TDT #6- A Bassoon AND a Rifle?

One of the ways I have always done my countdowns when my  husband is away is by counting trash days.  Most of the time it isn't as daunting a number as the estimated number of days he'll be gone.  And it helps me remember to put the trash out, or rather encourage my boys to put the trash out since it's their job.  So this will be my new weekly post, and I'll just really post whatever, no real set theme.  Please feel free to join me on this adventure of counting down the time until your loved one comes home!

Last week, Michael and I attended an event at the high school where a bunch of colleges sent representatives to talk to students.  It was a bit overwhelming for me to really see that my first born will be leaving the nest and spreading his wings in the near future.   I was so proud of him though, watching him go from table to table and ask questions about the programs he was interested in.

What really made me proud was Michael going to all the different Military recruiters and talking to them about their band programs.  He really wants to play in one of the Military bands.  All of the recruiters were quite impressed with him, with the exception of one and unfortunately it was the one that Michael was most interested in, too bad that recruiter was a huge jerk.  Thankfully the others got him excited and are working on getting Michael auditions set up for the February time frame. Michael recognizes that it is very difficult and competitive to get a slot in the band and has made the decision to start dedicating himself to prepare should he be fortunate enough to get an audition.

All of our boys have expressed the desire to serve in the Military at some point in their lives.  None have said they want to make it a career, they simply want to serve their country like their parents. That makes me so proud.  That being said, it's a scary concept as a mother.  I've sent my husband off to war and that has been difficult know what he experienced.  I still want to protect my child from nightmares, not send him into one.  I know that's being dramatic, but it's how I feel.  At the same time I am proud of Michael for wanting to do what less than 1% of America is willing to do.  And while joining the Military to serve in the band sounds wimpy (trust me, we've heard it all), what a lot of people don't know is that the band deploys a lot and when they deploy they end up pulling a lot of security.  No matter what branch, they are still Soldiers, Marines, Airman, Sailors first!

As we were walking out of the high school and Michael chatted with some of his friends about the tables they visited (btw, still flattered by the girls who told Michael I didn't look old enough to be his mom!), it was fun to hear why everyone was choosing which schools.  And people were very impressed with Michael's desire to serve in the Military and combine it with his passion of music.

We left the high school on a high note.  We came home, talked about our experience, waited for the other kids to get home and then I remembered I had been asked to help with a send off for a unit that was deploying to Afghanistan.  I quickly changed and headed out to our USO.

I knew I would be emotional, goodbyes always do that to me.  What I did not anticipate was being overwhelmed with emotions as it hit me that it could be my son in the next couple years loading those buses.  There was a set of parents there with their young Soldier and the anguish on their face just broke my heart.

When Michael was in JROTC his freshman year, my  heart almost stopped the first time I saw him in his uniform.  I was not prepared to see him look like a Soldier.  I thought after he decided not to continue with JROTC that his desire to serve would go away.  It hasn't.  He is so serious about this, my child who dislikes sports has talked to his Fitness and Conditioning teacher (who happens to be the high school wrestling coach) and asked for his help in getting ready for basic training.  If all works out, Michael would like to go to basic training between his junior and senior year.  That's 8 months away, folks! 

As the bus pulled away, and I could hear the families crying it made my heart ache.  It took me back to when we bid our own farewells to Kevin but then it took me forward into a place that I'm not yet familiar. Will that be my son in a couple years and will I be strong enough to stand there and smile through the tears?

 

Have your children expressed the desire to serve their country and how do you feel about it?

Month of the Military Child 2012

April is Month of the Military Child. Our three boys have only known Army life. I am amazed at the example they set for us in so many ways. I often refer to them as my silent warriors because so often do they endure this lifestyle in such a stalwart manner. I hope to share with my readers this month, some stories about Military Children and ways we can celebrate these amazing spirits!

Month of the Military Child 2011 Interviews

Today is the last day of April and we will conclude it on our blog (though we will continue to always celebrate our Military kids every single day) by posting the interviews I did with my own three Army brats. You may have to turn up the volume to hear Daniel because he was rather soft-spoken. I could have redone it and had him speak louder but I wanted to capture their first response and didn't want to coach them into answering any of the questions so what you see is pure honesty and instinct on their parts.

