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Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts

Monday, October 19, 2009

Custom Boyfriend of a Deployed Soldier Shirt

Here is another hard to find shirt...



Suggestions for other shirts/mugs/bumperstickers are appreciated!! We've already covered a few I wasn't thinking of, like Mother-in-Law and Uncle (thanks to those who have made suggestions already), let's see what else we can come up with!

Minor babble and I Just Made This Customizable Proud Girlfriend of a Deployed Soldier shirt

I admit I've been distracted lately. Ok, maybe distracted is too weak a word. How about overwhelmed? Yeah. That fits better.

My "duties" as a military parent are not so obvious to others now that Mike is back in the US. However, I have many organizations that I am a member of that are not dependent on what country my son is in at the time. Sometimes, they seem to overrun my life and then when I try to weed through and thin out those that I could let go of with certainty that someone would fill the position...I am at a loss. It seems that many people are not so interested in helping those outside their immediate family circle. So I will continue to be sporadic here, and keep on chugging along in all my other endeavors. One thing that can not be let go any further though is my income. Gotta pay those bills, right? So today is dedicated to getting my store in order, as well as it can be. I'll try to space out my bombardment of new items so you aren't wondering whether I gave up the Army Mom gig and moved over to Retail Store Mom. :P

Thanks to everyone that has visited so far! I do appreciate you all!

And without further adieu.. here is my newest shirt...

Monday, February 16, 2009

Military Family Members and Anticipatory Grief

Wow. There's a name for it! And now I feel like I can attack it, if I know that it's there.

I mean, I KNEW it was there because of how everyone I know looks at me. Like they wish they could say or do something to make me better but they are afraid that no matter what they say/do...I'll start leaking again.

I hate that I make others feel uncomfortable around me when they only want me to be me again.

I opened GoArmyParents.com today and found this article posted and thought, "AHA! IT'S NOT JUST ME! I'M NOT GOING INSANE!!!"

So since it's not just me and I thought others might not be aware that THEY aren't the only ones going through it, I thought I'd share:


Anticipatory Grief by Kristin Henderson

While my husband, a Navy chaplain, was in Iraq with the Marines, I imagined a knock at my door. I imagined uniformed Marines telling me that my husband was dead. I imagined the funeral. I did this regularly until my husband was safely home in my arms.

I thought I was the only one with such a morbid imagination until I began researching my book about military families, "While They're at War." Chaplain Jeffrey Watters described how he and other chaplains on Fort Bragg, NC, had noticed a wave of grief sweeping through the families on the homefront.

"They were exhibiting the same symptoms as those who are grieving over a loved one with a terminal illness," Watters told me. Then he listed the symptoms.

My mouth dropped open. I'd had many of those symptoms during my husband's deployment. I had cried in the shower, sometimes felt like I couldn't get enough air, and one day in church had an almost uncontrollable urge to get up and run out. Not only did I not know all this craziness had a name -- anticipatory grief -- I didn't know there were techniques to cope with it.

It turns out that anticipatory grief is common among homefront families during a wartime deployment. We're so afraid of losing the one we love that our bodies start to react as if they're already dead. The symptoms include:
-- tightness in the throat or chest
-- shortness of breath
-- sensitivity to loud noises
-- forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
-- agitation and restlessness, like an anxiety attack
-- extreme hunger or lack of appetite
-- crying jags
-- headaches
-- insomnia
-- drug use or excessive drinking

Grief is nothing to be ashamed of. It's a normal human emotion, and grieving people typically move through five phases: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance and hope. Not everyone experiences all these phases, and they may not occur in that order. But any of those responses are normal, even if the one you love is alive and kicking.

Continue reading the rest of the article here...

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I'm So Grateful For Every Chance I Get To Speak To Mike

So I have no idea if or when he's left/leaving. I'm fine with that. I was a bit concerned that he was getting a bit burned out by the wait, and then I was wondering if the wait was for the best as he was getting really hostile.

It's hard for a parent to watch their child, even an adult child, go through tough emotional challenges...and not be able to understand what they are battling on the inside. I mean, I can't even begin to understand what it means to him to be deployed. He seems gung-ho to go most times but then he's also pissed at the whole world at the same time. He's been pissed at the world for a while, before the Army, so that could be coming back now that OSUT is over and he has more freedom to be himself.

I just wish I could know that he is happy with the career he has chosen.

