Emergency Prayer Request

Emergency Prayer Request

Good Evening fellow bloggers and followers.

I have an Emergency Prayer request.

I received a text from Jacob at 1203 hours this afternoon. He knows I get out of church around 1200 hours. When I saw the time I knew it was important. I called immediately. As best as has been determined at this point one of his fellow soldiers that he has kept in contact with since Basic Training and AIT was seriously injured yesterday. It seems he was involved in a secondary IED attack while going out on a rapid response to a primary IED attack. He received numerous shrapnel wounds on the left side of his body and face. He was talking and we are hoping no brain damage occurred. It appears the IED was packed with ball bearings which cause severe damage when traveling at explosive speeds.

Please put in your prayers and pass it on to your friends the complete and full recovery of Specialist Monte "Ike" Lesh.

Thank you so very, very much and Jacob thanks you also.

Pops

Silly Things Parents Do

I received a text this morning from Jacob. Nothing unusual there. He often texts (?) me during the week. Secretly I think he is checking up on the old guy. Nonetheless I got a text. It was short and sweet so to speak. This is our brief but informative transmissions:

Jacob: Tonight, 2130 exiting another high performance military aircraft, make sure you wave.

Pops: Roger that, don't look down!

Jacob: Never!

Pops: K (For non texters, short for "OK")

Simple enough wouldn't you say. Notice the "make sure you wave" Therein lies the Post Title, Silly Things Parents Do. Go get a beverage, box of popcorn, turn off the TV and tell your spouse you are reading something written by a NUT. Well I am a Buckeye and Buckeyes are nuts!

It started a long time ago in a land far, far way, Georgia I believe is the name of the province, Fort Benning is the name of the hamlet. I received a phone call from PFC Courtright telling me he would be "exiting a high performance military aircraft" at a certain hour. Being the good father I am (I think so and I'm the one that counts for me) I told him I would wave to him as he floated down from the heavenly sky. Of course he thought I was joking and said he would wave back if time permitted. Fat chance he has about, I don't know 20-30 seconds to make sure everything is ok, drop his pack and prepare for the sudden stop. But I ramble.

At the precise hour like all good husbands at the appointed time I am sitting in my Lazy Boy with my remote in MY hand. ABNMOMMA was not allowed to handle the remote if I was home. I exited a high performance civilian Lazy Boy and since our passive solar house faces south, imagine that, walked out on the front porch, looked south, extended my right arm in the air and did a manly beauty queen wave. After about 10-15 seconds I returned to my former position as the King of my castle in my throne and again took up the remote and began to surf.

A puzzled look came over ABNMOMMA'S face. After a short time she couldn't stand it and asked the question, "What were you doing?" I explained in detail of course, it's the manly thing to do. She gave me that wifely look like, what did I marry, immediately put her nose back in the book she was reading and mumble something my ears were not to hear, which they didn't.

Ever since that first "exiting a high performance military aircraft" Jacob has gotten word to me of the jump. I in turn have gone to the front porch at the appropriate time and waved. More often than not shortly afterward I get a message informing me of the quality of the contact with mother earth.

In case you are wondering, yes, I will be on my front porch at 2130 hours tonight, looking south and waving.

Parents do the silliest things.

Tell me/us/the blog-o-sphere about your silly thing with your kid or kids!

They call me Pops

A Great Cartoon

Hi Gang,

All is well at the Mark 1:11 Outrage Blog. Just taking a little time and working on some good posts. I hope you will think they are good.

For a great laugh go over to the Jungle Hut, Jungle Mom does a Saturday Morning Cartoon and today's is so worldly appropriate. Check it out @ The Jungle Hut.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads.

Pops

Let George Do It

Before I get started I want to wish Sgt Mark, soon to Civilian Mark Middlebrook a very happy life and good luck with his new college life and puppy Glider. Most of you know Sgt. Mark from his father's blog, The One Percenters. Sgt. Mark is leaving the Army today. Drop over to Sgt./Civilian Mark's blog Outside the Wire and wish him a good life. Congratulations for a job well done and thank you for your service to our country. HOOOOOOAAAAHHHH!


Has you may have noticed this blog has been a little quiet lately. With Specialist Jacob home at Fort Bragg and doing training missions and the like our family has taken a little breather. I would take this time to say that my lovely daughter has taken the time and opportunity to schedule us a little 4th of July trip to Fayville. Now this will be fun. It is the first time I have ridden 8 hours in a van with four children ages 6, 4,2, and 6 months. My son-in-law Jason remarked this will be the first time he has been in a van for 8 hours with me! Just kidding Sarah, just kidding, (She reads my blogs, when she's bored, I think). Jacob is scheduled to "exit a high performance aircraft at approximately 900 feet altitude" and fall effortlessly to the ground and land on his feet, we hope, on July 4th.

