What have we been up to?! Well Chaz has been going to all of his therapies and the girls and I have been moving and cleaning! For the record I do not recommend moving twice in one week. But it's over and we have a place of our own.
This week Chaz had his blood drawn for the third week in a row and for the third week in a row, there was no sign of infection. So Thursday the Picc line came out. He also got to finally get on a bike. He had been working the hand bike machine, but nothing is better than the real thing. Other than those big things he's just been going to PT and OT everyday.
Last Sunday with the help of our friend Laura who just showed up, we moved from Fisher House 2 to Fisher House 3. You may be asking why? Well WRAMC is closing and since Fisher House 2 and 3 are on campus they have to be shut down too. The WTB had told us last week that our apartment wouldn't be ready until weeks later or possibly after August 15. We were one of two families left at Fisher House 2. The other family was done with treatment and we're leaving Monday so the house manager wanted to go ahead and close our house. I totally don't blame him. Might as well get it done when you can. So we helped him out and moved Sunday. He gave us keys Friday and told us to take our time, which I had planned on doing, but then Laura showed up and she, Chaz and I rocked it out and poof it was done.
Tuesday morning I was sending Chaz off to his appointments and then I joked, "I bet you the moment I get everything organized the way I want it, they'll call to say the apartment is ready." He told me I was probably right. Sure enough Tuesday afternoon, I got it done and had just sat down and was watching TV when the phone rang. Sure enough it was Chaz's first Sargent telling me he'd have keys for us on Thursday morning and I needed to meet them at the apartment building at 8am. I immediately burst into laughter. Chaz looked at me like I was crazy and the first Sargent asked me what was so funny. So I told him what I had said that morning. He apologized and I told him that was unnecessary that's just the way it goes sometimes. So Wednesday I began repacking and I got all the details into place for Thursday morning.
Thursday I woke everyone up, sent Chaz off to his appointments and then the girls and I went to go sign for the apartment. We met our new squad leader (yes we got another squad leader, this is number 5 I think, but we really like this one) and the staff Sargent in charge of the housing. Both were super cool. We had to go through all the inventory. The Army provided us with furniture, dishes and the basics to get started with. Being OCD as I am we went through everything before I signed.
The girls and I went back to Fisher House to find Chaz was working away trying to get a jump on everything. That's when he showed off his lack of a picc line. We both thought, "Oh yeah, one less thing!" I then told him his squad leader was coming at 12 to help get our move on! I made a pot of chili that morning. Once SSG Sage got there we sat down to lunch to get fueled for everything. Then we started loading. Luckily I packed up 5 boxes of stuff to go to TN so we were able to get everything moved in two trips!
Deryn and I took the cart we had borrowed back to Fisher House and to let the house manager know what was going on. Then we were off to Target to get our new bedding and a few other essentials. We got back to the apartment and unloaded and then I found out I forgot sheets for mine and Chaz's bed. The girls' sets came with them, so I had to run back to Target and get sheets. I came back and crashed!
Friday we got up and went back to WRAMC so Chaz could go to his appointments and I went to clean the Fisher House. They don't have housekeepers for the rooms only the common areas of the house. So I went and scrubbed the rooms from top to bottom for the next guests. Then we came back to the apartment and finished unpacking. MSGT Barnes, one of our LNOs, and his crew came by and were our official first guests.
Saturday we went back to Fisher House because the people from the foundation were in and wanted to meet some of the families. The house manager asked us to be there and we were happy to do it. Then I took Chaz and the kids back to the apartment and I ran back to target for the other things we needed.
We are loving our own space. It is so nice! I do not know who pays for the apartments. I know that they do not take our housing allowance because I asked. We have a mortgage to pay and can't afford to lose that money. If we had to rent a place, we would have just stayed at Fisher House until Chaz was well. But WTB has these awesome apartments and you just have to wait your turn to get one. Currently there are 20 families in these apartments. I plan to find out where the funding for these apartments come from, because I would like to know who to thank. It is awesome to have our own place. Fisher House is great, but it was time for us to move on. We will always be thankful for Fisher House giving our family a place to live. The Army would have just kept us in a hotel until the apartment was ready. those who know me, know I have to have a kitchen. I relieve stress by cooking! So God Bless the Fisher Foundation for recognizing the need and fulfilling it.
