Some of you may have read that I have two nephews currently serving in Afghanistan; actually it's one of my nephews and the son of another nephew who are there. My great nephew's dad made a career with the Army Reserves and now only has a couple years to go until he can retire and now he just found out he may be sent to Iraq. I know this happens but somehow when it happens in your own family it's hard to take but this will be a father and son both fighting over halfway across the world. My niece will have her husband and son both away, my sister-in-law will be without her oldest son and her first grandchild and my mother-in-law will be worried sick about her first and her last grandchild and her first great grandchild. I don't know how any of them are going to deal with it, heck I'm not doing too great and I'm just an aunt who doesn't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like to or I should!
I know I've written a lot about my feelings about the Iraq war and I've said about my nephews being in Afghanistan, a war I supported from the beginning, but how if we'd have concentrated our efforts there maybe we wouldn't still be there now. I know all three of them volunteered and although I may have my own personal opinion about members of the same family being deployed at the same time, volunteer or not, we're not the first family that has gone through this and won't be the last. Anyway, I'd just like to ask all of you here for your prayers and also for your advice for getting through this. This isn't about anyone's opinion for or against either war or for or against Bush or any other politician; this is just a friend asking her friends for support for three young men who are serving our country.
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
You will get my prayers, Annie. I wish that I could reach though cyber space to grasp your hand and send the tenderness that I feel for your worried mind with a soft look into your eyes. I have a daughter and a son-in-law both in the military and know the worry and fear that this can cause. They have a wonderful little boy who needs them. It is one of the most difficult things about life that there needs to be war and killing, but it is a part of the plan, one that is so very difficult to accept. Love and Peace, Charles [chazh9]
Thank you so very much, and your daughter and son-in-law will also be in my prayers, I promise you that! Annie [anniepa]
I'll definitely keep your family in my prayers AP. I feel somewhat ashamed as I never got involved in politics until Iraq via the economy started affecting my work and job and my personal life. You are probably right, if people like me had been more informed and mobilized earlier, perhaps we wouldn't be stuck in the quicksand as we somewhat now are in. Hopefully this will be a lesson to all of us new voters as I know I need to be more active in the future so things like this never happen again. [jormins]
You shouldn't feel ashamed at all. The important thing is that you and many others are getting involved now. It's certainly understandable how some people either didn't pay attention or didn't think it would make a difference whether they did or not. Right now, it's the future we should be focusing on and I'm very proud of our young people right now since they seem to really be getting engaged. Annie [anniepa]
Definately my prayers goes to you and your family. Dear Lord, I bring Annie's family to your hands, give them strenght and togetherness, give them courage as they wait for their loved one who are in Afghanstan. Protect those who are keeping peace and saving the wounded and give them strength, remove anxiety from the hearts of their loved ones. Give their family members and assurance that they will come back home safely. We pray and trust you oh God. Amen. Annie may God grant you strength to carry on as you wait for your loved one's safe return from the war. It is soo painful to have uncertain hope for your loved ones, I have a brother in the army and I pray for him every night though he is not deployed in any war zone! It is like having a husband or sibling who is a pilot, gosh when you hear about a plane crash your intestines just curl up and you feel like you are going to fall down. I have felt that way once when I heard news that a policeman had be gunned down by a gang of thieves.......I can't explain how mum felt! Annie, be strong and pray hard for your nephews and great nephew. God has a plan for everyone and you never know who touched them volunteer or be chosen to go to pakistan. Everything happens together for good for those who love the Lord. [kwenge]
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. War effects everyone in many different ways, none of them good. Your neice is lucky to have a person like you for an aunt. I read alot of discussions and responses from you and I could tell from day one that you were a strong, compassionate woman. You will be great support for your neice. However, dont forget about you! Its alot to take on. First by being a support system for your neice and sister and law. Secondly by taking care of you. Actually that should be first. You have to take care of number one. You'll be no good to anyone if you dont take care of your feelings, needs, etc. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Also, I have put in a prayer request with a friend of mine that is going to Italy to see the Pope. We are all rooting for you and yours. Best Wishes DL [dloveli]
I don't believe in God, don't support the war, don't support bush but I do hope the best for you and your family. Maybe if so many didn't support the war and support bush's need to go to war, then you wouldn't be in this situation. if you believe in god then your family is going because god made it happen for a reason. the bible stated "yet ALL is of god" and "EVERYTHING is according to his will" and the it was all "before ordained". It even states the "god OPERATES all in all". To operate means to Control the Function. Maybe we should look at it from a learning perspective and maybe next time we will not be so willing to send our brave young men and women to die and kill other people unless there is a valid and good reason. If your bible is true, then it is all according to God's will and he stated "his will be done". So no matter what happens to any soldier, it apparently is god's will. that is right from scripture and no my words. peace and love to you and your family and i hope all goes as you desire [beijair]
I would say that she is going to need lots of family support. They will bein my thoughts and prayers and hopefully they will be home quickly. [Thoroughrob]
