I'm becoming impatient

Ok, becoming was probably the wrong word, because we all know how impatient I am...do you think, just maybe that God is trying to teach me some patience?! I think so too. Yesterday I completely packed every last thing that was in the apartment, and scrubbed it out as well. Today I get to rest, I love Sunday's they are so peacful and so rejuvenating for me. Tommorrw, I turn in my keys to the apartment.

I'm going on week 7, when I was told it would take 3...my car is so full now, I can't even see out of my rear-view mirror, and my arm rest has been taken over by Zeke's food...lol, its an open container, so he can snack on the drive if he wishes...I miss him like crazy. But I don't go see him, cause it hurts me too much to turn around and walk away from him. I just want to go home. For my faithful readers, I will give you this heads up...

I'm only telling one person my actual date when I'm coming home, when I find it out that is...and he's not tellin anyone either :-p If you follow my posts you may get clues around when it will come up, but I like the element of surprise, and I'm having fun envisioning faces of my family and loved ones when all of a sudden I'm standing right in front of them with my car packed full behind me. Yeah...It'll be a nice "Welcome Home Emily" for me to see surprised and happy faces.

I guess thats all for now! I miss you all, I just pray and hope I'm home soon.

Paying my respects...

I had the honor of attending yet another wounded warrior retreat to Washington D.C. this past week. I will tell about that trip in a later blog once I get all of my pictures up from the trip. But one opportunity hit me harder than any other experience. As the last post stated, the Army lost an amazing man January 20th. Alongside him were 11 also amazing Heros. CH Munson challenged us on Wednesday evening to take a pebble (that I made sure I cleaned up real good for the role they were about to play) and over the night and the next day as we visited memorials to toss it around in our hands, and think of the sacrafices that we've given, but also of those that have given before us. It hurts me deep to know that some of my battle buddies I know personally have gone to war and are at war, and I've been stuck sitting behind a desk where its "safe." And now, as I'm contemplating my departure from the Army, it hurts even more to know I'm leaving them behind. That was my large burden that I placed in God's hands into that pebble on Wedsnesday night and all day Thursday. I also thought of COL Allgood. I remember him so vividly, returning my salute and pinning on my first AAM. I'll never forget him. He's not buried in Arlington though, so I couldn't pay my respects directly to him. So I gave myself a mission to find a Soldier, or two, that had fallen on or nearest to 20 January 2007.
Little did I know that I would find 2 of them, and that they both fell on the 20th.
I prayed for their family's as I took my time kneeling at both headstones. One of a SSG, one of a COL. I thanked God for their sacrifice and the Soldiers and people that they touched when they graced this life. And then I simply laid my pebbles on top of their headstones, whispered a short, "Rest In Peace, We've got your back now." And turned to walk around and keep an eye on my Soldiers who were grieving along side of me.

Today is my first day back in the office, and I was itching to know who these Warriors were that I paid respects to. Never did I think I'd find what I found.

BOOKER, DARRYL DEMETRIAL
SSG US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 05/20/1969
DATE OF DEATH: 01/20/2007
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8530
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

KELLY, PAUL MICHAEL
COL US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/31/1961
DATE OF DEATH: 01/20/2007
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8528
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

These two brave warriors were on the exact same blackhawk that took my Commander's life down as it crashed. I told CH Munson of that today, he couldn't believe it. And then he said the most amazing thing, "I don't think that is a coincedence." God knows us better than ourselves. And how amazing and truly wonderful it is that these two men were on that blackhawk, maybe even sitting alongside COL Allgood. And, that, in itself is very humbling. These men were fathers, husbands, sons. They were young, SSG Booker was only 37, COL Kelly was 45, COL Allgood was 46. From just the different articles, blogs, guestbook comments that I've found thus far these men were true Heros, and they knew how to lead, and lead well. Their Soldiers loved working for them and they are sorely missed by all who knew them.