We finally have a place to call our own and we are "moving on up". Sorry Chaz and I were singing that song because we are in a high rise! We can really get moving on with our new normal. Chaz and I feel like it's a type of graduation day. It's exciting to move on, but we're going to miss our fisher families and miss being on campus and in the middle of everything. But we're growing up and now we'll be checking out the Silver Spring MD area to see what all we can get into around here.
You can check out our apartment at 1200eastwest.com at any time. You can see that the Army is taking very good care of our family.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Our last night at Fisher House-WRAMC
Chaz and I were in disbelief that our last night at Fisher House-WRAMC was finally here. So last night we took the girls on a walk around the campus as kind of a last thing to do before we go. I wanted to make sure and take pics before the campus was altered.
As a history major, it breaks my heart to see all of this history be taken away. I know there's a good reason for it, but it still makes it hard for me. So much has happened at this hospital. So many veterans have come here and have been healed which is what Walter Reed himself wanted. I know they had a hugs scandal here years ago and I am pleased to report I see what good came out of that. This hospital and it's staff are amazing. I am just so happy they are all going to Bethesda with us!
Now on to Fisher House, gees where to I begin. The Fisher Foundation is simply incredible. It started because a man saw a need to help veterans. Now they do so much more. The original idea of just giving them a home away from home is now so much more than that. They have Hero Miles, which flies military families to be together in a time of need. (Which happens to be my favorite part of the program). Yes I am biased but they did enable me to fly back and forth every week to be with Chaz and the girls. Thanks to Hero Miles our emergency didn't have to suffer thanks to all of this craziness.
Fisher House gives away money to other non-profits, hosts teams for the Army Ten Miler and Marine Corps Marathon. I am just skimming the surface on this great organization. Please go read more about them at FisherHouse.org when you can.
Now back to the houses. Our first house held 8 families and the second one we stayed in I think holds 10 or 12. That may sound like a lot, but because Fisher has this formula down it works. These houses are phenomenal. They are beautiful and spacious and organized. We really have a home away from home. And then they provide all our needs, toliet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. And then they provide our wants computers in every room, cable, water cooler, food and they allow other non-profits to come in and fed us all the time.
We are so thankful to the Fisher Foundation that thank you will never seem like enough. This is why we have agree to speak on their behalf whenever needed. We have already done a magazine article for them. You can see this at http://issuu.com/fisherhouse/docs/patriot_fisherhouse_2011_winterspring on page 18-19. We attended the Congressional Cupcake Wars and got to be present to see them receive at $10,000 check. Tomorrow we met the Foundation chair for breakfast at the house I am currently cleaning so we can check out.
We moved in March of 2011 and we leave today. It is bittersweet. To me it is like graduation day. You are so excited for the future, but don't want to leave your friends. There are so many that I know I will stay in touch with. We have touched each other lives and we are on this journey to healing together.
Now we have moved on to the apartments at 1200 EastWest Highway in Silver Springs, MD. Currently there are 20 wounded warriors and their NMAs and/or families there. Chaz is kicking a lot of ass, but he still has a very long road to be finished with his recovery. Since we don't know how long we will be in MD we took the apartment. We loved staying at Fisher House, but we need a place of our own. We are grown-ups after all. I guess you could say we graduated to the college level now. And yes for those who are curious, the Army is paying for these apartments, somehow, not sure how, but I know they don't take our housing allowance, which is super important because we still have to pay the mortgage for our home in TN. One day we will return to our home in TN and really be grown ups again.
So the past few days have been busy and crazy. Lots of work and lots of emotions. It was a lot easier moving from Fisher House to Fisher House. The move yesterday kicked my butt. I died into the bed last night! Yes I will post pictures later (once I get it all cleaned up). But just know we are fine, just crazy busy!!!
