Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Good-bye my boy!

This is going to be long....so sorry!
It's hard for me to believe that today is actually here. The day I had to say good-bye to Chad again. This time for longer than the others. He still has anywhere between 9-12 months left to serve in Afghanistan. We woke up at 3:00 a.m. so Sandy and I could get him to the airport on time. We both cried as we said our good-byes to him and watched him walk away. My heart is so heavy and sad. It has been this way for the past few days. Yesterday was an especially hard day full of tears. Everything went wrong...from money not coming in that was expected to my suburban losing all gears. It just quit shifting...so there I was, trying to push it around a corner in 105 degree heat to get it off the road so that I wouldn't get hit. Thank heavens there was a long train that came just in the nick of time to stop traffic long enough to get it moved. A very nice man finally stopped and helped me and gave me a ride home. By the time I got home I was in tears. I was already in a bad mood knowing it was Chad's last day. Mark came to pick me up and took me to town to get the other work van so I could finish my errands. Chad and Sandy were already in town running their own errands. I came home and made Chad's special request dinner, but they never made it home until 11:30 last night for reasons I don't want to get into, but my heart aches so much knowing that the family didn't get to spend the last day with him and the boys had fallen asleep without getting a chance to say good-bye at all. I know it's not his fault, but it doesn't change the pain in my heart. Maybe I'll feel better after a good cry and a nap.

Here's a bit of this and that of stuff going on around here since my last post.
***Friday night....graduation party!***




I fed over 60 people hamburgers, hot dogs with all the fixin's, 2 kinds of pasta salad, potato salad, veggie tray, fresh fruit, baked beans, chips, dip, salsa, and of course chocolate fountain with all kinds of yummy things to dip in it. All the kids LOVED the chocolate fountain. I'm pretty sure they all left on a sugar high. I'm still cleaning up chocolate drips here and there. Mark was late from work, so 2 of my brother in laws, David and Fred volunteered to man the grill. I worked for 2 days on food and stuff. The party was a huge success. I'm so glad they decided to make the drive out here. We enjoyed all the company and everyone left with full tummies. Can't beat that! By the time the night was over I could barely move. Bed was a wonderful thing!

***Saturday-bowling***
Chad, me, Cody, Cole and Jeremy (nephew) went to lunch and bowling. We had a pretty good time together. Chad won...I stunk...little boys did pretty good.Chad loaned me a pair of his "way cool" sunglasses while we were driving around town. He has 3 pairs of these. So what do you think? Cool or old woman grasping at straws?Goofy boys in the back seat.

While we were driving home, Chad's friend Chris was riding his motorcycle next to us. I can't believe he was doing this. That is so dangerous! I still couldn't help but take pictures. Dumb boy!

***Sunday in Prescott Valley***
Mark's sister MaryAnn, husband David and their 4 children live in Prescott Valley. They had their baby Owen blessed and their son Jaron baptized, so we woke up at 3:30 in the morning so we could make it to their church by 8:00. The have 2 adorable girls, Adrienne and Katelyn who are in between the boys, but not in this picture. It was a great day to spend with the family. Not to mention about 20 degrees cooler....love that!
I really have no control over my families behavior.Sandy and Chad slept a good chunk of the day.
My handsome Mark tried to get a nap in, but wasn't very successful.


Mark's only sister MaryAnn survived growing up with 6 older brothers. She is one of the best people I know. She is sweet and talented and I love her to pieces. She has decorated her home so beautifully and she was a great hostess that fed all of us lunch and dinner. There is such a great spirit being there. I want to go back just to feel that again.

Kyle surprised me with a song he learned to play. The boys really seemed interested in the piano. Mark knows how to play too. If we had a piano I would let the boys take lessons. Music is such an important thing and developing talents is too.
So now you can see why I am so sleep deprived and emotionally drained. I really need my 8 hours to function properly. I plan to sleep for an hour then head to town to run errands and drop off the rental car. I hope to beg a family member to pick me up and give me a ride back home. If I had extra money sitting around I'd surely rent it longer since the suburban is out of commission, but at least I have a smelly carpet cleaning van to drive for now. :o)
oooohhh....Chad just called. He got to Dallas safely and is waiting for his next flight. It's unreal how much I already miss him. I just really don't know how I can make it a year. The constant worry is hard on my stomach and my heart. Please keep him and all the troops in your thoughts and prayers.
If you made it all the way to the end of this very long post, I'm proud of you and appreciate you willingness to "listen".
Have a wonderful day!

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Jolene.

Briana said...

Oh my heart is breaking for you and your family and all those other military familes out there. Thank you to Chad and your family for the gift of protection they are giving to my family and all other US families. It makes me so sad that you had to say goodbye again. You definitely deserve some girl time. Take Sandy and go pamper yourselves!

I'm headed your way on Thursday, can't wait for the awesome weather! It's supposed to be between 95 and 105 the entire time we're there! YIPPEE!

Anonymous said...

Jolene, you poor thing. I hope things start looking better. I will continue to keep Chad in my prayers.

Kimberly said...

I am so sorry your heart is hurting. I hope your son comes home soon and safe. I pray for peace everynite. I have come to dread watching the news. It is always bad news....they never seem to tell the good stuff. I pray one day we can all live together peacefully. Hope you have a sunshiny day.

Wendy said...

Jolene,

My son is going to church camp and I am almost sick to my stomach, I cannot imagine what you must be going through.

Sounds like a crazy time right now, but maybe that is to keep your mind busy.

You are such a strong person.
Your in my prayers!

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Diana said...

