This post was originally made here:
http://sugarlumpstudios.com/?p=181
This week, I have been thinking about my ties to the military especially with Memorial Weekend going by. My son Andrew, served in the U.S. Army (Infantry) from 2006 – 2010. He was in Iraq for 13 months.
I made this album back in 2006/2007 before my son went overseas. Looking back, I basically lived in fear and shut my emotions off for those 13 months. It is hard to describe, but until you have been a military Mom, aunt, or sister you really can never know the sacrifices our soldiers make. I am sorry if that statement is offensive to anyone, because that is not my intent with this post. The emotion and understanding of what people go through is much more strong when you have had someone close make that ultimate sacrifice.
The sacrifices that still haunt their souls and members of their family. Flags, servicemen, and patriotic photos make me cry at the drop of a hat. I will never truly know what my son went through over there, but I am certain that he had 3 guardian angels looking over him during that time.
Thank you for allowing me to share this special album with you again! It means the world to me! :)
Oh Nancy………this is soooooooooo beautiful.
You have much to be proud of in your heritage.
You are blessed.
Lov & Hugs, Amy Jo
Faith is how your grandmother survived and a lot of it! Nancy, this brought tears to my eyes and it truly is such a wonderful tribute to the heros in your family! What keepsake to be passed down! Hugs!
This album is beautiful Nancy. A wonderful tribute.
I know what you mean about having family in the military and serving overseas. My brother is in Afghanistan and has been there for two years now. Two of my nephews (his sons) have also served there and I am so happy to have them home safe. Now I just pray that Bill comes home as well. He is a helicopter pilot and I always worry about his safety. You are right about it being a stress on the family. My mother who is 82 has a hard time with her boy still being there.
Thank you for this post!
Wow Nancy a fantastic album.
Stunning details. I love it. xoxo
It is a beautiful album,Nancy….and contains such memories.
Dear Nancy
I was disappointed that the video would not open for me!
I’ll try again!
You have created such a deep and personal keepsake here and know one will ever know but you how it would be to have a son in Iraq!
I think you were one of those angels watching over him!
Love and blessings and thank you for thinking enough of us to share something so deep and personal to you!
Suzy
Second time lucky Nancy! and I am so glad I watched this. I can really relate as I have a shoe box with II World War momentos of my father, who passed away last year at 90,
waiting for a keepsake album but the memories are still too raw to start it just yet!
What a brave woman your grandmother and you to have to endure this!
Very warm hugs,
Suzy
How touching dear Nancy,- and a most beautiful keepsake, and treasure album for you and your son.
It must have been terribly for your grandma-AND you to say goodbye to your son/s – and so difficult to stay home not knowing what and if!!! I`m truly happy for you that your son returned home safe, dear friend.
Your album is a beautiful personal story about your family.
Thankyou for showing it Nancy.
Hugs and love,Dorthe