As a history major, it breaks my heart to see all of this history be taken away. I know there's a good reason for it, but it still makes it hard for me. So much has happened at this hospital. So many veterans have come here and have been healed which is what Walter Reed himself wanted. I know they had a hugs scandal here years ago and I am pleased to report I see what good came out of that. This hospital and it's staff are amazing. I am just so happy they are all going to Bethesda with us!
Now on to Fisher House, gees where to I begin. The Fisher Foundation is simply incredible. It started because a man saw a need to help veterans. Now they do so much more. The original idea of just giving them a home away from home is now so much more than that. They have Hero Miles, which flies military families to be together in a time of need. (Which happens to be my favorite part of the program). Yes I am biased but they did enable me to fly back and forth every week to be with Chaz and the girls. Thanks to Hero Miles our emergency didn't have to suffer thanks to all of this craziness.
Fisher House gives away money to other non-profits, hosts teams for the Army Ten Miler and Marine Corps Marathon. I am just skimming the surface on this great organization. Please go read more about them at FisherHouse.org when you can.
Now back to the houses. Our first house held 8 families and the second one we stayed in I think holds 10 or 12. That may sound like a lot, but because Fisher has this formula down it works. These houses are phenomenal. They are beautiful and spacious and organized. We really have a home away from home. And then they provide all our needs, toliet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. And then they provide our wants computers in every room, cable, water cooler, food and they allow other non-profits to come in and fed us all the time.
We are so thankful to the Fisher Foundation that thank you will never seem like enough. This is why we have agree to speak on their behalf whenever needed. We have already done a magazine article for them. You can see this at http://issuu.com/fisherhouse/docs/patriot_fisherhouse_2011_winterspring on page 18-19. We attended the Congressional Cupcake Wars and got to be present to see them receive at $10,000 check. Tomorrow we met the Foundation chair for breakfast at the house I am currently cleaning so we can check out.
We moved in March of 2011 and we leave today. It is bittersweet. To me it is like graduation day. You are so excited for the future, but don't want to leave your friends. There are so many that I know I will stay in touch with. We have touched each other lives and we are on this journey to healing together.
Now we have moved on to the apartments at 1200 EastWest Highway in Silver Springs, MD. Currently there are 20 wounded warriors and their NMAs and/or families there. Chaz is kicking a lot of ass, but he still has a very long road to be finished with his recovery. Since we don't know how long we will be in MD we took the apartment. We loved staying at Fisher House, but we need a place of our own. We are grown-ups after all. I guess you could say we graduated to the college level now. And yes for those who are curious, the Army is paying for these apartments, somehow, not sure how, but I know they don't take our housing allowance, which is super important because we still have to pay the mortgage for our home in TN. One day we will return to our home in TN and really be grown ups again.
So the past few days have been busy and crazy. Lots of work and lots of emotions. It was a lot easier moving from Fisher House to Fisher House. The move yesterday kicked my butt. I died into the bed last night! Yes I will post pictures later (once I get it all cleaned up). But just know we are fine, just crazy busy!!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
American Girl Call
Our girls have been through a lot, I know this is not a news flash. Chaz gave them their first American Girl dolls when he came home on R&R back in October as their Daddy will be missing every holiday and birthday, love you so much gift. We like to surprise them and reward them with things for their good behavior. just like every other good parent out there.