But, that's not why I am blogging today. Ever since Jacob joining the ARMY and got his AIRBORNE wings I have thought about jumping out an airplane. I have a friend who doesn't live far from here with two sons in the ARMY, both AIRBORNE and I am embarrassed to say she has jumped! Every time I see her, usually at the world's largest retailer while I'm working she asks me if I have jumped yet. I beg off and come up with some excuse as to why I haven't. Well today I am MOTIVATED.

Today, at the young age of 85 the First President Bush bailed out of an airplane to celebrate his birthday. Now this guy has got some intestinal fortitude if you ask me. If he can do it I am here to tell you I can do it. When I go to Fayville in July I am going to see how Jacob and I can get together someplace and sometime and give it a shot. NO GUTS, NO GLORY. (Besides, I am tired of being called a "leg" by him and his buddies!") Maybe I get a little respect like an old guy should get. Then again, maybe I'll get a broken leg! Ouch! Hmmm, Broken leg, time off work, Let me think about this.

God Bless America and our Brave young Warriors

Is This What our Sons and Daughters are Fighting For!

It is taking all the control I can muster not to let off with a string of epithets that would make this post XXX.

This seven minute video is despicable to say the least. Catch the bumper sticker on the white van at the end of the video.

Clik here for a disgusting muslim (I refuse to use a capital M) protest.

In God We Trust, America, Love it or Leave it!!!

Pops

This kid has to be military

Things are going well with Jacob and the ARMY so I have decided to post something lite. No Airborne Dad not lite beer! Lite humor!!

MOSES AND THE RED SEA

Nine year old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were save."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.

Well,no, Mob but if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

This child has to have a parent in the military!!

Give credit where credit is due. This story stolen from the May/June 2009 issue of Backwoods Home Magazine.

Pops

Are you going to finish strong!

My fellow blogger the Most Rev. Gregori has absolute the most awesome video about shear guts and determination at his blog LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN. It is a must viewing. I give it a 10 for 10! Clik on his blog and then on the video. If this dosen't make you so glad for what you have you ain't gotta a heart!

How you going to FINISH?

By the way, Specialist Jacob landed on his feet Tuesday night and then fell on his butt. He called and whined about a bruise. I am going to have him view this video and then ask him again how the ride down and landing was. Betcha, he changes his mind!

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!

First let me thank all of you who responded to my post of the passing of my wonderful wife. I thank you for your prayers and comments. I wish I could personally thank you all in person. She was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed by me, her children, her grandchildren and patients. Bless you all.

A gentleman from the Funeral Home came to visit me today. He was a nice man and very considerate. He wanted to know how I and the family were doing. He left me with a brochure which I really didn't want but being a kind and gentler man today than two weeks ago I accepted it. I only mention this as the reason I am posting tonight. It discussed proper etiquette regarding Thank you cards and other appropriate issues. What it didn't discuss was when it was acceptable to return to your internet/blogging friends and family. Again, I just wish it were possible to personally thank all of your for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Mark 1:11 was named and dedicated to my youngest son, Jacob, who is in the ARMY. He is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd AIRBORNE Division. He is in the same unit that Airborne Dad of the One Percenters son, Mark, is in although as of this time they have actually never met.

Mark 1:11 for those of you who may not know it is a Chapter and verse in the Bible. It is what God said about Jesus after Jesus was baptized by John.

Passage Mark 1:11:
¹¹And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

I felt this was an appropriate passage and summed up my feelings for him even before he joined the ARMY. I explain all this to lead up why I am posting tonight. During the past two weeks he spent nearly every hour of his leave with me. He drove me to the Doctors, to the Mall, and yes to the Funeral Home. He stood by while I wept and he stood by while I slept. Ramrod straight in his dress greens and spit shined boots. Nearly never showing emotion only concern for me and his brother and sister. In a statement, "he was there." This is not to say his brother and sister were not, but only to say he was. His mother was so terribly proud of him and worried like all mother's and father's do when he was deployed. She prayed daily not only for him but all the soldiers, sailors, marines and airman. She was a Blue Star mom and proud of it. She would approve of my posting tonight. This is why.

Jacob called today. He was on his way home from work. It was about 6:30PM for you civilians, 1830 hours for the military families. It was the usual questions about how you doing.? How was work? I returned on Tuesday. Everything OK? I did inform him I had received his text about his need to spill the contents of his stomach on his first run Tuesday morning. I got it about the time I was eating my breakfast. What timing. He just chuckled and said he would try to do it again. I told him he need not bother as I have been on runs and got sick also, so I know the feeling.

Then as a matter of fact he told me he had received the Army Achievement Medal today. He said it was presented by the BC (Brigade Commander) at an awards ceremony this afternoon. It was for dedication to his job and outstanding achievement in the performance of his duties. Of course I wanted to know all the facts and what it was about. He simply replied, I was just doing what I am trained and paid to do dad, that's all. Just my job.

