(I swear the skies are bluer in Colorado than they are in Washington,
but I don’t know enough about science to know if it’s fact or figment of my imagination.)
but I don’t know enough about science to know if it’s fact or figment of my imagination.)
Last weekend the whole family gathered in Colorado Springs to say good-bye to Abe as he deployed to Iraq and then to pack Grace and their things up and bring her home to Washington to live with me and Calvin for the next year. We had a wonderful weekend.
We were busy . . .
(Abe hadn’t yet heard the heartbeat of the baby, so Cali arranged
with the hospital for him to come in and hear it before he left.)
we were not.
(Ty and Cali playing the game of “Nothing.” Invented by them.)
We hit Abe’s favorites: Chipotle, Texas Roadhouse, Cheesecake Factory . . . and Papa Johns.
We were quiet . . .
("In Memory of our Fellow Graduates Who Have Fallen in Battle"
wall at the Air Force Academy)
We were not . . .
(At the Sandhurst room where Ty does his training.)
(At "The Incline"….Ty and Abe expect the rest of us to be prepared and
ready to climb it with them next year.)
We studied maps.
We met Ty's friends and . . .
. . . Abe's friends.
We worshipped and prayed.
We were humbled by the willingness of so many who protect America.
We said, "Good-bye."
Thank heavens families can be together forever.
27 comments:
Oh, Jane. I am completely undone by that last photo. What a sacrifice!
What a great post, I was crying by the end ... just like I'm sure your family was.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your trip to Colorado, your family, your last moments with Abe. Your posting was one that touched the heart and yet put a huge "lump" in the throat. I was comforted to know that Grace is going to be with you...what a blessing for both of you.
Jane, I've waited all week for this post. And I too am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. How proud for you and Calvin to watch Abe leave to serve our Country but how hard it must have been. You & your family have been and will be in my prayers. Grace, Welcome to Moses Lake, as hard as it must be for you, you are so blessed to be able to spend your time away from Abe with the rest of the family... God Bless you all!!
Every time I see that last photo I turn into a crying wreck...I tried to show it to Jeff and just completely lost control emotionally.
We are so grateful for Abe's and Grace's sacrifice...we have not met them (or you) personally but goodness shines through even across the Web and I feel such a connection to your wonderful family.
Jane...when I saw that last picture of Abe and Grace on your newsletter I bawled. Check out Grace's hand clenched against Abe. Now that is sad. BUT I am sooooooo grateful for Abe and his sacrifice for us all. I am extremely grateful for Grace for sharing Abe with the rest of the world. It is a huge sacrifice on her part as well that I think alot of people don't realize.
Jane...you have raised some amazing kids. OH how I pray that I can do even half the job you have done. I will never forget Ty and what a great person he was in Sunday school. Man...how he has grown into a wonderful man now. WOW is all I can say for your family.
My prayers are with you and your entire family over this next year.
I loved this post. Go Abe. He'll be in my prayers. Hugs to everyone, especially Grace. We love YOU!!!!
The Beus Gang.
Ahhh that last photo ... *tears* Much love to you and your family!
Oh Jane, I've looked at the picture several times now and end up losing it every time (yes, and once at work - people thought something was seriously wrong). We'll all be thinking of Abe while he's gone. And can't wait to meet the Grace in July!!!
Anita
Oh! I was all right reading this until I saw Grace burried in Abe's shoulder in that last good-bye hug. It must be so hard for her. She is such a brave, good woman.
I don't think I have it in me to be a soldier's wife. What a sacrifice.
I'm crying too. You have a wonderful family and I'm grateful for you that you share your moments with them with the rest of us. Bless them.
Add my tears to all the others. Thanks for sharing this. May the Lords choicest blessings be yours.
I got chills multiple times through this post. Your pictures captured everything so well and your words (and lack thereof) did too.
God bless Abe and the rest of your family!
Choke...sob....choke....sob....Thank you Grace and Abe!
I wrote a comment on this but I am not sure what happened to it. but I just want to say that last picture rips my heart out every single time. I thought I was going to make it through this post free of tears...then i saw that picture again. you are all in our prayers.
Tiffany
I can't even begin to comprehend this huge sacrifice. I'll be praying for safety and strength for your family this year.
May God watch over and protect Abe as he goes to serve our country. Jane, You and Calvin have raised remarkable children. I am so thankful for the service of your sons. I'm so glad you were able to go back and tell Abe goodbye. He will be in our prayers and so will his sweet wife. I'm glad she has moved up here with you....I hope I get a chance to know her better. She seems like such a sweetheart.
Wow Jane...this post hits close to home for me and my family. I think I have some very similar photos in my picture book. What a huge sacrifice abe and his sweet Grace (and the rest of you) are willing to give so that he can help to protect and serve our country. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I am grateful for Abe and all of your familys sacrifice. Our prayers are with all of you.
So glad that you had a wonderful weekend together and a safe trip home with Grace. I can't wait to finally meet her (it seems that I already know her).
amen.
The love that is the best always seems to hurt the worst.
I can't even imagine as a wife/mother/sister/brother. I sit here and cry for you! Your sister is so right!
I pray Abe and Grace, You and Calvin and the rest of your family will feel lifted up with all the prayers in your behalf. Love you!
Oh WOW! Thank you Abe for selflessly serving our country. Grace will be in the best hands during Abe's deployment. She is blessed with wonderful in-laws. Praying for your whole family and for Abe! God Bless!
PS My boys saw me crying and asked why. I told them a mom just watched one of her sons leave for Iraq. Colin couldn't get over the picture of all the packs waiting to be loaded in the trucks.
Wow. That last photo is incredible. Grace. I can't imagine having to say goodbye to my husband like that. I'm so glad you all will have each other.
Like others have said, the last photo tore me up. I will be thinking of your family, and praying for Abe's safe return. I am so thankful for his service to our country, and for the sacrifice you are all making by missing him while he's away. Tell Grace to hang in there! I'm glad she's in good hands while he is away.
Oh, that last photo, Jane.
What a wonderful family you've raised. Abe's safe return to you all will be my prayer. Thanks for sharing such a tender time.
The last photo made me cry.
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