I placed an order with AmericanGirl.com on July 20. Well the other day, I went to check on it's progress and notice the line on the shipping address was missing Fisher House Rm 9 on it. I only have things shipped here that come via Fedex or UPS. USPS is a mess here. You can send things out but good luck trying to get them into us that way! So since AG ships via FedEx I ordered the girls some new goodies. When I noticed they didn't have the Fisher House line on there I immediately called them and brought it to their attention. The lady who answered didn't really seem to care that the line was missing. So then I said look without that Fisher House line you are sending our daughters' goodies to the black hole. It will sit here and then get mailed back to you. Would you want that for your daughters?! She said that it would get to me and that I was worried over nothing. I asked her if she even knew what Walter Reed was and she said no. I said well it's a pretty freaking big hospital and you can't just send something to Jessica Allen at Walter Reed. That's like sending something to someone in a city you have to be more specific. So after arguing back and forth finally she said she would call it to someone's attention and it should be resolved. I said should be isn't good enough. I am sorry we need it resolved. She very flippantly said, "All I can do is pass it along and hope it works." I said wow, you pride your self on customer service huh? I thanked her for her time and got off the phone with her.
Chaz asked what was going on and I told him and then I told him that I would just call back and try again. So I called the next day and got someone else who was a lot nicer and I guess actually liked her job, because she was very helpful and said she would pass the message along. Then a few hours the phone rings and it's someone from American Girl. She said someone had notified her of issue. The lady I had previously spoke to had told this lady to look closely at the address. The lady said she was calling because it dawned on them that we were at Walter Reed and what that meant. She called to see if their hutches were correct. I told her they were. She was so nice and told me that the people at American Girl wanted to let us know that they were resolving the address issue. She also was calling to let me know they were all praying for our family and she wanted to know if there was anything American Girl could do for us. How freaking nice is that?! I told her their prayers were enough and told her how they can keep track of us. I am so glad I called back and got someone else!
I placed an order with AmericanGirl.com on July 20. Well the other day, I went to check on it's progress and notice the line on the shipping address was missing Fisher House Rm 9 on it. I only have things shipped here that come via Fedex or UPS. USPS is a mess here. You can send things out but good luck trying to get them into us that way! So since AG ships via FedEx I ordered the girls some new goodies. When I noticed they didn't have the Fisher House line on there I immediately called them and brought it to their attention. The lady who answered didn't really seem to care that the line was missing. So then I said look without that Fisher House line you are sending our daughters' goodies to the black hole. It will sit here and then get mailed back to you. Would you want that for your daughters?! She said that it would get to me and that I was worried over nothing. I asked her if she even knew what Walter Reed was and she said no. I said well it's a pretty freaking big hospital and you can't just send something to Jessica Allen at Walter Reed. That's like sending something to someone in a city you have to be more specific. So after arguing back and forth finally she said she would call it to someone's attention and it should be resolved. I said should be isn't good enough. I am sorry we need it resolved. She very flippantly said, "All I can do is pass it along and hope it works." I said wow, you pride your self on customer service huh? I thanked her for her time and got off the phone with her.
Chaz asked what was going on and I told him and then I told him that I would just call back and try again. So I called the next day and got someone else who was a lot nicer and I guess actually liked her job, because she was very helpful and said she would pass the message along. Then a few hours the phone rings and it's someone from American Girl. She said someone had notified her of issue. The lady I had previously spoke to had told this lady to look closely at the address. The lady said she was calling because it dawned on them that we were at Walter Reed and what that meant. She called to see if their hutches were correct. I told her they were. She was so nice and told me that the people at American Girl wanted to let us know that they were resolving the address issue. She also was calling to let me know they were all praying for our family and she wanted to know if there was anything American Girl could do for us. How freaking nice is that?! I told her their prayers were enough and told her how they can keep track of us. I am so glad I called back and got someone else!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Little Truth....
We are all human and most of us talk before we think. I know that sometimes my filter between my mouth and brain has big holes in it. But I have also found that most of those times it's because I am telling someone something they don't want to hear. It's this magical little thing called the truth. Usually when I don't want to smack them upside the head with the truth I just avoid them. Some people are like Tom Cruise in a A Few Good Men, remember, "You can't handle the truth." Let's face it sometimes the truth is hard to swallow. I am thankful for growing up in a very honest and direct family. We are fully aware we can hurt your feelings, but we are being honest with you because we love you. Lies hurt so much more than the truth. I tell our girls that once you tell one lie, then you have to pile it up with lies and before you know it the truth doesn't exist anymore. I have also told them lies hurt twelve times more than the truth. If you lie to me then our trust is broken and how can I ever trust you again. In our house you are punished double if you are caught in a lie. I would rather you rip my band-aid and let's deal with the issue then cover it up and hope it works out. In the past, I was a little bit more cautious. Since January 22, my patience have become non-existent unless you are Chaz or one of our girls and sometimes I don't have patience for them.
