Friday, July 11, 2008

Patriotism...

that's the theme for this edition of Brenda Photo Challenge (hosted this time by Karen). I had some really good ideas about what to do, but then my camera and I had some issues (i.e., operator errors) that prevented me from taking some wonderful 4th of July photos that would have been perfect for this particular challenge. So I've decided to veer a little bit off the traditional Red, White & Blue color route I had intended to take. Instead, I will post these 3 photos. They truly do speak to what "patriotism" means to me, personally.
First off, here's a picture of the inside of a cabinet door from our house in Florida: This door represented a lifeline for me right after 9/11. (Ignore the icky looking stuff around the edges of the door. That's just glaze from where I had faux finished the outside of the cabinets - and was too lazy to finish the inside of them, too). On October 10, 2001, my husband Randey and my son Nicholas, both deployed together to the middle east. Randey was an Air Force Reservist serving as crew chief on C-130's at the time. He and his unit were activated immediately following 9/11. Nicholas was (and is) an active duty member of the Air Force and a loadmaster on the C-130's. Randey worked on the aircraft that Nicholas flew on. Both of their units were in Special Ops, operating from the same home base and both units sent forces overseas in response to the attacks against us here on American soil. They left on that day, October 10, 2001, after being told in an outbriefing that perhaps as many as 60% of them would not be returning. They were going to the frontlines in this war to an undisclosed location and would be in a communication blackout for an undetermined amount of time. I've never been more scared in my entire life. My husband and my oldest son...both headed to war. I thanked God everyday that at least they were together. I knew that Randey would do everything in his power to make sure that the aircraft carrying my son in and out of battle would be in as good a shape as possible. I knew that Randey would take care of Nick and I knew that Nick would take care of Randey. Knowing those two could support each other and hold each other up was the only thing that got me thru that dark and scary time. Every day, I would get up and make another mark on that cabinet door so that I could keep track of the days without them. And then something wonderful happened. On the 27th day of their deployment, Nick was allowed to call home. I cried like a baby after I talked to him. It was the first word I'd heard from either of them in almost 4 weeks. So I put a star above that day's mark to commemorate the occasion of his phone call. I did the same thing every day that he was allowed to call. Nick got to make morale calls, but Randey didn't. Not yet, anyway. But that was okay because Nick told me how Randey was doing and could pass messages to Randey for me. Finally, on the 42nd day, the phone rang, I answered and it was Randey. I cried and cried and cried. He couldn't hardly talk to me because I couldn't stop blubbering long enough to hear what he was saying. That first "hello" from him was pure heaven to me. It had been so long. It felt like it had been forever - who knew 6 weeks could feel like a lifetime? On that day, and every day thereafter that Randey was allowed to call, I circled that day's mark in red. I lived for those phone calls. I was a maniac whenever the phone would ring - scared to death I would miss one of their calls. It was a tense time in our lives (how's that for a bit of an understatement)! At long last, 64 whole days after they'd left, on December 12, 2001, they both returned home. My heroes. They had gone off to defend our country, to keep us safe and to do what needed to be done. They were part of the first wave. And they had finally come home. Sixty-four days doesn't seem that long, really. But it is when your country is suddenly thrust into war and your family members are shipped off to the frontlines of that war. Under those circumstances, 64 days can feel like an eternity. Trust me. I couldn't bring myself to paint over the inside of that cabinet door when we moved. I know the new owners of the house have probably done so, but I just could not do it. Looking at it reminded me of too much.
So... what does it look like when your heroes return home on a C-130? Just like this: The crew raises an American flag out of the aircraft as they taxi in...all the family and friends stand back behind a line, waiting for that aircraft to stop and release those that you hold so dear. It seemed like it took forever on that day in December of '01 for them to deplane and get over to us. At long last, I saw 2 of the most precious faces on the planet to me, Randey and Nicholas, safe again. I don't have a picture of that, though. I was too busy running across that line to hug them.
For my 3rd "Patriotism" picture, I kind of cheated a bit. I took a picture of a part of a scrapbook page I had done. It's regarding the movie "World Trade Center".

I think you may be able to click on the picture to enlarge. but if not, here's what it says:

On September 9, 2006, we went to see the movie "World Trade Center". It was the most profound experience I've ever had in a movie theater. This movie reminded me why our country is at war and why this war on terror is the right thing to do. I had already forgotten some of the emotion I had experienced on 9/11. The sadness, the ache, the fear, the pride, the bewilderment, the resolve - all those feelings had sort of been pushed to the back of my mind. This movie brought them all rushing back for me. I was a little ashamed that I had already forgotten so much. I was glad to be reminded. Watching this movie was a wonderful experience. It was good to feel the sadness and the resolve and all those things in between again. I'm proud to be an American. It's a blessing that I don't ever want to take for granted. I hope everyone sees this movie and I hope it touches them as it did me.

The feelings I felt on 9/11 and the days following were the purest form of patriotism I've ever experienced. The way our country pulled together - it was awe-inspiring to live it, to breathe it, to be a part of it. It pains me now to watch politicians tear America apart with their decisive rhetoric. It's one thing to question the war, to question our leaders, to question our mission...it's something else entirely to do it strictly in the interest of gaining power. When America goes to the polls this November, I hope we don't just vote. I hope we think first. And then vote.

28 comments:

  1. Wow! Can't top that. Thank you to you and your family for your personal sacrifices. They are appreciated.

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  2. I can't imagine what you went through as your son and Husband were deployed at the same time. That would be awful.
    I thank God we live in America and have the freedom we have, and it is because of men like your son and husband.
    xoxo Nita

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  3. What an amazing and moving story! Bravo to your husband and son for their brave service to our country. That cabinet door is a thing of beauty!!!!!!

