Not coming home

[Quadralene]

I just wanted to say to all the families (myself included) whose children are not coming home this Christmas, be blessed in spite of. Remember someone's child/children will not be home this Christmas or any other Christmas. I know that some of you haven't seen your child/children in quite some time now, and I won't be insensitive when I say this.We sometimes loose focus and put too much emphasis on holidays. Let's make it a habit to celebrate life (everyday) honoring our children and the people we love everyday. I think about the families (moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children) that will spend this Christmas visiting grave sites, hospitals and other medical facilities and my heart breaks for them. It could be me, it could be any of you. So let's vow to celebrate life and one another everyday. Let's never miss that one moment to say "I love you". And never say anything that you may regret.

[Cindy Corpsman Mom]

I do feel blessed. My son just graduated A school and is in between that and going to his new station for C school. I must admit, though, that I have many Navy mom friends who won't have their sailor home. It makes me a little sad. That is why I'm participating in the blue candle lighting. I want to remember those sailors, marines, army, and air force guys and gals, who will not be home; and, as you reminded us, those who will never be coming home. So, I am blessed and I am enjoying every moment my son is home as I know, it will be our last Christmas having him home, for sure. Next year he may be deployed. If you are not participating in the blue candle lighting, I would encourage you to do so.

[Debby]

My Army son is coming home and my Navy son is in Iraq and can't come home.. and today on my way to work there was a fatal accident.. as I passed by the vehicle and the body covered in plastic I thought about this very thing... so it took me 2 hours to get to work today.. but I got there... Someone wont have their daddy tonight someone wont have their husband tonight .... rough reality.. thank you and have a wonderful Christmas

Debby

[Debbie (Paul's Mom)]

Quadralene,
Your words are so true. We need to remember to always say what we feel to our loved ones EVERY day. We are never promised a tomorrow. Please remember in prayer the family of a little 2 year old girl who had to take their angel off life support today. She is in a better place but it was such a sinceless death. So very sad. I think of that and it just puts everything into perspective. I have the chance to send my son e-mails, I may not be able to hug him Christmas morning, but I hug him so tight when he comes home in April, this mom will have to wait till she gets to heaven to hug her little girl again. Merry Christmas and God Bless You!
Debbie

[Texas Mom of 2]

'Morning! Thank you for taking the time to post this.........and to it, I say "hear hear!" We lose sight of the season and it's become so commercialized. I was telling my husband last night that a longgggg time ago, people didn't even put up their trees until Christmas Eve. And presents that were given were things that were needed such as the women would get bolts of material to make clothes, children would get socks, men would get suspenders for their pants. Now, commercials and advertisements start over a month ahead of Christmas. For the retailers to make money.

Let's spend every day loving and cherishing our friends and family. ~Kerry

[Denise]

Quadralene, What a beautiful thing to write! God Bless you! May your holidays and every day be filled with love and peace!

[Karen]

Beatifully said; and why not light a blue candle for those who can't be home :)

[Lois C T(momma T)]

AMEN!

[Cindy H]

Thanks for your words. My son is aboard the USS Roosevelt and will not be here this holiday. My daughter and son-in-law are in Michigan with his family for the holidays since he will be deployed to Iraq starting in January. He is in the army and this is his second deployment. The first was for 15 months and this will be for a year. This is our first year without any of the kids home. I miss them terribly, but I am happy that they are all doing what they need to be doing. Your words helped to keep me focused on the blessing I have received from God. My prayers are with all of the millitary.

[Dianne]

My child will not be home this Christmas and everyday I pray for her and all the Military personal here and abroad and their families. I thank God for everyone who is serving for our Country. I tell her I love her everyday, if it is by a text or by phone call. Also tell family and extinded family that i love them everyday. God Bless everyone and have a Blessed Christmas Holiday

[Char]

Quadralene:

I'm praying and trusting that God will give you EXACTLY the joy He wants for you, I'm praying for your family and all of your loved ones. I know what it is to be without family of my own, over the years the Lord has allowed me to learn many lessons on family, so I understand and lift those other families up who are without their loved ones. Be blessed Quadralene and know that the Lord loves you and has good blessings in store for you and your family!

[Nan Pearl mom of Matt]

so well put! As a pediatric nurse I can't help to think how blessed I am to have had the raised my son to adulthood and to senn him make such a mark in the world. I have met far to many parents who have buried their child well before they even outgrew the magic of christmas. Please remember to say a special prayer for these families.

[Storymom]

Blessings to all the sailors away from home.
Our thoughts are with you and our hearts are indeed grateful.