Caring for a wounded warrior is beyond a full time job. In so many ways it parallels back to having a baby. I joke around that I traded the stroller in for a wheelchair. And that I now carry a medical bag instead of a diaper bag. But seriously this is not a joke, this is my life now. When I first got to Chaz he was dependent on me for everything. He used to run nurses off, because they didn't do anything right. Yes that was the meds talking (sometimes). I joked with him that I felt like he was a brand new baby. He just slept, ate and pooped. Then we got to the coo and goo stage and I got to talk and be silly with him for a bit more each day. Then when he started walking again he made me then of the girls when they started to walk. Now he's to a place that he still needs me for all of his daily living activities, but he gains more independence everyday. Unfortunately he will always need me for the rest of our lives. It's a great thing that I like him so much, because otherwise this could be a problem. ;)
You may be thinking aww poor Jessica this has to be so hard. You know what, it is. My hubby is 31 and is currently learning how to make the world adjust to his needs. But you know what I am so lucky I have it so easy. Chaz is doing remarkably well and he has me and I have him. We make one heck of a team. We could also have so many more disability and health issues. Then to make it even better, our girls are 8 and 6 and thank goodness I can sit and talk with them and they can understand. There are wives here with brand new babies and little toddlers. I admire them for what they are doing. The road we are all on is so unpredictable and crazy. These ladies are raising babies too. Wow! I am just homeschooling our kids, I have it easy! Plus I have enough optimism, strength and faith for all four of us and that also makes everything easier. We are in really good shape.
Here at WRAMC we are in this little wounded warrior bubble. We are dealing with war everyday here. But civilians, God love you, some of you are freaking clueless and you need to wake up. Please for the love of all things holy, stop listening to everything the media says. We are still at war. We have soldiers getting killed and wounded everyday. The media doesn't tell you this because America got bored with the story. The media only talks about what sells. (I know there are some really awesome news persons (I am related to one) out there, but I am examining the majority not the minority). Unfortunately what sells is what is going on with celebrities or what disaster is going on now. I personally don't care about the celebrities, but I do care about what is going on in the world and these wars are part of that and need to have more attention.
This morning I recalled this great book I read in college called Tell-Tale Hearts. No not Edgar Allan Poe's poem, although I'll explain that parallel in a minute. In this book the author talks about Vietnam. He talks about how Vietnam was like a good beer. We found it and really liked it and wanted more of it. But we didn't pop the top off of it. Then unfortunately we shook it up a little too much and then we sat it down. Since I highly enjoy beer I can understand that this is not how we treat our beer and once we finally popped the top of that bottle that beer is going to be pretty freaking gross. Then he also said Vietnam was like Poe's poem. We did something wrong and tried to stuff it under the floor boards but that heart beat just kept banging in our ears and finally we ripped up those floor boards and took a look at what we did.
This morning I realized that Iraq and Afghanistan are so similar to Vietnam. The only difference is we understand and respect our soldiers a hell of a lot more then we did then. Thank you to the Veterans before us who taught us this very important lesson. I am proud to be an American, but I am getting pretty darn tired of meeting new wounded warriors. I am tired of helping people go through this process and I am tiring of finding out that someone else was killed over there. I am happy to do it, because I can make someone's life easier by sharing our experiences. God blessed me with people who helped us and I am grateful to pay it forward, but I wish I didn't have to.
