Finding comforting words for a brave,young soldier.......my stepdaughter
By mckenziemom
@mckenziemom (522)
United States
March 7, 2007 9:55pm CST
We found out late last week that my stepdaughter, Christine my husband's firstborn, has received her orders to ship out to Iraq at the end of June. We knew when Christine signed up for the National Guard 2 years ago that there was a chance that her unit may be sent off to the war. We were hoping that since her unit in Fort Lewis had already served in Iraq that she would not be sent. That was not the case. To make matters even more tense, Christine's 19 year-old sister Katie, my second step-daughter has been serving with her Fort Vancouver unit in Bagdad since August of last year.
I will admit after 9/11 I was in support of the war in Iraq,however, 5 years later I have become dissolusioned like a lot of Americans about the war. However, I have always supported my stepdaughters decisions to serve in the military. I must admit, I have not handled the news very well. I was not prepared to send another stepdaughter
off to war. Christine..she has been so close to her dad's new family and she is a wonderful big sister to our four little ones. My husband has been very strong and supportive of his two daughters as they serve in the guard. As a woman of faith, I know that God has a plan for Christine and Katie and I need to trust that....it is just so frightening to have both girls serving in the war at the same time. I am asking for prayers of support for our family, for both of our soldiers and to find words of comfort and support to express to my stepdaughter when I see her again. Please pray for all the families that have loved ones serving overseas.
4 people like this
3 responses
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
8 Mar 07
You should be proud of these girls (women). They are doing a good thing and I understand how you feel about the war, it would seem it should be over by now. ANd when are they going to get Bin Laden??
But I do know we have not had another terrorist attack in the US since 9/11 and that is because of all of the wonderful people (heroes) like your step daughters, that are there fighting so that we can sleep at night.
We all should be Thanking them and you. I am a Navy Mom, I know what you are feeling. I am lucky, my son is now in Georgia, but I know if he re-ups, he will not be staying there. He was impacted my 9/11 and this was his response.
1 person likes this
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I am very proud of katie and her committment to our country. I agree I think that the girls are heroes. Blessings to you and your family.
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
8 Mar 07
This is a pic of christine with my kiddos,her little brother and sisters, last summer. They love their big sister!!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I feel for you dear. My son Shannon has been serving in the US Air Force for 8 years now. He has been sent over 3 times and each time is the same - I am on pins and needles until he is safely home again. The first time I got the "30 second phone call" - "Mom this is the number to call if there is an emergancy, I can't tell you where I'm going, I love you" I was horrified, screamed, yelled, and argued. "I have top secret security clearance with the USN you can tell me where your going", "No, they didn't ask me if it was ok to send you over", "No, I'm your mother and I have every right to decide where you go and what you do". Of course it did no good and then I went into prayer and got as many as I could to also pray for him.
Each time he has gone I have been blessed to have him return home safe and I continue to pray. I support him 100% and will continue to support him and all the service men and women - they joined the service for whatever reason and now their job is to do what they are told, to protect and serve our country. I am thankful and grateful that we have the many advantages we have here in the US and it would not be possible without our troops.
I have several service men and women I pray for regularly and will add your daughters (sorry, I don't like the "step" thing having been raised most of my life by my father's 3rd wife) to my prayer list.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I'm sorry, got off on a tangent there and didn't actually respond to your question. Encouragement - next to prayer is the best thing you can do. Cards, letters, e-mail when available, little packages with touches of home. Keep them going no matter what you have going on at home. Between myself, my mom, and one of my sisters we made sure Shannon had something at least a couple times a week. Note - chocolate does not fair well but cherry twizzlers although they do melt can be cut and still enjoyed. Card games (small like a deck), magazines, baby wipes are always welcome (unsented are best), hard candies, and chap sticks or lip balm are a few ideas.
It's not so important what you do when they get home as it is what you do while their away - keep your spirits up and stay positive - they don't need to hear your car broke down or you had to go to the dentist last week. One time Shannon emailed me and was complaining about the dust, heat, and uncomfortable living conditions. That week I sent him a box with a roll of toilet paper, deoderant, toothpaste, and a bar of soap (also some hard candy of some sort). He laughed and laughed - said that was the most popular package to arrive that week and everyone was contacting their families to do the same. Sorry but miltary issue toilet paper is "rough" and he was thrilled with the roll of "Angel Soft"...
1 person likes this
