anger. I remember running out of work, driving the 40 minute drive home to get my kids out of 3 different schools, and getting home and huddling on my bed crying and watching tv. The phone wouldn't stop ringing..

I have several generations, both brothers, uncles,father, grandfather that all fought in wars. TO protect us from this. But not just this, all the freedoms many people take for granted every day.. We became careless. Our troops didn't..

I get sick and tired of people saying we have no right to be in other countries fighting, rebuilding or what ever.

Tell that to the troops that live it. breathe it, smell it and fear it.. They CHOSE to join.. they CHOSE to protect and continue to fight for OUR freedoms..

I have heard some nightmares on troops coming home.. they should be welcomed with OPEN ARMS and thank you's..

Not hate or insults..

I pray all the troops come home soon. I believe enough is enough over there. But my daughter tried 3 times to get sent to Iraq and my youngest now Hopes that is where he goes, so he can allow someone to go home to their family.

These kids don't have the hate for their country or the people in it.That far older people do. They want to protect these people.

I ache everyday for my kids, I fear everyday for Michael and not knowing what is next after boot camp.

I ache for all the military families that are missing, lost, or have children entering the Military.

Its just to bad others chose to hate and breed hate instead of being part of the solution.

Thank you once again Marge.. you just don't stop amazing me..

This is the one song that brings me to tears no matter where I hear it.. When I heard it at Daytona a few years back during the race. What happened was absolutly incredible and heart warming, and gave me hope back then.. PEOPLE need to wake up and REMEMBER......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShR8iZGRIA

This was a day we all need to remember , we do not want it to happen again. Our young people are over in Iraq. Should the US be there. I dont know. But what I do believe in is those young people over there giving their lives. These kids deserve to be treated with respect and love. These kids are willing to put their lives on the line while others sit here and complain. I have so much love and respect for those men and women over there and serving everywhere else in the world for us. They are America. We could all learn from them. And when they come home, we need to thank them. We need to show them that we appreciate what they do for us. God Bless them all!

All I can so is sit here...cry...hug myself and rock. (GAWD, I sound like drug addict coming down)

I've got a snotter of a head cold so you know I'm breathing out my mouth and snotting up and bawling tears all over the place. My youngest son walked in and said "mom, are you ok?! I know you miss Lexi, she'll call again soon." He's only 11.

Marge you are such a wonderful, soul touching woman. I'm soooooooo glad we connected on here. You have the heart of an angel.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS & KEEP THEM SAFE...EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! They are out there doing this for our safety,our freedom, for us.... FOR US!

For ALL those soldiers out there....You do your parents proud! You bring tears to my eyes and pride to my soul! THANK YOU!

GAWD, I can't stop f*cking crying....

so, TBD is giving my hard way to go right now...I wanted to post pictures of TWO AWESOME KIDS of our hearts and soldiers for the U.S...(Michael & Lex) but, yeah...way to go TBD! I'll try it later...

INTERNAL ERROR!

My heart goes out to you guys.I sat here last night and closed my eyes and just tried to put myself in your place.

I cannot imagine the heart ache.I wish I could do more.But I wanted to give you and Mar something.

I keep you both and your families in my prayers and thoughts.

Marge its people like you and Happy,Gene and Reina who keep Luv and I going. Your support, the understanding you have as far as you understand we are hurting. Some don't get that, some think no kids should join, some just don't give a damn. We are just over protective mothers, No we are MOTHERS.

I watched the Marines Dvd last night and I felt better I wasn't over reacting or alone.

Nina and I lean on each other ALOT. We know each others pain. Each having a different element, Its her only Daughter, my only daughter joined as well 5 yrs ago,( a little different senerio though.) And My last baby now. So she gets the overwhelming fear of it being her only daughter and she worries all the time and aches for the closeness they had when she was home. I get overwhelmed knowing my last child has moved on to his life, I ache for his humor, hugs, annoying use of my computer,constantly messing it up or his never ending use of his Wii.. He took showers longer then any woman or girl I have ever known. drove me nuts.. Horrible grades all year and then ace every final he had at the end of the year to pass. HELLO..

The worst is how quiet the house is now. I sware I can see him some times coming around the corner to my desk heading for the bathroom just like every morning.. Making some face at me, and me mocking him for sleeping so long..

I hate being alone.. its to quiet here, I have about 20 loads of laundry less to do each week, we ALWAYS have towels now, and I still can't get the dinner for 2 down right, so the animals get all the left overs.

Its overwhelming to see him board a flight, knowing I wont see him for 13 weeks.. I can't be there when he has a questions, I can't be there when he gets upset or mad, or if he gets hurt..

I knew I would be upset, but what happened the next few days floored me.

Its getting a little easier getting the letters, but what I wouldn't do for a phone call.

My oldest son keeps good tabs on me and comes here at least once a week. Now he is 21 so you would think I would be cramping his life style.. but no. I have a friend who now comes over a couple times a week and forces me out there with the horses cause she claims she wants to start my young ones on some training I can no longer do, I think hubby has her checking on me.

The letter I got today makes me more prouder then ever of him. I will share that with you all later. Its a little soggy now.

But once again thanks Marge, you keep us getting threw the long days. And your compassion is incredible.. You are awesome..

tons of HUGS and soggy kisses.. ill keep the boogers though.. sorry.

You both are more than welcome.As I've said before,one of my brothers was in Vietnam,volunteering,he was safe in Germany,but felt it his duty to go.

He's second to the oldest in the family.I also had a brother (the oldest in the family)in the navy.

But my brother in Vietnam was a paratrooper,jumping into the jungle.He saw some horrible things there.

I remember the worry,especially my mom.And when he came home,well,you know,they weren't treated well.

It hasn't been that long since our youngest left home.It was the first of March.It was hard,especially since a little over 2wks later,my dad had a bad fall,and less than a month after she moved out,he died.

I know what you mean about the house feeling empty.I'm still not used to it.

I am glad to be able to be here.