But their stories don't end at the crashsites. All of those who have fallen for our GREAT nation live on. As their stories are told, and lives are impacted from the life these heros lived, is what makes their legacy continue on. One of my favorite quotes something along the lines of, if I made a difference in just one life, my life has been worthwhile. That in itself is a true test to the legacies of the men that I pay tribute too. They changed and impacted so many lives you can't even count them. That, in itself, is a life well lived. I truly believe Jesus met them at the gates of heaven, and said the words I'm ever-longing to hear..."Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" Matthew 25:21KJV

Rest in Peace, SSG Booker, COL Kelly, & COL Allgood...




If you would, please take the time to watch the MSNBC video on their crash, honor those who have fallen, and never forget all of those who have fought...whether they perished, were injured, or came home just a little bit different than they left.

http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2007/01/stories_worth_h.html

Missing my S.Korean Commander...

I found this on the West Point Website, what a perfect tribute to a man who will be sorely missed by the Army Family.

This is my second trip to DC & to Arlington, since I joined the Army. The most significant spot that we stop at to me, is visiting Arlington National Cemetary. I am one of the fortunate few that doesn't know many Soldiers that have been laid to rest since the start of the war...the one I do know, was my commander when I was stationed in Korea. COL Brian D. Allgood...he was an amazing man. My most favorite memory I have with him was when he pinned my first Army award on me during our field training exercise. I saluted him, as the shaky, shy, teary-eyed PFC that I was. And he returned my salute, shook my hand, and told me how proud he was of me. That I had done an outstanding job. That was it, nothing more nothing less, he moved onto the next Soldier. COL Allgood, was an amazing commander, he was all about the family, he was all about the Soldiers, and he truly cared about each and everyone of us under his wing. He is a man that is truly missed.

Note to self...

When you're having a bad day, when chocolate and cookies, just don't satisfy that need for a real true Emily smile...don't look to food, or soda, or even desserts...it won't help...instead, grab your lunch or even your drink and climb under your desk...just sit for a little while, eat your lunch, don't take the phone, pull in your chair so no one will know your there...and poof about 30 mins later...you'll feel better! Its that easy...that childlike state of hiding under the desk where none of the Chaplains can find me, it makes the day that much more fun to handle!

You should try it too...just crawl under you desk and hide for a little while...and enjoy! Just another day in Auntie Em's Adventure...

Awesome Poem!!

THE NAME

After the heat of the battle's long day,
John happened to pass where a young soldier lay;
Covered with blood, limbs twisted askew ...
And found, after all, his compassion still grew.

So, John moistened the dying man's lips and his face,
And lovingly straightened his limbs into place.
He listened, and prayed, and stayed by his side;
Trying to comfort him ere he died.

Jim looked up at John.
So grateful was he.
And, as life slipped away,
just a faint word could be.

A request for a paper was what John heard.
With a blunt lead pencil, Jim wrote his last words,
"Dear Dad, Receive John, I humbly pray.
For, he has made my last moments easier today.
He has done all he could, nor left me alone.
So for my sake, Dear Father, treat him as your own."
Love, Jim

The war ended soon and though John was ill clad,
He had promised to get Jim's last words to his dad.
So, he made the long journey.
Weary and worn,he found, at last, the way to Jim's home.

The father was wealthy; not used to such sights
Of tattered, bedraggled, rough soldiers at night.
What could an unkempt, ragged, man have to give;
Soldier or not, of least interest to him?

Then, the note was tenderly handed and read.
And, the weeping old father believed what it said.
For that trembling hand portrayed clearly to him
The familiar slant with the signature, "Jim."

The old father reached (though immaculate he)
And drew John as close as could possibly be.
He wept and he held John next to his breast;
Drew him inside for good food and rest.

He lay at John's hands anything he might need.
He dressed him in velvet and gave him his steed.
Jim's father loved John in a very special way,
Because of the name on that crude note that day.

Now, I stand in my tattered old rags of sod
Before an immaculate, pure, holy God;
In need, oh, yes, in such terrible need.
And, not one single part can be furnished by me.

But, I have a note and it's written in red.
He opens it up. As I tremble, it says,
"Father, open the gate for My sake I pray.
This one is mine, paid in full today."
Love, Jesus

All the glory and splendor of Heaven is mine!
I'm made worthy to stand in His presence divine!
Not for me, but for Him! Not my works, but His own
Have gained me a robe, and a crown, and a Home!

