One of the many things I have discovered as a Mom of a son in the Army, is that you get to sort of "adopt" the friends that are serving alongside your son. And that includes their families! What a special blessing it is to pray for them and support them as they are working to bring liberty and order to evil and chaotic parts of the world. With equal importance prayers are also said for the wives and children separated from their loved one and on their own until their soldier returns.

I have had the privilege of praying for Eric's buddy Gabe while he is in Iraq, and for Mari (his wife) and their girls here at home. I met Gabe and Mari at an ROTC dinner back when Eric and Gabe were in college at Azusa Pacific. Both Eric and Gabe were on the APU football team, and Gabe was a groomsman in Eric and Chelsea's wedding. Gabe and Mari were married later that same year. It has been interesting to follow the "boys" through college and on into their military service. When Eric deployed to Baghdad in 2007, Gabe and Mari helped Chelsea with many practical household things and were just there for her in many ways. (That is a special attribute you find in military people that the civilian world could take some lessons from...)

Mari and the girls were in Rocklin last week for a wedding and squeezed in a stop at our house! It was really fun to see them. Gabe's parents were with them, so I had a nice visit with them too. I will have to find out how Kathy liked shopping at The Galleria! Natalie had a great time with the little girls--she loves getting the chance to be a big sister! Mari has done a fantastic job throughout the deployment and is an amazing young mother! It was special to be able to give her a hug.

Gabe is due to come home in two months, and we are counting down the days with Mari and all of Gabe's family--what a great day that will be!

A Very Special Father's Day....

One of the many great things about living where we do now, is that it is only about a 2 hour drive from Chris' folks house. So, we were able to have them here for Father's Day weekend. It was really a fun time. We talked, laughed, played Canasta (Dad and I had some great cards and beat Mom and Natalie---just had to brag since they really skunked us the last time we played! Some of you may be thinking that they let Dad win because of Father's Day, but let me assure you, Mom and Natalie are way too competitive for that!!) and just enjoyed being together. Chris BBQ'd hamburgers on Saturday and yummy chicken (thanks for the recipe, Tom!) on Sunday. The weather even cooperated and kept the temperatures quite comfortable. It was special to be able to honor two wonderful fathers.

Honoring the Dad in My House

Thirty-one years ago I was blessed to find a man to spend my life with that had all the qualities of my Dad (and with Dad, the bar was set high!). Not only has he been a wonderful godly husband, but he has loved being a Dad. Loving, laughing, leading, guiding, sacrificing, praying, providing, are all adjectives that describe Chris. Chris, I love you---you are a man among men, and a father of honor. Happy Father's Day!

Only a Dad (by Edgar Guest)

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,
Merely one of the surging crowd,
Toiling, striving from day to day,
Facing whatever may come his way,
Silent whenever the harsh condemn,
And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,
To smooth the way for his children small,
Doing with courage stern and grim
The deeds that his father did for him.
This is the line that for him I pen:
Only a dad, but the best of men.

*The picture is of Chris holding Michael--- who, like any younger brother, is wearing Eric's hat!

Dad, I Love You

As far back as I can remember, June was the month connected to my Dad. His birthday and Father's Day always arrived within a few days of each other. Within his household of five girls, he was king! Although my Dad is home with the Lord now, I think of him often and miss him--especially every year in June. I will always be thankful to have had such a wonderful loving father. In honor of you, Dad:

Father of Mine by Sarah K. Marinee

Father of mine, some years ago
You showed me the way I ought to go;
You led my feet past the treach'rous sand
By the gentle clasp of your own strong hand.

Father of mine, let me thank you for
The prayers you prayed and the burden you bore.
Like a guiding star thro' the tempests' strife,
All your precepts have shone on my path of life.

Father of mine, when the time has passed
And the work of my life is complete at last,
When I step ashore on the glory strand
With a grateful heart I will clasp your hand.