[KathyM]

I just watched a grieving mother speak of her son, who was killed in action two years ago in Iraq. She said "To the world, he's #95 of 4000 - to me, he's my beloved son." His name is Caleb, and he's from Knoxville, Illinois - a young man who just wanted to be a fireman.

She talked of his first day of kindergarten and watching him walk out the door with his little backpack on - how she didn't want to let go of his hand.

She talked of watching him go off to war with his backpack on. He turned to her and said "I'll be okay Mom." Television coverage showed him fighting for his life and begging the docs to keep him alive - doctors promising him they would do so.

When asked how she's doing now, her eyes welled up with tears and said "It has taken away my dreams."

She asked for us to remember Caleb, #95 - along with the other "numbers." They all have names and dreams too.

We're all in this together - too many are forgetting. Seems the least we can do is remember them - and pray for them.

I would appreciate it if you would all say a prayer for Caleb and his family, along with the rest of the "dreams" who have been lost to this war.

This is NOT a political post. As a teenager, I grieved horribly alone in my room for all those 58,000 soldiers in Viet Nam. I wore a POW bracelet for a couple of years and prayed hard every day for that man to stay alive. I named my son after that man. My son will be going on deployment in May. Fortunately, his orders have been changed - he'll be going to the South Pacific instead of the Middle East. Still, I realize this carries no guarantees my son will return to me. He's my dream too - don't want him to become a number.

The last five years have been overwhelming for me. It helps to know I have others helping me pray for these men and women overseas.

Thank you.

[DM]

I continue to keep all of our military in my prayers. W/O them, WE would not be free.

God Bless America and God Bless our Veteren's past and present.

[ewizabeth]

God bless all our service men and women who've given life or limb protecting our country or other countries. And those still serving, for them to return home safely.

[Corkybird]

I include all of our service men and women in my daily prayers, not just those that are sons of my church family. Prayers for you,

Marilyn

[Chemar]

(((((Kathy)))))

I just ache for the parents whose sons and daughters are in the war zone....and I cant begin to imagine the anguish moms like Caleb's must feel......

thank you for reminding us to pray not only for those "in harm's way" but also for those families who are deeply grieving for their beloved children

I pray your son will remain safe Kathy.

[AfterMyNap]

I'm right there with you, Kathy. Thank you for raising your young man and please thank him for me. I genuinely appreciate all the men and women who have graciously served our military throughout this nation's history.

[Burntmarshmallow]

This Friday I will be part of a group who will be reading the name of the Men and Women that have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan defending our freedom in the wars that are going on. It will be very hard to do and a very long day too. I will be and have been praying for all of them for five years .
at my last writing group a woman shared a poem she had written about her son it was very very touching and sad, it was about the folding of the flag at a funeral service for her son and how each fold represnted a part of that young mans life , he died in Iraq. even if one dose not have family in Military, it touches each and every one of us !!!! GOD BLESS YOU ,YOUR SON AND ALL OUR SERVICE PEOPLE! That includes all the nurses and doctors that treat the ones who come back home too! For it truly is all of us that are affected!
PEACE
bmw

[southie]

Kathy - Prayers will abide with him and
all those Military Personnel who are out
there and for you too, that GOD will give
you the strength, calmness, and assurance
through it all and a hedge of protection for
each and every one!

[KathyM]

Originally Posted by Burntmarshmallow

This Friday I will be part of a group who will be reading the name of the Men and Women that have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan defending our freedom in the wars that are going on. PEACE
bmw

That's wonderful

[dorrie]

Prayers have just been sent up from me and here is a hug for you as wellGod bless you and yours!