My son's memorial

PFC Wise Memorial
Originally uploaded by melpeloquin

To all who have sent their condolences...thank you.

Final Goodbye

I guess the only thing left to do to wrap up here is say goodbye. Chris died in a car accident on April 18, 2007. By all accounts, he was well on his way to being an outstanding soldier. I miss him so very much, but I know he is at peace.

My Final Post

Now that Chris is with his permanent unit, I have decided to wrap up my little project and say "Good-bye." It's becoming more and more difficult to find anything to write about, and then there's the concern of revealing too much when I do think of something.

So, I'd like to thank everyone who has stopped by, this has been therapeutic and educational for me, and I appreciate the opportunity to share this journey with you. Please keep Chris, and all of our brave military men and women, in your prayers.

God bless you, and God bless America.

*Oh- and one more thing: I should at least let you know how Chris is doing since he left...

He is loving his permanent unit! He's amazed at the amount of "freedom" he has now in the evenings and on the weekends. So far, his only complaint-no cell signal in his bedroom!

He's made some friends, and they've taken a weekend trip to Nashville- and he had "the best time" there! (Nashville? Bet they didn't visit the Grand Ole Opry!)

And with that, I'm signing off.

Caffeine and Tears

We're off and running this morning...Chris is making sure he hasn't forgotten to pack anything. I'm making sure I have plenty of coffee on hand. We leave for the airport in 30 minutes, and I'm trying not to cry. It's easier than it was when he left for basic training. But it's still not easy. I can't believe my son will spend the next couple of years waaaay up in Kentucky. He's never experienced a winter outside of Texas or Louisiana. He HATES cold weather...should be interesting at least!

Today is my Rolling Victory Fast day- so far, so good. Of course, I've only been awake for about 45 minutes. I'll give another update when I get back from the airport.

Victory Fast Update, 11:45am: 2 cups coffee; not even remotely hungry.

Chris departure: Solemn and uneventful. (Short-term parking was full, so we had to hike waaaay too far, carrying ridiculously heavy bags-you wouldn't believe the size and weight of Chris' big duffle bag, I'm pretty sure it is almost as tall as I am, and probably weighs about as much...of course he just slung it onto his back like it was nothing!) After saying good-bye, I cried in the ladies' room, back through the parking lot and MOST of the way home. You see, it WAS a little better than the first good-bye...I didn't cry ALL the way home this time!

My new favorite place!

Chris managed to get a few days leave before he heads off to his permanent unit. He's home, and I love it, and the days are flying by too quickly! Naturally, he's been dividing his time between his family and friends...somehow, his friends seem to be getting more of his "awake" time-but, I can't begin to express the feeling I get when I look in on him, sleeping in his old room (which is actually now, his sister's room.) I get choked up, seeing them both sleeping so peacefully-my babies....sigh!

Yesterday, he and I made a trip to the local Army surplus store. I've never been and was amazed at all the cool Army stuff for sale there! Bumper stickers, banners and t-shirts-Oh My!!! Chris found a 101st license plate for his car, and he educated me on the different uniforms belonging to the different branches of the military. I bought stuff I didn't need, and can't wait to go back for more!

I hadn't been "shopping" with Chris for a long time-even before he left for basic training, so I enjoyed every minute of it. All the little things I used to take for granted are now precious memories for me to hold in my heart. Now, every time I go to that little surplus store, I will remember my first trip there-the one I took with my son.

7 and a wake-up!

That's right-the countdown has started! Sunday, September 24th is my day to participate in the Tanker Brothers Rolling Victory Fast! If you still haven't checked out these guys, you're really missing out on a great blog!

Ft. Campbell or Bust!

HOOAH! Chris graduated from AIT today!


He actually seems to be looking forward to joining his unit in September! I am beaming with pride!!!