Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Baby and A Warrior...

Emotional. That is the only way to describe me today.

I just finished rocking and feeding my 2 month old grandson.

But my mind and heart was in Cleburne, Texas. 27 years ago. Rocking and feeding my 3 month old son.

It really was just yesterday.

This morning my son left to start the preparations for deployment. He has 3 Days at Drill. Then gets to come home for Mother's Day. Then a few days at his Unit before leaving state. One month (or so) before the flight overseas. My heart aches.

Oh, I have been here before in this particular mixture of emotions. (You can see my previous post on the last deployment here.) On one hand.... I am SO proud of him. For his willingness to serve our country. I am so thankful for what God has done in his life and what he has been brought THROUGH. But I am reminded of the saying, "Freedom isn't Free."

Then on the other hand, I am so sad for him to leave. Like I said last time... a year is short on the other side of it. But when you are facing a year knowing that your son is going to war... it is a long time.

Oh, you all know me. My faith is still strong. I know he is in God's hands. I believe I previously worded it this way: Times like this make me believe what I say I believe.

But I don't even have to tell you that my emotions are weak. And once again, the blackberry is glued to my hand.

So, I come back to the present in the mix of emotions and praying... back and forth between these two... a son facing war... and a grandson facing life.

I pray constantly for the son and his precious wife and all that this next year will hold for them.

I pray for the little one in my arms today. Where will he be in 27 years? What will he be doing?
Only God knows... but one thing I do know for certain...

It will be here tomorrow.

17 comments:

LisaShaw said...

Praying for your little grandson at the beginning of his life and your son as he continues on in the direction he is led. I am so honored to know that he is joining all who serve our country. I pray and speak blessings and safety over him in the name of Jesus and peace and comfort for your heart until his return.

Please tell your son that like you we are all so very proud of him and we appreciate him very much.

God bless you.

HappyascanB said...

What a beautiful post! I am praying right now for you, for your son and daughter in law, for that precious baby you've been rocking. Freedom is far from free, that's the truth. I love that you view this time as when you are forced to believe what you say you believe. Isn't that when God refines us the most? God bless you!!
~ Bethany @ HappyascanB
bethanymslocum@gmail.com

christy rose said...

Wow, Feeling a heart of compassion toward you today. As I have two boys, one that is 15 and one that is 1. My teenager takes on a world so different that I experienced when I was a teen, and yet I nurture my baby boy I wonder what differences will be around when he becomes one too. It is scary if we don't keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to protect us through it all.

I will lift up your son in my prayers today and you as well for God to bring you peace and comfort.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Praying, DeeDee...so much for a mother's/grandmother's heart to carry...

Beth Herring said...

Praying for you sweet friend. What a tremendous blessing our little grandbabies are. I will be in much prayer for you son.

Your grandchildren are blessed to have you for their grandmother.

Good to be a Queen said...

I will be praying for a Mother, Grandmother,and bloggie friend who's faith is strong but heart is hurting...........

Tricia said...

I am praying...

Blessings...

Laurie Ann said...

Lifting you and your precious son up to the Father...

Anonymous said...

You know that I am praying for all of you!

Sandra

Denise said...

Thanks for visiting my blog...I hope that you feel better soon so you can "shred" along with the rest of us! :o)

My husband served 20 years in the Air Force - so I understand some of the emotions you are feeling. I will be praying for him, his unit and of course, his family!

Shalom,
Denise

Jennifer said...

Indeed, to pray is often not only our best response - but also our only response! My son just graduated Basic and is now one week into Tech School...he called last night and was so sick, he was in the ER. SO HARD for a mother not to be able to help...even if just to sit with him. Sure this is just the beginning of difficult time for Mom...but I apppreciate your heart - and your testimony!

Alleluiabelle said...

DeeDee,

I thank you for your precious son you serves to protect our country and all of us. Please know that I am praying for all of you.

Hugs & Blessings,
Alleluiabelle

Denise said...

My prayers are with your dear son sweetie.

Aunt Angie said...

DeeDee---you are so RIGHT! Times like this do indeed make our hearts and eyes weep...but we grasp a firm grip on the horns of the altar and we KEEP BELIEVING! No eye has seen--nor ear heard what is laid up for us---those who believe!

God is still God. Nothing that happens in this world...the BIG world--or our small worlds will EVER change the Sovereignty of WHO HE IS!

I loved this post and look forward to the Mother's Day one!

My Mr. Linky is on the blitz...if you "linked" you may have to do it again---it has no names for some reason.

I have been reading my husbands "hand written" pages for his weekend post (which I will type) and he has REALLY surprised me by who he is writing about! (it's not me--nor my mother--nor his own mother even!) It will be good! He's a quiet fellow---but when he speaks...well...it's sorta like "E.F. Hutton"...remember that commercial???

Pia said...

keep praying and believing. God is in control. here's standing with you in prayer and agreement.

Amy said...

I'll be praying for you and your family during the next year. I'm a very new mom, but I can imagine how difficult it will be to let my kids go into the world as adults, and how even more difficult it would be knowing they're going to war. Many hugs to you!

Susan said...

What a bittersweet moment for you. I'm praying for you.

Hugs,

Susan