Our conversation today was much more positive than any we've had lately. It made me feel happy that he seemed so positive. It made my heart smile. :)

I also had to realize that every conversation I have with him better be appreciated to the fullest extent, as it could be our last one for a while. So while I was taking his venting sessions as a gift, the talk we had today was a special gift and I'm very glad for having had the opportunity to talk for so long.

I sent off an email to his FRG, he has no idea what he's supposed to do to get me access to his FRG so I'm going to see how far I can get on my own. This could be fun. :P At least I still have contact with him if he needs to help.

New Deployed Soldier Shirts: Wife, Dad, Brother, Sister

I'm going to list these in blocks of a few at a time so I don't drive everyone who has a subscription nuts...

Custom Proud Wife of a Deployed Soldier Shirt shirt
Custom Proud Wife of a Deployed Soldier Shirt by WendyMilonas

Custom Proud Dad of a Deployed Soldier Shirt shirt
Custom Proud Dad of a Deployed Soldier Shirt by WendyMilonas

Custom Proud Brother of a Deployed Soldier Shirt shirt
Custom Proud Brother of a Deployed Soldier Shirt by WendyMilonas

Custom Proud Sister of a Deployed Soldier shirt
Custom Proud Sister of a Deployed Soldier by WendyMilonas

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Over 900 Soldiers Waiting To Be Adopted Today!

Soldiers' Angels hero adoption waiting list is over 900 today. All these heroes waiting to be adopted are currently serving overseas, away from their families and could use some additional support form you. Won't you please consider adopting a hero today? All is takes is the commitment from you to write a letter a week and send one small care package a month during the length of the deployment. To adopt a hero, click here now.

If adoption does not suit you and you would like to get involved with Soldiers' Angels, there are many opportunities for everyone to get involved. Just click here to find out more.

~May no soldier go unloved~

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Proud Wife of a Deployed Soldier Shirt Was On Zazzle's Today's Best Page!!

and I didn't even know it!

I'm so busy moving I didn't even get to put it up here either...

So here it is:



Custom Version is here. (You can add your Soldier's name and where they are deployed to very easily on back.) Of course you can always customize your stuff at Zazzle, I just tried to make it easier.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

My New "Custom Proud Mom of a Deployed Soldier Shirt"


There are a bunch of these, so expect to see them when I'm not so tired. :)

I created these yesterday and thought I'd share. They are customizable if you check out the back (click the shirt to go to the page with more details). There is also a non customizable version without the back (makes it a few dollars cheaper) and I'm working on some that can print on white shirts, since white shirts are about $5 -$8 cheaper than the dark shirts.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

1/2 boy 1/2 man

(this was emailed to me, and I thought I'd share. I took out the "pass it on or else" part and added some of my own comments at the very bottom. I spent Thanksgiving with my family, minus one Soldier that is a big chunk of my heart. We will likely not be spending next Thanksgiving with him either since he's in the process of deploying now and will be gone 15 months. Sometimes I am afraid to blog because it messes up my whole state of denial if I come here and share with you how I feel. I'm hoping I can dicuss it here in the next few days without turning into a big blob of Army Mom goo. In the meantime...read it, agree with it, don't agree with it...you can do either, it's what our country is all about...Freedom.)

1/2 Boy, 1/2 Man

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.



He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student , pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.

He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.



He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.





He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . .



A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

When you see a yellow ribbon, an American Flag, a Soldier driving past...take a moment to be thankful for the Soldiers serving right now and those who have served in the past. They are the reason our country is as great as it is, they are the ones who stood up in the face of danger, knowing full well that they might not come back home...all because they believed in America.

Since it's thanksgiving, I'd like to add that while we should all be thankful for every single member of our Armed Forces, from the Revolutionary War Soldiers to our Soldiers serving today...we should also try to imagine what our world would be like if we all stood up for what we believe in. Whether anyone else agrees or disagrees with our views on a subject, every one of us has the RIGHT to stand up for what we believe in. It's a gift our Soldiers have paid greatly for and it would be an insult for us to waste it.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

It Seems He Thought That Call Sucked Too

I got a letter from him that arrived yesterday. He apologized more than a few times, and explained some of the chaos and aggravation he was enduring as he waited to make a call. He also said he was very VERY upset after hanging up.

That's probably the hardest part, hanging up and then realizing that you could maybe fix what just went wrong with just another few seconds on the phone...but you can't call back.