Our girls have known nothing but war and deployments. I don't know about you but that's not the environment I wanted to raise them in. After 9/11 I rallied around the flag like every other patriot (only difference is I never threw out my Dixie Chicks CDs). I supported our government and all of it's decisions. I knew that meant I would have to give Chaz up to fight and I knew the possible consequences. When I met Chaz he wanted to spend 20 years in the Army and still does today. I will always support him and all of our Armed Services, but I guess know I want an explanation for why we are at war still. I want justification for all of these guys. I am ready for our leaders to rip those floor boards up and tell us why and I want them to drink that beer.
Is this going to happen today, probably not. I am just another ticked off wounded warrior wife who wants answers. I do know that this is God's plan. I have made my peace with that. God has put our family on this path for a reason and He will reveal all of it in his time. I walk in faith everyday and know He is watching over us. I know that our family will live happily ever after. We started that February 23, 2001 when we said "I do." That happily ever after still continues, it's just our lives have just been altered a little. I am just so thankful that my Mom gave me the knowledge of faith and hope. Without that knowledge there's no way we could win the wars we face everyday. Please keep us in your prayers and pray the other families find their paths as well.
Caring for a wounded warrior is beyond a full time job. In so many ways it parallels back to having a baby. I joke around that I traded the stroller in for a wheelchair. And that I now carry a medical bag instead of a diaper bag. But seriously this is not a joke, this is my life now. When I first got to Chaz he was dependent on me for everything. He used to run nurses off, because they didn't do anything right. Yes that was the meds talking (sometimes). I joked with him that I felt like he was a brand new baby. He just slept, ate and pooped. Then we got to the coo and goo stage and I got to talk and be silly with him for a bit more each day. Then when he started walking again he made me then of the girls when they started to walk. Now he's to a place that he still needs me for all of his daily living activities, but he gains more independence everyday. Unfortunately he will always need me for the rest of our lives. It's a great thing that I like him so much, because otherwise this could be a problem. ;)
You may be thinking aww poor Jessica this has to be so hard. You know what, it is. My hubby is 31 and is currently learning how to make the world adjust to his needs. But you know what I am so lucky I have it so easy. Chaz is doing remarkably well and he has me and I have him. We make one heck of a team. We could also have so many more disability and health issues. Then to make it even better, our girls are 8 and 6 and thank goodness I can sit and talk with them and they can understand. There are wives here with brand new babies and little toddlers. I admire them for what they are doing. The road we are all on is so unpredictable and crazy. These ladies are raising babies too. Wow! I am just homeschooling our kids, I have it easy! Plus I have enough optimism, strength and faith for all four of us and that also makes everything easier. We are in really good shape.
Here at WRAMC we are in this little wounded warrior bubble. We are dealing with war everyday here. But civilians, God love you, some of you are freaking clueless and you need to wake up. Please for the love of all things holy, stop listening to everything the media says. We are still at war. We have soldiers getting killed and wounded everyday. The media doesn't tell you this because America got bored with the story. The media only talks about what sells. (I know there are some really awesome news persons (I am related to one) out there, but I am examining the majority not the minority). Unfortunately what sells is what is going on with celebrities or what disaster is going on now. I personally don't care about the celebrities, but I do care about what is going on in the world and these wars are part of that and need to have more attention.
This morning I recalled this great book I read in college called Tell-Tale Hearts. No not Edgar Allan Poe's poem, although I'll explain that parallel in a minute. In this book the author talks about Vietnam. He talks about how Vietnam was like a good beer. We found it and really liked it and wanted more of it. But we didn't pop the top off of it. Then unfortunately we shook it up a little too much and then we sat it down. Since I highly enjoy beer I can understand that this is not how we treat our beer and once we finally popped the top of that bottle that beer is going to be pretty freaking gross. Then he also said Vietnam was like Poe's poem. We did something wrong and tried to stuff it under the floor boards but that heart beat just kept banging in our ears and finally we ripped up those floor boards and took a look at what we did.