    I agree with your message 100%. You said it beautifully.

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  4. This brought tears to my eyes - beautifully written although I know it was very difficult for all of you during that time.

    I appreciate the service your two men are doing for our country. Take care!

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  5. As I have said many times since 9/11/01 to every service man I meet "thank you for serving our country" I will always support our Military and have ever since I could remember. I was a young child when Mom's brother my uncle Richard was in the Army. Dad served in the USAAF,I for my turn served in the USAF,we have family that have served in the USNavy,and the USArmy both my BIL were army. One of my cousins Kieth was USAF as I his Brother Brian went into the USArmy.as you can see we are a proud family that has served our country. I salute you Husband and your Oldest Son. Hugs and Blessings that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

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  6. What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it - I can't imagine what you went through with both your husband and son over there. Your story really expressed patriotism beautifully.

    Sharon

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  7. You can't get any more patriotic than that my friend. Thank your men for us and let them know that we appreciate everything they do.
    Blessings,
    Kim

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  8. I was just thinking...do you still live in Florida? And if so did you live on base at Patricks? We live right down the road from there. I was just curious.
    Blessings,
    Kim

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  9. Terrific story, Kari. I cannot imagine how you must have felt when randey and Nick left, or how you felt when they came home.

    A big thank you to all our men and women serving in the Armed Forces. This country needs to support them, regardless of their feelings about the war and our President.

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  10. I'm totally thunderstruck...took me a minute to make it Through your beautiful post...OkOk, my eyes, big as saucers...bawling...Gads....the pain of it and the shock...
    So Very grateful for not only their sacrifice, but for Yours as well....Thank you!
    hughugs

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  11. What a beautiful post...how well I remember the time that Randey and Nick left...I remember the turmoil you were going through...how proud you were, how scared you were...how proud you still are and have every right to be!
    I'll get this Friday picture post thing down eventually...hopefully!
    love you all
    Aunt Sandi

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  12. Excellent post my friend. I'm so glad you had technical difficulties with your camera and went this route for the challenge. Very thought out. That door, OMG. Certainly understood your not painting it. I think I might have taken it off the hinges and kept it. Sometimes hard as those days were you need a reminder of them to appreciate the present snafus(sp?) we run into.
    Too bad politicians with wealthy power hungry interests run our country and not moms who just want a safe world for their children.

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  13. Worth waiting for, the most excellent show of patriotism I've ever seen. Love the photos and your love of family and country.

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  14. Your post brought back a lot of memories. I was just hearing that the economy has overtaken the war as the number one concern in the country. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective on patriotism and thanks to your men for their service.

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  15. Kari, thanks for another excellent post. Wish I lived next door to you. We'd be fast friends! I left a response to your latest comment on my blog.

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  16. That was very moving to read!! This is my first time doing the photo challenge ~ I have really enjoyed it!! I am looking forward to the next one!!
    love and hugs Tabitha XXX

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  17. This post brought tears to my eyes!

    Being a military family as well, I know something about how you felt during that time!

    My husband was over in Korea on 9-11. I was scared, and ALONE. They went into high alert, and I couldn't reach him. O GOSH! It's bringing tears back to my eyes just thinking about it. WHEW!

    Gotta stop! (Changing subject) You are right! I need to join in on the photography challenges.

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  18. Beautiful post kari~
    That is really what it is all about!

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  19. Thank you for sharing such a tender, moving post for your contribution to the Patriotism photo challenge. Thanks to your men too. I can imagine how you must have felt. That is major emotion to go through.

    Thank you for your sacrifice to our country. The loved ones soldiers sacrifice a lot too. So thank you!!

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  20. Hi there! My Mom and Sherry left this morning so I'm back at blogging again. Yippee!! (I miss them already though.)

    I won't comment on each of your posts I've missed, but I enjoyed reading them all.

    This post especially brought tears to my eyes. I feel such gratitude and love for our military and their families...your family and you...for my freedom.

    Love your new car and I love your new look in the bedroom! Great job.

    Hugs!
    Kat

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  21. Wonderful post Kari! Absolutely Patriotic! Thanks so much for this post and thanks to your extra special fellas for serving our amazing country!

    Pat

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  22. Okay Kari, how did I miss this post. It is wonderful, I was totally moved by your story and all you went through. Thank you to your hubby and son for their service. I think this is the best patriotic photo I have seen. And I was just thinking the other day how I felt in the days after 9/11. Thanks for sharing this.

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  23. What a time that must have been for you. They're home! Praise God.

    I got goosebumps reading this. My nephew did 2 tours in Iraq. It's horrible what they experience!

    I would have taken off that door & kept it, Hugs, DebraK

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  24. Kari,
    As always you write with such eloquence about your love of our country and the love you hold dear for family. I am grateful to your husband, your son, you, your family and ALL military families that give so generously to our country and for our country...so we can all be free! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...for reminding each of us...what freedom cost.

    I really wished I had known you during that time...blogging & sharing with you would have most surely been a great way for all of us to feel like we were helping out in some small way! Thank you for your sacrifices, too...I just can not imagine all the emotions your heart went through during this time!

    Blessings...and God Bless our country and service men/women/families!

    Teresa

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  25. Kari,
    What a heart wrenching story! Thank you to your son and husband for their service to our wonderful country!

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  26. I loved this post, it is beautiful. I can't imgine how hard it was for you!

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  27. I am playing catch up and reading through all your posts that I missed while away. This was so well wrotten and moving sweetie. I know what it is like to send a husband away to war but can not imagine sending a husband AND a son. God Bless you Kari...love to you all and thank you for sharing this.

    Love,
    Sue

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  28. Thanks, Kari, for sacrificing your son and husband for us. There are some of us out there that truly appreciate the efforts put forth by our military and their families.

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