I don't even know where to begin this entry. I've tried to keep this about the quilts and not get too personal, but after the week I've experienced, it's hard not to be personal. First, I need to once again offer a HUGE THANK-YOU to everyone who played a part in this project! Some donated finances, some donated quilt tops, whole quilts, free quilting, quilt blocks, and the finishing of the quilts by binding. And my understanding boss, Jeanette Prenkert, donated my work time to allow me to finish in the final days before I left.
I wish every one of you could have made the trip...I will carry with me the personal satisfaction of what we have done, for a lifetime. Unfortunately, we could do more. I saw several people who looked longingly at the quilts and I wished with all my heart I had more to give out. I would like to keep making and "stockpiling" so we don't get caught in a rush again, so if you're willing, keep 'em coming! They are most definitely appreciated! It has spoken volumes to many to know that we care enough to share our time, talents, and resources with those who are serving or have served us.
I was privileged to attend the Gold Star luncheon with Steve and Ronda, in which the families of fallen soldiers were recognized. I was overwhelmed, and not for the only time, at the realization that every table, and there were many, represented a family who had lost a loved one. At the Memorial Service, each name was read and a bell sounded for the names added to the wall...I cannot even put those feelings at that moment into words...sadness, pride, gratitude...don't even touch it. I met wives, mothers, fathers, and children of those men. Faces I'll never forget, I don't WANT to forget. The death of Travis brought the war home...meeting his team put another face on the war...this past week added another whole dimension for me. I have been changed since June 27th, 2008...I see life differently then ever before, I want to laugh more, live better, and love more freely. I have a new family and they reside in North Carolina...I miss them already. I've already received two emails from a sweet lady who tended to us at our get together Thursday night. Her husband is currently deployed, she calls me her new sister. I love it! But there is also alot of hurt and anger out there...pray for my friends to find peace. Some of them have seen and experienced more then you or I could begin to imagine.
The biggest lesson I've learned in the last year is this, we do not know what tomorrow holds...live with no regrets, be sure your loved ones know you love them, and be ready to meet your Savior. I'm not perfect in any way, but I'm doing my best to make my world better...God bless you all!
God Bless our soldiers and their families...
Names of Soldiers honored at the Memorial Service:
Fallen, but not forgotten. . .
SSG Jeremy E Bessa
SSG John C Brite
SSG Jason L Brown
SGT Nicholas A Casey
CPT Richard G Cliff, Jr.
SSG Josepg F Curreri
SSG Anthony D Davis
CPR Benjamin C Dillon
SPC Christopher Gathercole
SSG Travis K Hunsberger
SPC Thomas Duncan III
SSG Frank J Gasper
MSG David L Hurt
MAJ Robert D Lindendau
CPT Shane R Mahaffee
SSG Ryan D Maseth
CW3 Hershel D McCants, Jr.
SFC David L McDowell
SFC Jamie S Nicholas
SFC David Nunez
SGT Timothy P Padgett
SSG Robert J Paul
SSG Robert R Pirelli
CW3 John A Quinlan
SFC Jeffrey M Radamorales
SGT Nicholas A Robertson
SGT William P Rudd
MSG Shawn E Simmons
SSG David W Textor
SGT James E Treber
SFC Michael J Tully
SFC Gary J Vasquez
SPC Travis R Vaughn
CW5 Jamie D Weeks
SSG Joshua R Whitaker
MSG Mitchell W Young
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