This morning I realized that Iraq and Afghanistan are so similar to Vietnam. The only difference is we understand and respect our soldiers a hell of a lot more then we did then. Thank you to the Veterans before us who taught us this very important lesson. I am proud to be an American, but I am getting pretty darn tired of meeting new wounded warriors. I am tired of helping people go through this process and I am tiring of finding out that someone else was killed over there. I am happy to do it, because I can make someone's life easier by sharing our experiences. God blessed me with people who helped us and I am grateful to pay it forward, but I wish I didn't have to.
Our girls have known nothing but war and deployments. I don't know about you but that's not the environment I wanted to raise them in. After 9/11 I rallied around the flag like every other patriot (only difference is I never threw out my Dixie Chicks CDs). I supported our government and all of it's decisions. I knew that meant I would have to give Chaz up to fight and I knew the possible consequences. When I met Chaz he wanted to spend 20 years in the Army and still does today. I will always support him and all of our Armed Services, but I guess know I want an explanation for why we are at war still. I want justification for all of these guys. I am ready for our leaders to rip those floor boards up and tell us why and I want them to drink that beer.
Is this going to happen today, probably not. I am just another ticked off wounded warrior wife who wants answers. I do know that this is God's plan. I have made my peace with that. God has put our family on this path for a reason and He will reveal all of it in his time. I walk in faith everyday and know He is watching over us. I know that our family will live happily ever after. We started that February 23, 2001 when we said "I do." That happily ever after still continues, it's just our lives have just been altered a little. I am just so thankful that my Mom gave me the knowledge of faith and hope. Without that knowledge there's no way we could win the wars we face everyday. Please keep us in your prayers and pray the other families find their paths as well.
Monday, July 25, 2011
A Few Numbers
People who know me, know I am a numbers person. The 10th mountain division is really getting beat down in Afghanistan right now. It breaks my heart to see the Walter Reed bus go to pick up more soldiers. I have watched the bus leave everyday now for several days. But here are a few numbers I am thinking of.
OFFICIAL DoD COUNT OF:
Troops Killed in Iraq: 4464
Troops Killed in Afghanistan: 1668
Wounded in Action: 44923
As of Jan 22, 2011
Out of the 44,923 over 900 of those are amputees. Chaz is only one. One of out of over 900, yikes!! Then that's only 900 out of over 44,000, holy moley!! There are so many out there that have moved on and there are some that are just getting started. It breaks my heart every time I learn of a new wounded warrior.
We may judge the people of Afghanistan and Iraq and look down upon them, but they have the advantage over us. The use of the IED is a brilliant war technique. (Please note I am not saying it is right, I am just saying that in the art of war it is quite intelligent). Our soldiers are just walking or driving along and poof it strikes without warning. Instantly the ripple begins. It starts with the soldier, then hits his team, then the squad, the platoon, the company, the battalion and then the division. At the same time, the report goes to the next of kin and the next ripple begins. Let's face it, these people know what they are doing. You may not want to admit it, but it's true. Their IEDs are not designed to kill because that one takes out one player of the game. They are designed to injure. Our soldiers are brothers and sisters at war. If one of them is injured, they will pull guard and get them aide. It takes at least a four man team to help one solider. Two to move the guy to safety and two to pull guard. So they took at least five not one out of the game. They know our weakness. Unfortunately to them our loyalty to each other is a weakness and they capitalize on it.
What upsets me the most is that the news reports the fatalities, but what about our injured. Did you know prior to this blog the numbers I posted? I didn't. I feel that the dialog needs to be stepped up a lot. I was happy to take my family to Capitol Hill multiple times because our elected officials need the reminder of the consequences of their actions. I'll do it again and again if given the chance. Our elected officials need to get their butts over to Walter Reed and Bethesda and every other military hospital and thank these guys. I have cards from the ones who have. We are on a first name basis with the ones who come frequently. When we met Senator Corker and Alexander (both from TN) I told them that I was sad we had to come to the Hill to see them. Oh yes, folks I am not afraid to give them a nice reminder. And yes I threw in the I voted for you guilt trip too. I know they are busy, but it needs to be a part of their job. I told Bernie Sanders (Vermont) he needs to go and not just send his aides. The aides are nice too, but the elected official needs to make the time to go. Senator Jack Reed (RI) has totally impressed me. He truly cares for our guys. I can sniff out fake quick and trust me Senator Reed is anything but. He is a truly great man!