do not worry , my friend. everything shall be fine and they will reurn safely. i know and have heard about the critical condition prevailing in afghanistan and iraq but hope and pray that every thing gets normal and life becomes normal there. hope to listen from you about there well being soon. t.c [mayurnagekar]
Your nephews are heroes in my mind Annie. My nephew is a hero too. He has to go back and forth between Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a major and he has to go every so often, he also has to go in harm's way often. All we can do is pray and be grateful they are there serving, and no one should ever put them down for what they are doing over there. Everyone that serves and is giving their all, and those that have given ALL are all heroes .. male or female, they are all the same to me. I appreciate their efforts. All I can say to you is keep your mind positive, pray for them and defend them. If I could hold your hand right now and pray with you I would.. be assured that I am doing it now in my thoughts. [OreoCookie3]
Thanks so much, Hon, and I agree - my nephews and yours are all heroes as are all of our brave troops. I feel that you ARE holding my hand right now, at least in spirit. Thank you! Annie [anniepa]
May the God and the Goddess keep your family wrapped in their loving embrace and safe from harm - may they return quickly and safely. You are in my prayers. Lexa [LexaNightShadows]
Don't Worry my friend.You have already seen our prayers.It will come true.There is nothing to worry.Be proud that three of your family members are serving your nation.You must be a proud man and all wishes to you and your family. [usreal]
I know its not a matter of opinion. i dont believe in the war; however i will be praying for them! [questionsnoanswers]
My prayers are with you Annie, it is very hard having to see them go to war. We know its a good cause but that doesn't make it any easier. I hope you find some sort of peace and know that other people do care. Have a nice week. [kepitreal84]
i pray to god that everything goes fine.friend ,have faith in god,he will surely b kind to u. [kasminejasmine]
Hi Annie, I recently had a close friend do a tour in Iraq and until someone close to you goes there, you just don't feel much for those guys. But with him there emailing me all the things they go through and dangers, it really brought it home to me. There is power in prayer and in God's word! Keep his word close. Sometimes I'll take scriptures and write them on 3x5 cards and post them all over the house. It reminds you that God is in control. He will protect your loved ones! God Bless! [perrytx]
I'm not a praying man, but I do hope your family will be safe. [MntlWard]
Thank you. Everyone's good wishes and hopes are appreciated whether it's in the form of a prayer or just kind words such as yours. Annie [anniepa]
Hi my friend, my prayers and support is with you. If were in your position, i would do this post too. I understand what you feel though we are not in the same country. The only thing we could do is to pray for your family's safety. Prayer can move mountain, God is so good he will hear our requests... [dhangski]
Mmm... Understood fully Annie. You don't have to worry about people on here (mylot), or at least this person. You know you can ask for support at anytime. You've got it. I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts along with others and their loved ones. Let your nephew and great nephew be safe and home soon as possible. [theprogamer]
Thanks so much, Pro, I knew I could count on your support and it means a great deal to me. It's weird, I sit and think of Brian - the oldest nephew who is almost ready to retire from the military - and I still see the little boy he was when my husband and I were first dating. It's hard to even realize he HAS a son now, let alone one who is in Afghanistan. Brian Jr. and my other nephew, Ronnie, will always be little boys to me; don't tell them that, though...lol. All of our troops are and will always be somebody's "little boys" or "little girls" and I pray for them all to come home safely ASAP and they all have my total support no matter what! Annie [anniepa]
Hey Annie, I am not sure if you remember me but you stuck up for me when I was in a discussion about the war. 5 years in Iraq. I just wanted to tell you that that meant a lot to me and it would mean a lot for me to be able to do this for you. We are just about out of recources for this war and if they pull in the reseves and national gaurd who is going to be here to protect the home front. What is our government thinking. I don't understand. I am sorry thats not the point. It just upsets me. How many more young men and women have to die to help a country that doesn't want to help themselves. I love these people that fight everyday to help others. But I hate that they are fighting for someone elses rights and not our own. Annie I will pray for you and your family along with all the other soldiers put into this position everyday until this war is over. As for advice I have none. I have never been in your position or anything close to it. I am sorry for the struggles that you and your family are going through. Yall are in my prayers and I hope that an open ear will be listening in. Trina [mrsfrodotata]
Yeah we would be in a real right state without protection. I am the one that supports the troop and not the war as you may have noticed, I just pray that everything will be figured out soon when bush is no longer in office. I pray that god is with you and your family in this difficult time and I pray that god holds thier hands while they are in Iraq, Please keep them safe and bring them home in one peice. I know that you have a plan for these men. I just pray right now that you give them the strength they need to endure this journey in their life, In Jesus name Amen. God Bless [mrsfrodotata]
Annie I will certainly add these 3 young men to my prayer list - I pray regularly for several specific service men and women as well as all serving our country. It does hit close to home when you have a family member or close friend serving our country during these times. Personally I have a son who has now served 10 years and been 'sent over' more times than I can count. As for advice for getting through this - pray pray pray. I think the hardest part for me has always been the times of not knowing, the '30 second phone call' (here's the number to call if there's and emergancy, can't tell you where I'm going, I love you Mom) [byfaithonly]
