One Year ago today "Levi"

[Frieda]

I wanted to give a warm and HUGE, THANK YOU to Navy for Moms.
One year ago today, I learned the true meaning of N4M's while the site was still in its infancy. I believe I am mom 327, My son had left for Boot Camp and PIR 5/2 was 10 days away. I received the frightening phone call from him at the North Chicago VA, that he had been admitted with Guillian Barre Syndrome. A very nice nurse had asked him if he had spoken to his parents yet, he had not and he let him use his cell phone. While, I listened to my son, my heart felt as though it had stopped, but the mother mode in me went in to effect with reassuring that he would be okay and we had God on our side.

That night I learned the true meaning of FRIENDSHIP and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I posted my first blog, I had never done this before, and within 20 minutes, I received multiple information and direction on what to do and who to contact,, the prayers were amazing, God does answer prayers.

In less than 24hours, his father and I were at his bedside. The vigil, updates, the visit from a N4M and cards were amazing. These wonderful women followed me through Ship 6, Ship 17 and now home. The comadre is one that I believe I will never have again.

Who would have ever believed that invisible moms online could meet each other in person and feel like they have known each other all their lives.
To Navy for Moms, I love you and I thank you and Praise you for creating this Wonderful Site.
Frieda

[Brenda S., aka, Sailor Moon]

Frieda, that is a beautiful story. I feel the same way. Bless you.

[T's Proud Momma ~ Es]

It's amazing how much love can come from vitural strangers. I hope that all is well now for your son & thank you for sharing your story. God Bless you always, Es

[Joyce Tucson Mom]

And you, my dearest Frieda, have been a fountain of love and inspiration to us all . . . LOVE you BUNCHES:)!

[Karen Gallagher]

Frieda!! I am so thankful that Levi is doing well there was never a time that you and your lovely family were not in my thoughts and prayers. We were so blessed with Levi and all of you God BLess

[LynnDear]

What that really a year ago? It seems like yesterday. You are family dear lady and so is Levi. I was honored to meet you in AZ and I was so happy to meet Levi. God did answer many prayers. You didn't mention that you were also sick this year and Levi was able to take care of you. Maybe he was meant to be home. Bless you.

[Pat L. in IL]

Dear Frieda, A year has gone by already? I think I am #493. At the time Levi was ill, we hadn't even been to PIR yet. So many times, I ask myself why I didn't think to come up there and visit you???? I think everything and everyone on the site were just to new to be organized. Well, Frieda, I want you to know that I really regret that it didn't occur to me to come up to the hospital and I apologize. You are one of the dearest people I have ever had the privilege to call my friend. Much love and blessings to you and Levi. Pat

[Frieda]

Oh my goodness, please never, never apologize, your friendship and support from all the moms here have been amazing.We are Navyformoms and we do what we do best. Support each other!

[Steve's Mom]

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[Ellen]

Frieda!! I almost NEVER go to the main page any more, but I am so glad that I did! I just checked my settings...I'm Ellen247....so funny. What would we have done without each other last year? I prayed for your Levi and you prayed for my Jim and, when we finished, we prayed some more! What a year. Jim has been stationed overseas since November -- so hard for me:( He, on the other hand, loves his job and his life. He has even been talking about OCS! Who knew? He's attached to NATO as a Maritime Intelligence Analyst so you can imagine what he is working on almost exclusively now....very serious situation over there. Pray for our sailors! I know that you don't need my encouragement to do that.
How is Levi now? How are you? I'm a total klutz - broke my ankle three weeks ago today (not much of an anniversary!) I had to have surgery to put in a metal plate and 8 screws to put it back like it was supposed to be...all I can say is ouch!! Am going tomorrow to get my staples out and get a more permanent hard cast, but don't know how much longer on the crutches. I only know I'm too old and out of shape for them! Oh, well, enough complaining. My kids say that I'll have a cool scar. Of course, they'd say anything to be nice to me since it was one of their tennis shoes on the stairs that I tripped on while carrying down a laundry basket that started the whole adventure! Never mind, it's beautiful here in Tennessee in the spring and I have lots of time to sit on the back porch and enjoy.
Frieda, I miss our e-mails, but I am so glad that the good Lord put us together during that time. You're right, God is on our side and it will all be fine, even when it looks hopeless. Oh, one more good thing to tell you -- my twin sister, Eileen, survived her stem cell transplant and is recovering slowly but surely. She's coming to stay with me for a week next month...that seemed impossible just a few months ago. God is good. Love to you, Levi and your other son (I'm sorry, I can't remember his name right now). Ellen

[Molly mom of 2 + 330,701 sailors]

Frieda ~ Oh my a year already. I too remember when this happened and it was also the first time I truly realized what this N4M site can do. Withen minutes we were all on the phone working to help. And so blessed when it did. Darling Frieda it was such a joy meeting you in AZ and seeing that wonderful young man of ours Levi. God Bless you ~ you have a heart of gold !