At one point Daniel mentions sending Flat Stanley to his dad to see what Iraq is like. It has been a wonderful project and helped not only our kids but other kids to see that "war" isn't so scary. We have encouraged many Military members to do their own Flat/G.I. Stanley projects to keep connected during separation. You can see what we did with our G.I. Stanley project here.

I didn't expect to have two videos that together would be over 15 minutes long but that's what happened. I hope that you'll leave some feedback for the boys and their answers. They were quite excited about doing this and kept reminding me that we needed to get it done.

So here you go, your questions answered by Military children!

Month of the Military Child April 2011

This picture always makes me want to cry. This was just 2 years ago when Kevin was headed back to Iraq after his R&R. It had been a difficult deployment to this point and as you could see the boys were not happy about having to send him back. I know that this picture would appear to say that our kids "suffer" but I don't agree. These are tears of love. The boys have only known Army life. They haven't known anything else. It has certainly been a roller coaster of emotions.
The boys are proud of the time that both Kevin and I have served in the Military. I have NEVER heard my children express hate for this lifestyle. My boys are such an example to me of strength and endurance.
I would be lying if I said I never thought about what damage we might be causing our kids with this unique lifestyle. When we moved here to Fort Leonard Wood, we all had a hard transition and we felt extreme guilt about what our kids might have had to leave behind. Great teachers, good friends, awesome school programs. But then our kids did what they always do, they bounced back and they ended up with great teachers, good friends and awesome school programs.
Our kids are so lucky because in their 9, 13 and 15 years of life they have collected a large group people that love them. I could call any number of people from around the world if we ever had a need. Every child should feel so loved.
This life surely isn't easy and I know our kids face different types of challenges than other kids but they are proud of Soldier, and if you don't believe me, just look at this picture.

Month of the Military Child 2011

I love that the Military recognizes our youngest warriors.

April is Month of the Military Child and is being celebrated with a theme of "Celebrate Military Children: The Strength of Our Future" on Army garrisons.

More than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the armed forces. And it is estimated that more than 900,000 children have had one or both parents deployed multiple times.

I plan on dedicating many entries throughout April to our Military children. I am starting it off with a video I made last year interviewing my own children, all three who have known nothing else but life in the Army. I plan on making a new video this month and I'd love to get questions from others.

What would you like to ask a Military Child?

Leave questions in my comments or leave a question for the boys at formspring. I hope to get lots of participation.

Month of the Military Child Interview

To finish Month of the Military Child, I interviewed my own Military Children. They are proud to be Army Brats. Oh and I interviewed my husband too, just because I can.



Oh, and in response to the debate over whether the term BRAT is insulting to our Military Children, the consensus in our home says NO. In fact, they think it's silly that so many people get bent out of shape over such a silly thing.

My kids are quite proud to be Army BRATS - BOLD RESPONSIBLE ADAPTIVE & TOLERANT

Wordless Wednesday, Month of the Military Child (Goodbye)

My Military Children

It's month of the Military child and there are news stories, websites and many other things out t here talking about it. I want to talk about our amazing Army children.

I don't know if I can convey in words what examples our boys are to us. You hear so much about the spouses waiting at home, serving in the silent ranks and all of that, but to me, my kids are so much stronger. They serve, they endure, they just do what they need to do. It doesn't mean they aren't affected.

Michael, Neil and Daniel were born into this lifestyle, they have never known anything outside of uniforms, combat boots, military vehicles and lots of camouflage. They have lived in many different states and even in another country. They have said too many goodbyes and experienced amazing hellos. They have attended many schools, gone through many friends and visited many museums (our family loves Military museums). They soak in as much experience and opportunity as they can. I admit that I have often wondered if this lifestyle has harmed them in some way but looking at the boys, I have to say that I don't think so. They are amazing, well rounded, resilient little men.

They have had to endure a lot but I am amazed at how well they do. The spirit they bring and the things they accomplish. I am in awe of their strength and their coping skills.

When my oldest son (now 14), was 11 and his dad was in Iraq, I found him snuggled under his blankets crying softly. When I asked him what was wrong he said simply, "I just miss my dad, sometimes it makes me cry." It broke my heart, yet still gave me relief that he was releasing those emotions.

It doesn't matter where or for how long our Soldier is gone, every goodbye is filled with emotion. While I dislike to see my children hurt, I admit that the tears are comforting because it shows the deep love they have for their father.

