Saying Thanks to those who Protect Us from Another Sept. 11 Meet my Marine son, Matthew

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12.9.10

Saying Thanks to those who Protect Us from Another Sept. 11 Meet my Marine son, Matthew

Our family's Sept. 11th Flag - I pieced it and stenciled it 
because there were no flags available in the stores at the time.

I am so very glad that everyone is remembering Sept. 11. I'm a day late I'm afraid. However, that day has been in my thoughts a lot lately.

It's hard to forget since I now have a son who may shortly be sent to Afghanistan.  It is his job and his friends' job to make sure Sept. 11 stays 'a memory' sacred and painful though that memory may be.

 My son, Matthew with his first Regiment after he was stationed in Hawaii.

Matthew first joined the Marines in his senior year, with our permission. He signed up with the Delayed Entry Program. As soon as he graduated, he was sent to Marine boot camp. It was the hardest thing I could have ever imagined to have our first and oldest child, after being home schooled all his life, leave home and then not be able to speak to him...at all for three months! After that, I spent the next few years wondering if he would finally get deployed.


He wanted to fight so badly, but they turned him down again and again, because they needed him working with the computer systems and then when he re-enlisted a year ago, he became a Russian translator. Now he is learning Pashto so he can speak the native language of Afghanistan. I know how bad he feels that he has somehow not done 'his part'. It's hard not to feel that way when your buddies are facing fire and dying too.

 Matthew with our second grandson, Brenan, Feb. 10, 2008 (Photo by Amanda, edited by Matt.)

Some of his high school friends also joined at the same time. And they have paid a high price for their decision.  For one (they went to Civil Air Patrol together), it was being kidnapped...though shortly released . His poor mother was so very anxious! Thank the Lord for miracles!  For one (who graduated with Matthew)  it was being so emotionally devastated from battle,  that it ruined his marriage and relationship with his children. How my heart aches for that family! 

Boys talk to Daddy on cell phone while he is in school in Washington D.C.

For my son, it's the toll that constant time away from his family takes on his relationship with his wife and children. It's tough having a healthy family life in a military environment--especially for enlisted guys. 


Three little boys are being faithfully and valiantly raised by mommy, Amanda, while daddy Matthew is away from home...for at least a year.  I so admired all that Amanda had accomplished with the boys when she last visited especially without Matthew's help.  


 Matthew and Rebekah (brother and sister) at her graduation

 I am so grateful that the Lord has worked out so many opportunities in the last few years for Matt, Amanda, and the kids to visit. He even got to be here last May for Rebekah's graduation!


Matthew has to endure not being with his wife and family...and that's only the beginning. Only the Lord knows where this path will take him in the next year or two. Please, keep our servicemen in your prayers. If it weren't for them and the huge effort of our government to protect us..Sept. 11 would be only one of many tragic events, instead of a memory from ten years ago. For some, I'm sure the pain will never end...so let's remember all those who died in the midst of the battle that day and all who have fought and died since and for all those left behind.



Matthew and Amanda..I'm so proud of you both! 
Love, Mom



Please tell me about your children who are in the military. I'd like to add them to a prayer list on my sidebar. I know you are all so proud of them too!

Blessings,

10 comments

Debby said...

ANd God Bless your childen that serve as well. I know how hard it is. I do believe that we are safer because of them. It doesn't make it any easier does it. Thank them for me. I will be praying for them as well. So glad that I have gotten to know you and your wonderful family.

GlorV1 said...

Hi Donna. First, thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my blog. You always say something to lift me up. I appreciate that. I am glad that August is home and gosh all mighty, you have been as busy as a bee. Of course we all remember that day, it's embedded in our hearts forever. I salute your son and all who serve in our military, they are the ones to see to it that we are safe. Take care of yourself Donna, don't overdo things. You have to be around for all of your family, you are so needed by them. I'm going now. I just wanted to say hi. I'm way behind on my leaving comments. Take care.

Caroline said...

Oh Donna, such a wonderful tribute to your son and all our men and women in uniform. God bless you and yours.

Donna said...

You guys are just so sweet! I'm getting ready to go to Dallas, and have only one more cushion to go before Mom can cover at least one of the couches!

I'm all set to meet the Tax guy and I've got the paperwork necessary to get the car title transferred. Now if I can just find an adapter at Home depot to match the pipe to the stove...we'll be all set!

Have a great week everyone. I'll be home on Tuesday evening.

Caroline said...

Donna, both comments "took" - thanks for your sweet encouragement! The orange tshirt used to be just a regular old hanes tshirt - I put it on inside out (the shoulders fit right - it was the correct size, just square) - chalked a line on the side to contour it (from the armpit to the hem) , made sure both sides matched, shortened it (maybe a bit too much but it has worked so far) and then drew a new neckline approximation with chalk and finished it with the extra bit from the length ... I have several others I'm planning to do something similar with later.

Caroline said...

Oh, and hubby turned 39 on friday. :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Donna ~ Thank you so very much to your son and all of those who are protecting us...our prayers go out to each and everyone of them! Praying for you and your family...as I know you all are so proud of your son...but know how hard it is at the same time! God Bless! ♥ Teri

Ky said...

Donna, I first want to say how much I love the comments you leave when you visit me. You are such a wonderful lady who is always so upbeat and encouraging.

The military life can be a cruel one for the families of soldiers. My best friends husband is in the Commandoes reserve here in Australia. In December is will be going over for his 3rd tour. 4 very long months away from his wife and children and we all just pray so hard while he's in the war zone.
I hope really hard that Matt is never deployed, even though he wants to be.
Love to you xx

Breathing In Grace said...

Oh, Ms. Donna, I don't know how I missed this post until now. I can't imagine having a son in the military, thinking he would be deployed to Afghanistan. He and his family...all of you...are in my thoughts and prayers. Please tell him thank you from us...we're so proud of our military!

Trudy said...

I'll keep Matthew and all of the other servicemen in my prayers.

“There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.” ~ Margaret Sangster

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