Long time no blog

Where to begin? When I go for long stretches without posting, it's always difficult to know where to pick up. Do I try to play catch-up and explain what I've been up to, and if so should I write one long rambling post, put it in bullet form or just break it into a few short posts? How about a little of each. I'll ramble a bit on some things, maybe throw in a bullet list or two, then follow up with some short posts. How's that?

Well, the most important thing that happened in our lives in the past month, was that our Marine got on a great big boat and sailed across the Atlantic ocean.

(source)

He's been in the Marines for more than three years, and this is his first deployment. We've been lucky having him just two hours away, but he didn't join so he could see the sights of Jacksonville, NC.

It wasn't easy to watch him get on a bus and know I wouldn't see him again for at least eight months. I thought 13 weeks of boot camp was hard. We have been able to communicate a bit, a line or two here and there, via email. I had some sense of comfort, excitement even, knowing he was taking part in training exercises and humanitarian missions. Then something horrible happened. There was a crash and two young men lost their lives. Two others severely wounded. They were part of the VMM261, the same squadron as Casey. Like Casey, the young men who died were Corporals. All I have been able to find out is that they had just dropped a group off a group of troops and there were four aboard at the time of the crash.  I don't know if Casey was among those that had been dropped off, I do know that sense of comfort has been shaken. I mourn for the families of those young men and I pray that the injured will recover.

I had other things I was going to say, but they seem so insignificant at the moment. Some how the mundane things of my day to day don't belong in this post. So I'll stop here for now, but not before asking that you say a prayer for those injured young Marines and for the families of Cpl. Kerns and Cpl. Reyes.

Comments

[Audrey]

I totally understand your emotions in this post. Prayers are being said for ALL the Marine families aboard that ship. When my sons, one Marine, one Army, were on float, on training missions, and finally Iraq and Afghanistan, I became more aware of how trivial some things may really be. But the "normal and mundane" will help you get through the rough times. Hang in there, Marine Mom. And thank you for raising a son that has chosen to serve our country. And thank him also.

[Tonya Richard]

How scary Autum! I am so glad Casey is ok, but my heart breaks for the other families. HUGS

[Thimbleanna]

How heartbreaking. I'm glad to hear that your son is ok, but sad for those other moms. We never stop worrying about our children, do we?

[Kim @ vintagepretties]

Hugs! Being family to a member of the military is hard. Hang in there & remember that he is doing something that matters.

[Sue]

This post brought me to tears. Prayers ascending.

[Cheryl M]

I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. You are all in my thoughts. Your son must be a very brave and special man.

[Khris]

Ohh my gosh...how unsettling for you....my heart truly goes out to the the other families for their loss.....my hubby is away but fortunately he is only away for just under 5 months...it's not easy with them away that long but I know he is relatively safe where he is compared to the other troops out there....not they are ever really safe...big hugs to you and your family, Khris

[UK lass in US]

I'm saying a prayer.

The days spent worrying about family members posted overseas are not easy ones.

[toko baju muslim]

This is a great posting I have read. I like your article. Thank you

[carlos rojas]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_V_UOFHCAM&feature=share%27%2C%29
i was in Morocco when it happend.made this for them

[Autum]

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. It brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you for your service as well. Are you also deployed with the 24th MEU?

[Kristin C.]

I can't even begin to imagine the different feelings and fears that are running through you. To know that something tragic has happened and then the only thing you can do is wait. I'm praying for the Kern, Reyes, and their families, as well, as your family. Stay strong.

[Elaine]

I can't begin to know what you just went through! My thoughts and prayers with the families of the Marines lost and prayers for your son's safety to return home safe and sound to you and your family. Keep busy during his deployment!

[Lynn]

My son is also a Marine, His years of service are over and now he is a 33 yr old law student.Its hard to be without them, he will come back and you will be a complete family again. My thoughts are with you.
Lynn

[garym]

Really interesting story thanks for sharing.

[Randell]

I understand what you feel, it is very hard and painful to watch go with them (marines), but you just have faith and patience and he will come home again to you....... More blessings to you and your family!!