The Army is teaching us all sorts of new things about ourselves. Mostly I think it's teaching us to be in control of everything. Not just your physical actions. Your thoughts effect your performance and conversations could very well be the last one you ever have. Taking for granted that you'll always be able to apologize or try to repair whatever was broken is not a luxury the military affords us. I think Basic Training is for the family as well as the Soldier. We need to learn to say what our hearts mean first, and not to waste one precious moment we have on the phone or in person. Anger and frustration will just have to sit on hold until we have finished our call and hung up, or until we've dropped them off at their base. Then we can vent to our fellow Army parents/spouses/siblings and know that we are helping our Soldiers maintain the positive focus they need to succeed.

Ok, I'm starting to sound like a self help book. I just wanted to let you know he wrote me and apologized. Obviously our last call during OSUT will be memorable, but only because it taught us both something.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Phone call, promotion and graduation info

I got a 5 minute call today! :D

Mike is now PV2!! Hooah!!!!

He also said he's sending details (as soon as he gets them) about the graduation dinner. It's the night before so we'll have to zoom up there a little earlier than expected. Works for me!! I get to see him for more than a few minutes!!! :D

I was expecting to watch his graduation and maybe see him for 20 minutes, a few hours tops, on November 20. But getting to go to a dinner with him too is just awesome! Even if I have to share him with his Dad's family...if Mike is happy then I'm happy.

I also logged into his AIM account and let all his buddies know he wanted them to write to him. After asking him in this phone call, I put his address in the status window. I hope some of them write, he really is boosted by others writing to him. It means a lot when someone sits down and writes out (or even types) a letter and takes the time and makes the effort to send it. In this day of instant messages and instant gratification...most people just don't send letters through the mail anymore.

Ok, gotta fly and get some work done. Going to work on my Army store so I can start promoting stuff.

Oh, and I got approved to sell US Cavalry items through my sites as well!! That store just rocks!! LOL

now...really...going to work.

later!!

:)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I know he's busy but...

I sure wish I could just hear Mike telling me that he's ok and that things are going well for him.

I think I am doing pretty well during the daytime, but when I start to get tired...watch out! I get really depressed about this whole thing. I guess when pride overrides fear completely I'll stop sounding so whiney.

Maybe.

I really am proud of him. I feel bad that he thought he had no support from his dad and step-mom. I know he sounded mighty ticked off shortly after he told them he enlisted. I guess his step-mom has been pretty crappy to him the whole time he's known her, but his dad's reaction really hurt him I think. Why do people care more about their own feelings than their kids feelings? I never got that. I mean, sure I'm scared to freaking death that something is going to happen to Mike. BUT He's just gone off to fight for OUR country, something he did not have to do. HE CHOSE it. That's something to be PROUD of dammit! And you know he needed support before he left, not stress!! God forbid something happens to him and the last thing he remembers is being mad at his dad for not supporting him 100%. I can relate to not wanting to lose him, but I can also relate to taking those big steps and doing something you believe in, no matter how dangerous. No, I wasn't in the military but I did everything in my life on my own, and sometimes you gotta pull some courage out of places you didn't know you had...it just helps if you have someone behind you giving you a little bit of their courage when you can't find yours.

I did mention I was tired, right? I think I'm babbling.

Later all,

:)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Mike's sisters are feeling the stress now

We are having problems with Mike's 9 year old sister acting out and I'm not sure if it's the stress of me being so unpredictable lately (could start crying for what she thinks is no reason) or if she's just scared something will happen to him. She was pretty quick and figured out the risk involved before he left for Basic Training.

I think I need to start finding some other outlets for them. They were supposed to be writing to Mike every day but they keep avoiding it. I'm fairly sure they are afraid to open up right now.

I keep trying to tell them he's fine (and myself too). I mean, he's at Basic Training...ok, so he's sleep deprived, physically exhausted and being stripped of all but the most basic of emotions...but he's still in the country, and he's got medical care nearby if something does happen. So...technically, he should be fine. Right? (ok, I'm not convincing myself here. LOL )

Well, we have 2 hours of gymnastics practice to race off to. I'm going to try to get through one practice without looking like a sad sack. I'm gonna smile! A lot! Of course, then they might think I've lost it...but whatever.

I'm in control of my own little hell here, I might as well try to make it bearable.

Later!! :)

Saturday, July 19, 2008