Your a proud mother and Chad knows it. Everyone knows it. And so they should. My heart aches for you.
I cannot imagine the heartbreak you go through everytime he has to go back. I cannot imagine his either knowing he made the choice to serve his country. It has got to be hard for everyone.
Get some sleep. Drink some water (haha) then follow it up with some really bad comfort food and love from your family!
Nothing can substitute for this awful war ending. I wish George Bush had a son maybe he'd feel differently if his child was leaving to go to war not lead the children of others into danger!
Feel better Jolene and know that everyone is praying for your family and Chad!

Jacquie said...

You are a busy woman!

Hugs to you and your heavy heart, you need to have shoulders of steel to handle all that you do,

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
As always you are in my thoughts and prayers along with all military families and our soldiers. Know you are loved.
((hugs))
Gina

Jamie said...

My heart and prayers are with you this week as you try to get things back to "normal" with your baby boy gone.

I also hope your get your vehicle back in service soon.

Take Care!

Rhona said...

I've been thinking of you because I knew Chad was leaving. You're being so brave, I couldn't imagine going through what you do each time you say goodbye. Chad and your family will be in our prayers. Looks like you've had a good time while he's been and as for the sunglasses, definitely cool not old lady! Take care.

Andi said...

I read all the way to the end and enjoyed your entire post. First let me say...you look "way cool" in the sunglasses and you sure know how to throw a party!!!

I love your t-shirt that proudly proclaims...and rightfully so...that you're the Mom of a US Soldier! I know the next 9 to 12 months will be difficult but you'll all pull through this. You have such a strong family unit. You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers. Before you know it we'll all be reading about the wonderful celebration party you're having to welcome Chad back home to you.

Love and Hugs, Andi

Carol Dunton said...

Hi Jolene...
I am keeping all of you in my prayers. Nothing easy, fun, happy about it. I will say that the next thing to come after a 'good-bye' is a 'hello!'...so that is what you have to look forward to! Chad is going to be ok and you WILL get to tell him 'hello' when he comes back! You are on the down side of this...now we count the days until he comes back.

Please take some time to take care of yourself. Get some rest. Take a multi-vitamin. Lay a warm washcloth on your face and lay back and relax for a few minutes alone.

We are here for you...
: )

Kim said...

{{{{Jolene}}}} Sounds like you had a wonderful time with Chad and kept busy. I will keep Chad (and your entire family) in my prayers.

TK Angels said...

I also read the entire post. I did not skim through it. My favorite was the family all "acting up". Loved it.

I can only imagine how you feel since I do not have a relative overseas yet. My heart goes out to you.

Take care,
Love,
Terri

Anonymous said...

Well that is one FULL weekend. Keep on plugging away Jolene, there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if you can't see it yet.

You have an amazing spirit and I can feel that as I read about your life. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Take Care, ((hugs))
Marcy

Anonymous said...

Wow! Will you make our announcements AND throw the party?

I can't believe Chad is headed back already. Now that he's not the "new kid on the block" he won't be in the lead car. He is so precious, I'm sure he'll be back home, safe and secure!

I guess the mugging for the camera runs in the George family!

Chickenbells said...

I think you look super cool in the sun glasses...not grasping at all! OH, you looked so very busy, you need a nap and a vacation, and a convertible (I think) Those things may fix you right up...

deedub said...

{{{Big Hugs}}} going out your way! My heart aches for you...goodbyes are so hard. I will keep him in our prayers.
I vote "cool, hip, and obviously young beyond her years" on the sunglasses...keep 'em!
And the pasta salad with the ham(?) in it looked awesome...care to share the recipe?!!
Your boys are lucky to have such an awesome Mom! Remember that always.
-d.

Valerie said...

my sweet friend - my heart just hurts for your hurt now. your pictures look wonderful, and you're right: Mark looks quite handsome all snazzed up!!

keep my fingers crossed that the car gets fixed quick, and hopefully without you having to sell one of the boys.

just remember that God also knows your hurt and has you in the palm of His Hand. my prayers are with you, your family and of course, Chad.love you.

Anonymous said...

WOW. You are amazing. You are my hero when it comes to the hospitality thing. I love hosting events and such, it is so much my personality.

I am praying for your family as you send your young man off again.
BLESSINGS

Anonymous said...

Hugs to you. I'll keep Chad in my prayers. I remember worry each time my son-in-law was deployed. It was hard not only because of him but I worried about my daughter and granddaughter being without him. Hang in there, I'm sure lots of people will keep him in there prayers as well as everyone who is serving.

Jessica said...

What an unbelievably busy week you have had! You deserve a couple of days of relaxation. Be sure and take care of yourself first, then you will be at your best to take care of your family. :)

Hang in there! I am praying for ya!

Susie Q said...

I send lots of hugs your way dear heart. Stay busy and soon, the days will seem to go more quickly. Concentrate on the boys at home, Mark, little Mark and the new baby on the way. Life will get back to normal and before we all know it, you will post pictures of the home coming festivities!
Chad is in lots of prayers and God knows your worry. He will help you get through this....

Love those long, newsy posts with great photos! Love your way cool shades too. : )

Hold fast and all will go as it should...with a new baby to love, a homecoming, another wedding...lots of scrapping...*grin*

Love and hugs,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Sorry I had to cut you off on the phone today when I got to the Dr.'s office. Remember, we told Chad not to be brave, just stay alive. He is a smart boy. We will see him soon enough and he is doing a lot of growing up right now. I am very proud of him. I know, you can come visit the daycare over here. That always helps take your mind off. Ha Ha!!

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you!!

Amie

Nicole *Ü* said...

I'm so sorry about your bad day. They're never fun. Especially when it all happens one thing after another like that. I'm glad you were able to have some time with Chad, even if it was bittersweet. All that food looks wonderful!! I love how you did the salads on ice in the totes too. Great idea!! Love the sunglasses too!! :)