The boys don't sit around moping though, no, they get up and do what they need to do. When their grief is too much, they come to me for comfort, we cuddle, we snuggle, we talk and then they move on.

I am amazed at their endurance. They turn what some think is a bad thing and turn it into a positive. Michael did a service project where he collected over 1800 beanie babies for his dad to hand out in Iraq. Daniel constantly wrote letters and drew pictures to show his love and support. Neil helped both his brothers but I admit, he mostly helped me with his assurance of our Lord's love and his confidence that all would be well. Even at the tender age of 9, he didn't mince words, he knew their was a chance his daddy wouldn't come home but he knew, because of our bond, all would be well regardless.

Our boys know the reality of war. They have friends who have lost their fathers. They have memories of playing in our front yards with other kids and their dads and then hearing that those dads aren't coming home. They know Soldiers who have lost their limbs, they don't stare, they smile, they laugh and they play with them. We have visited older Veterans and I am so proud of my boys for not backing away, letting them hug them and kiss their cheeks. They understand the price that has been paid for their Freedom.

I love that the boys carry a sense of pride that cannot be defined in words. Their daddy is a Soldier and with that comes much sacrifice, not just from him, but from the entire family. I rely on the example of these three young boys the Lord has blessed me with to help carry me through.

In April, we honor our Military Children. But I have to be honest, I honor and admire my special Military Children every single day.

Wordless Wednesday, Month of the Military Child

April is Month of the Military Child: Free Gift from Soldiers' Angels

During the month of April 2010, to show military children we recognize their sacrifices and appreciate the role they have in military families, soldiers Angel would like to send each child with a parent who has served in OEF or OIF a gift of our esteem and love.Children can select from a dark-blue silicone bracelet with the Soldiers' Angels logo, or a dog tag (includes keychain adapter) with a raised Soldiers' Angels logo and the Soldiers' Angels mission statement (click below for detailed views).

Click Here

April is Month of the Military Child

Throughout the month of April, I will post different things in regards to honoring our Military Children.

I am an Army Brat. My hometown is nowhere, my friends are everywhere, and if I haven't been someplace yesterday, I am sure to go there tomorrow. I grew up with bugle calls and artillery salutes and the knowledge that home is where the heart is and the family--with no dependence on the dwelling.

Mobility is my way of life. I have found security and happiness in motels and guest houses, in duplexes and apartments around the world. Some would wonder about my roots, yet they are as deep and strong as the mighty oak's. I sink them quickly, absorbing all an area offers and hopefully giving enrichment in return.

Like all Army dependents, I can say "Hello," "Good-bye," and count to 20 in five languages. I can tell of the shores of Maine, the marketplaces of Mexico, the Buddhas of Japan; and my knickknack shelves look like those of an import shop, for my memories span the globe.

Travel has taught me to be open. By age nine I had seen more of the world than most people do in a lifetime; I had touched many and allowed their cultures to touch me. Shaking hands with the universe, I found a brotherhood in all men.

Just as there is joy in meeting, so is there pain in parting; and although practice makes perfect, there is no way to perfect "Good-bye." Farewells are never easy. Yet, even in sorrow comes strength and an ability to face tomorrow with anticipation. And if when I leave one place I feel that half my world has been left behind, I also know that the other half is still waiting to be met.

As an Army Brat, I go out to others extending hand and heart. Friendships are formed in hours and kept for decades. I will never grow up with someone, but I will mature with many, and the help that I offer today will be returned farther down the road. Be it inevitable that paths part, there is constant hope that they will meet again.

I feel fortunate to live in a society of tradition drawing from the past to enhance the present - where silver baby cups announce life, horse-drawn caissons pronounce death and the living in between is dedicated to the service of God, man and our nation.

Love of country, respect and pride fill my being when Old Glory passes in review. As I stand to honor that flag, so also do I stand to honor all soldiers, most especially to the man whose life created mine -- my father. Because of him I have shared in the rich heritage of Army life.

Now, as Army wife and mother, I have passed on that legacy to my children. I wish for them a wealth of experiences and knowledge and love, so that their lives will be blessed as mine, and I pray that one day they will join me in boasting, "I am an Army Brat!"

Deborah W. Giusti