I am an optimistic person.  I see silver linings in things ranging from people to dire circumstances.  I say if the worst thing to happen to me is to die, it's alright, at least that means I'll be home.  But right now, I have a few tears in my eyes, because I just got off the phone with my brother-in-law Matt.  I've known Matt for 15 years, since he was 5 years old.  He's more like a son to me than a brother by marriage.

Anyway, he leaves Saturday for Iraq.  I know in my heart he'll be OK, but I can't help but feel bad for him to go so far away from us, his family.  He's an extremely family oriented person.  I guess that's his "constant".  Anyway, here's a pic of him, his brothers and sister.

L to R:
Kevin (#7), Mike (#5,Marine Embassy Guard stationed in Mexico City), Joe (#3), Jesse (#1, my hubby), Kari (#2), Dan (#4, Marine, served his 4 years) & Matt (#6)...

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If you pray, please say a little prayer for him.  Help me to lift him up, I know he is scared, but beings he is my husbands brother, you'd never know his feelings unless he came right out and told you.

Thanks guys. :-*
mel

You got it Mel. When one goes off to war, it is always a scary time for the family.

Absolutely, Mel.

You got it...and thank him for me too.

Sure will Mel.  Give him a great big hug and tell him thanks.

Beth

Prayers for Matt and your entire family.  

Hugs,

Jen

I know I'd be scared, and know how you will miss him while he's out there for all of us.

Looks like there will  be one big family party when he gets back home.

Hugs and prayers,
Donna

I'd be scared as well. I hope he comes back ok in all regards.

I am sure it gives him some comfort to know that you care and hold him in your thoughts too.

Prayers going up .............. Please tell him that my family and I thank him for his service.......... tell him to thank all of the pals he meets over there for me too....................

Hugs,

Jeannie

Melissa,

He will do well over there.  Because his family is his "constant" he has something to hang on to, and to fall back on.  Yes, he will be lonely at times, but Marines tend to become family, so he will have that to hold on as well.

Things in Iraq have quieted down quite a bit since the surge.  His deployment will probably be a lot like Rob's was with a lot of boredom.  By all means, keep reminding him that he is doing a needed job, and that being there does much to stabilize the country until the Iraqi's are able to stand on their own.  THey are getting very close now, and just need a bit more support.

Give him a big hug and a thank you from me.  I really appreciate these guys.

Jerry

Pride,
Gratitude and
Prayers...............

Cathi

Prayers on the way from Canada for Matt's safety. Be safe.

Thank you so much everyone.

Matt's job is to help tear things down, breakdown of camps believe it or not.  He's going there to help tear down excess military camps as they have been consolidating.  The news doesn't tell you this, we only hear of what goes on "over there" from our soldiers.  Anyway, he gets to drive the BIG machines and move lots of dirt and stuff.  His brothers are jealous. ;D

I'll keep everyone updated as to what goes on with him and how progress is coming along.

You guys are wonderful. :)

Prayers going up.  I am grateful that he's stepped up to the task and hopeful that he's going to be just fine.

Ray

Mel, you got my prayers and good vibes, too!  Tell Matt, thank you, from me.

I am sure that everything will be fine!

And he is lucky to have all those NEAT toys to play with!  LOL!  Big earth moving equipment is SO much fun to handle!

Chuck

[smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif]

THANK YOU!

Me too Mel!

Lots of good thoughts for him.

Charlie

I am sending prayers and putting him and the whole family in my prayer book. All the men, women in service and their family's   stay in my prayers.

We'll keep him in our thoughts and prayers, Mel.....you and your family too.  

What a fine looking bunch of bros and sis.

Optimism is good, Sweetie.....keep it up...all will be well.

Much Love,
Jackie

Freedom isn't free...that it mostly takes the young men and women of this country to insure that is never far from my mind. My prayers for all of them...

Best,

Jon

You bet, Mel.  

All the best from all of us,

George

Melissa, prayers are on their way!

Sanna

I will pray for him and add him to my Soldier MOM prayer warrior list.  I also want you to invite his family to join our support group at START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE I have been part of the group since the war began and then some.  Its a great place to go to vent and recieve support after the support gets old around you in your local circles...

God bless Matt.
Ree