© by Joan Clifton Costner

Zeke's a Soldier too!

Got Zeke this t-shirt and matching collar at target last night...thought it was WAY too funny...especially after the time I had with him at the vet...for those that don't know, Zeke hates the vet and doesn't do so well at the groomer either...poor guy puts up one heck of a fight! Thought the shirt was cute on him!! Incase you can't read it, the t-shirt says "tough guy" on it!

Little update...mom called this morning to make sure Zeke and I were ok. There was at least 1 tornado touchdown in Atlanta last night...We are fine...Actually I'm like 2.5 hours from there, and we didn't feel the slightest effects from it. Just thought you should know we're fine! :-D

House For Sale

Come preview a future home that has been calling for you!!

Non-believers, this home could be yours!!

House For Sale: www.wandascountryhome.com/forsale/index.html

Losing my Patience

I'm going nuts guys! Seriously, and if I dont start watching my attitude a bit more closely I'm likely to get written up! I'm tired, no exhausted from having to wait and wait and wait for my stupid orders to come in...He told me it'd be three weeks, well I'm going into my 4th week now! And oh by the way, even if they come in next week, I'll be up in Washington D.C. again with the wounded warriors, which is a HUGE blessing please don't get me wrong, but today my back hurts REAL bad...and I'm exhausted of going home to an empty apartment to a wonderful dog, and my poor turtle is ready to be moved and can't yet, and ugh! I hate all this preparation but I know when the time comes, I'll be glad I dont have to do it on top of everything else, but for now I'm frustrated. The company is trying to get me to weigh-in...ugh NO WAY I'm NOT DOING THAT ANYMORE! I've had enough blows to my self-esteem from that to last me a hot dog lifetime.

I'm sorry for whining so much up there ^! I have such an amazing support system back home, and I wouldn't be half as strong if it wasn't for you all! I Love you so much and thank-you from the bottom of my heart for always being here for me. I know some of my wonderful support wont read this, but their what gets me through the day...you all are! Can't wait til this is over. I'm ready to go to the house.

God is so good!

With the start of this new transition to an old life, it is bringing up A LOT of anxieties...over the silliest small things. But God is good, and takes care of us in our times of need, even when it is something small. One thing I was starting to worry about was my apartment lease and all of the big furniture that occupies my space. So I turned in my 30 day notice and let them know I will be out before 1 April. I have a back-up plan, if for some reason I'm not gone by then I will move back into my barracks room, and Zeke will go stay at my friend Kadie's house.

But anyways, I was really worried about getting rid of my furniture. I told Kadie she could sell it (most of it was hers at one time anyway) but I was worried that weirdos would be coming to my apartment, and I just don't feel right with that, being a single young female. But yesterday, I ran into some neighbors, and they took every last piece off of my hands!!! The last 2 couches will be leaving today, and my bed, the girl is willing to let me hold onto until the day I move! WOOHOO! God took such AMAZING care of me, before I even had a chance to ask for the help. Thank-you to all my loved ones whom have continued to pray for me through this process...boy is it molding me into a more patient woman!

A new store, a new life transition...

Well its official the new store is opened now! Its such a big store!! Its bright and beautiful, but the best part was how much time I got to spend with my family during the Grand Opening process. The rumors are true, I did learn to work the cash register, and boy did I have a blast handing out the freebies! I'm looking forward to getting onto the schedule and working with the family more...who knows maybe someday I'll be the 4th Generation owner of the store...that'd be pretty cool!

I'm still waiting on my orders as soon as they are cut I will have 10 days to outprocess and head home! WOOHOO!! I will let you all know as soon as I do when my orders are in and the process of coming home has begun! For now, its just Zeke, Champ, and I waiting it out...Packing starts tonight!

Here are a few pictures from the Grand Opening!







The group shot with me in it is our Generational Photo! My Gradparents are 2nd Generation Hardware store owners, their three daughters behind them are 3rd Generation, I'm 4th and my nephew on my lap is 5th!! How cool is that?!