After we hung up I thought to myself, Isn't that what they all are doing? What they are trained to do. Protect us, uphold the Constitution of the United States and keep us safe from harm. Every young man and woman who puts on a military uniform should be called up in front of the brigade and given a medal. Thanks to them all.

ABNMOMMA would approve of my posting, I'm sure.

The End of a Chapter

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³ He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

ABNPOPPA and ABNMOMMA'S Great Adventure began on April 22, 1977. From a very strong discussion about woman's lib in college to the red color she wanted to paint the living room. Always, always a great adventure. At the young age of 21 she took up the challenge of raising a six year son which she was not the birth mother. She blessed me with a daughter and second son, Jacob, the warrior paratrooper.

We honeymooned in a two man pup tent because we couldn't afford a motel and it rained four of the 5 days. Soaked sleeping bags, soaked clothes but never a complaint. Always a smile and it will be better the next time.

She nursed not only the children she raised but in her 32 years as a Registered Nurse gave only the best care she could give to thousands of patients both in the hospital and later as a nurse who went to the patients homes because they couldn't travel to the doctor's office or pay to stay in a nursing home. I had the honor of driving her thru snow and ice to visit patients when the Sheriff''s department said any one on the roads would be arrested because they were so bad. Her patients needed her service and she was going to see they got it. During one winter blizzard the local police department sent out a four wheel drive vehicle to see she got to where she had to go.

She nursed her patients and nursed her family spending hours and hours with her mother when she developed pancreatic cancer. She nursed ABNPOPPA when he had emergency surgery on Christmas eve and she nursed more neighborhood kids than you could count.

She was a nurse's nurse.

She was a mom, grandma and wife to me for the best years of my life. On Tuesday morning she left the world we lived in together for nearly 32 years after a heroic battle against lung cancer. She was 53 years old.

This is not the end to our Great Adventure, only the ending of a chapter in the book. She has gone on to map out our next chapter as she always did finding places to stay, usually with a beach and usually with some historic sites. I will only have to say as I always did, where are we going and when do we leave.

Let not your heart be troubled, she has gone on to prepare the way, the same as our Savior.

ABNMOMMA, I love you Tiger! Thanks for giving me the best years of my life.

Pops

Things I don't need to know*

After a whirl wind tour through the sunny south, Thanks in part to AIRBORNE DAD who did some kind of special sun dance for us yankees, we arrived back at Fayville on Sunday evening. Specialist Jacob and his 1500 close friends had gotten back on Saturday from there camping trip.

This trip was very special to us as we got to visit with Jacob's battle buddy, Sgt. Anderson's mother who had also recently arrived. We missed each other when our boys came back from their tour in Iraq. This was our first time to just chat and visit. It was just fantastic. For those of you who don't know Sgt. Anderson lost his father while he was stationed in Iraq. See my post of February 12, 2008. It tells Sgt Anderson's story. The story is continued on my post of 3/30/08.

Sgt. Anderson, who will now be called by his Christian name Kody, fired up the grill, got out some of his "secret Lousianna sauce" and barbecue up some fine steaks, burgers and dogs. Several of "the guys" just happened to show up at dinner time and like all good soldiers and their families they shared with each other. Even the beverage. I believe it was soda pop. At least the cans were silver like Diet Coke! Kody's new bride whipped up a southern salad of green onions, carrots, sun flower seeds, sliced nuts, and her mother's recipe for the dressing. It was fantastic.

What struck me as the oldest person there was this. First, as I looked on and listened to these young men who had just spent 10 days in the muck, mud, rain and cold there were no complaints. Not one. They discussed, no they dissected the training session in a manner of a surgeon. What went right. What went wrong. What could be improved on. How can we do this better. Jacob is the oldest and is only 28 but as I listened I knew I was listening and observing professional soldiers. The finest soldiers any country can produce. Truly, The One Percenters.

The second thing about these young men was the respect. When Kody saw me get out of my car with ABNMOMMA he immediately stood up, removed his sacred LSU hat and came to the car. He shook my hand and then gave me a bear hug like none other. He immediately went to ABNMOMMA and hugged her, a little easier then escorted her to the garage and secured her a chair. It was raining slightly and we did the cook in the garage barbecue. As the other soldiers arrived, it was always the firm handshake then the bear hug. ABNMOMMA and Kody's mother were always addressed as mom or Mrs. or mame. Lady's first through the serving line and appropriate seating at the table. Not one swear word was uttered in the presence of the ladies. Can't say as much in the presence of the men (me).

Every time I am blessed to see these young warriors I feel a sense of pride that sometimes in nearly uncontrollable. Guess, I'm getting to be an old softie. Be that as it may. These guys and gals are the absolute best people on earth, IMHO!

God Bless them for what they do and keep on doing.

*Better discussed NOT in mixed company. That's all I am saying.