(((((((((Annie)))))))) You and I don't agree on much, and neither of us are above throwing a few "choice" words at each other. But we have also enjoyed a laugh or two, advice, and even a friendly word when it's warranted. This is time for the friendly word. Find a few friends who you are close to, preferably someone who has a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq also. Just a few though. Make an agreement with them that while you talk, any and all venting is allowed. Then hold your venting to those friends. Too often we left our worries define us. We become burdons to everyone we know because we feel that if we don't tell everyone exactly how we feel we're being phoney. Take it from a guy who lived it for too long, just because people ask, doesn't mean they care, or are entitled to the whole truth. With a few friends you totally open up to, you have a way to let off the steam. Since you all have agreed to vent only to each other, your conscience has an excuse to not have to tell everyone everything. My other advice is, don't hang on every report about the war. All that does is make you miserable and brings on more gray hair. Spending all your time freaking out about this report or that one doesn't help your loved ones at all, and costs you dearly. Send your loved ones care packages. Fill them with things that you know they like or can use. That gives you opportunities to think of them in positive ways instead of just the worrying. When you are putting the packages together, try to picture how excited they'll be to get them. When you are shopping, keep an eye out for things they would like (that doesnt mean you have to buy everything you see. They are going to be on your mind anyway, this give you positive ways to deal with it instead of dwelling on negatives. Whether you agree with the war or not, be proud of your loved ones. They aren't there for Bush, or any other politician. They are there to live up to the commitments they made. They are there because the only thing worse than what they are going through would be having to live with themselves if they didn't answer when called. You (and all family members of our troops, as well as the troops themselves) are in my prayers daily. As well as a prayer for the missions to be completed and the troops can come home. [ParaTed2k]
Thank you so much! I really can't say how much this means to me and I must say your advice is great, all of it, and I'm going to try to follow it. It goes without saying that I'm VERY proud of my nephews and of all the others who are serving our country. The two younger ones aren't in the least bit political, they enlisted for a number of reasons, one at least in part because his dad is in the military (the one who may be going to Iraq) and for both of them in part for the educational benefits. They've already both been send on special assignments where they couldn't contact anyone for a week or so and that's the most nerve-wracking part. I'm actually an optimistic person for the most part so I'm going to think positive and do my best to pass that positive energy on to the rest of the family. Thanks again! Annie [anniepa]
Now I understand your passion! I hope that they all stay safe and come home really soon! Whether or not we agree with the war or the reason, often not enough thought is given to the fact that real people are over there fighting for us! My thoughts are with you and yours my friend! [skinnychick]
I hope so for your family too. :) [skinnychick]
I am so sorry Annie. I know you are stressed out and worried, as is your whole family. You and your family will be in my prayers. [lilwonders123]
I am so sorry to hear this. I know that it is honorable to want to fight for your country, but that does not make it any easier for the people who love them. I will be praying that all three of them come home safely real soon. The only way I know that you will be able to get through this is pray, remain strong and keep yourself busy. God bless you. [Rozie37]
I have no advice for you nor do I have any soft words of encouragement. Our young people have been fighting and risking their lives for our country, our citizens, our freedoms and the freedom of others since our country began. Your family members are joining the honored ranks of the others that have served courageously before them. They are what makes this country the greatest country in the history of the world. They should be honored among us. Though I don't know them, I am extremely proud of them and their service. And of course the sacrifice of their families. You are no less heroic than they are. In fact, the role of those loved ones that stay behind is often times more difficult than the ones serving. I am proud of you as well. May God bless you and give you peace in heart and mind. May he also keep your loved ones safe. If you correspond with them please let them know that they are in our prayers every night. When I pray with my boys at night, we ALWAYS pray that God would keep our soldiers safe and to help them get their job done and come home soon. Thank those young men for me for their service and thank you and your family for your sacrifice. [Guardian208]
I will of course keep them in my Thought Sweet I know what you are going through believe me [gabs8513]
I'm sorry I'm only now just seeing this annie, but of course you have my prayers for your nephews safety as they go to Iraq. I have to admit I'm confused though. I thought long time ago the military prohibited family members to be serving at the same time ever since I believe it was during World War II when three brothers were in the Navy I think and serving together...all three were killed on board their ship, after that the govt sanctioned that family members could not go or be sent together during wartime to prevent something like this happening again [pyewacket]
I definitely feel for you Annie. I hope and pray that this war will end soon and that they will all return home safely. All I know to tell you right now, is to hold them deep inside your heart and keep praying for them. I pray they will return home to you soon. [stephcjh]
Thank you, Steph, for your kind words and for bringing this post back to my attention since I see I haven't thanked all my other dear friends here for their kind words and prayers. Right now we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for Brian Jr. and Ronnie as they'll be coming home, hopefully for good, in November. So far Brian Sr. hasn't gotten notification that he'll be sent to Iraq. That wasn't for sure and I was praying he wouldn't be and maybe my prayers will be answered, or at least he likely won't be going, if he goes, until after his son comes home. When my own loved ones come home I'll still be praying every day and night for those who remain in harm's way! Bless them all and thanks to them and their families. Annie [anniepa]