Take a moment today and see what makes the news. I am pleased to report that when we went home to TN Chaz made the lead story on 3 out of 4 channels. Trace Adkins' home burning beat him out of one top spot. But ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox showed Chaz's homecoming on each broadcast (the 5, 6 and 10). The stories were all great and it made me proud to be from TN. Our news stations could pick a different soldier and their family every night and could bless our country with incredible stories of faith, perseverance and courage. I get to witness these stories everyday thanks to all the great people we have met. Chaz and I get giddy when another soldier and family make the news. That's why you'll see me post them.
Our military hospitals are filled with tremendous stories. But it seems that some of us are too celebrity focused and are too busy worrying about little things that are really so small. This morning Carrie Underwood's song So Small popped into my head. I thought you know my family is on a really hard road right now, but I am thankful that Chaz and I can see that this is just what we have been given and we are going to make the best out of it. If we can take this mountain and make it small others can do the same. You just need the will and faith to make it happen. Remember if you cannot fix it with your hands it is not your problem to fix and you need to give it to God. He will sort it out with faith and patience.
No matter what please make sure you pray for these guys and gals everyday. They need it. Some don't even know you are doing it. But God is listening so keep your dialog going with Him. I shall step off of my soapbox now! Have a great day! :)
OFFICIAL DoD COUNT OF:
Troops Killed in Iraq: 4464
Troops Killed in Afghanistan: 1668
Wounded in Action: 44923
As of Jan 22, 2011
Out of the 44,923 over 900 of those are amputees. Chaz is only one. One of out of over 900, yikes!! Then that's only 900 out of over 44,000, holy moley!! There are so many out there that have moved on and there are some that are just getting started. It breaks my heart every time I learn of a new wounded warrior.
We may judge the people of Afghanistan and Iraq and look down upon them, but they have the advantage over us. The use of the IED is a brilliant war technique. (Please note I am not saying it is right, I am just saying that in the art of war it is quite intelligent). Our soldiers are just walking or driving along and poof it strikes without warning. Instantly the ripple begins. It starts with the soldier, then hits his team, then the squad, the platoon, the company, the battalion and then the division. At the same time, the report goes to the next of kin and the next ripple begins. Let's face it, these people know what they are doing. You may not want to admit it, but it's true. Their IEDs are not designed to kill because that one takes out one player of the game. They are designed to injure. Our soldiers are brothers and sisters at war. If one of them is injured, they will pull guard and get them aide. It takes at least a four man team to help one solider. Two to move the guy to safety and two to pull guard. So they took at least five not one out of the game. They know our weakness. Unfortunately to them our loyalty to each other is a weakness and they capitalize on it.
What upsets me the most is that the news reports the fatalities, but what about our injured. Did you know prior to this blog the numbers I posted? I didn't. I feel that the dialog needs to be stepped up a lot. I was happy to take my family to Capitol Hill multiple times because our elected officials need the reminder of the consequences of their actions. I'll do it again and again if given the chance. Our elected officials need to get their butts over to Walter Reed and Bethesda and every other military hospital and thank these guys. I have cards from the ones who have. We are on a first name basis with the ones who come frequently. When we met Senator Corker and Alexander (both from TN) I told them that I was sad we had to come to the Hill to see them. Oh yes, folks I am not afraid to give them a nice reminder. And yes I threw in the I voted for you guilt trip too. I know they are busy, but it needs to be a part of their job. I told Bernie Sanders (Vermont) he needs to go and not just send his aides. The aides are nice too, but the elected official needs to make the time to go. Senator Jack Reed (RI) has totally impressed me. He truly cares for our guys. I can sniff out fake quick and trust me Senator Reed is anything but. He is a truly great man!
Take a moment today and see what makes the news. I am pleased to report that when we went home to TN Chaz made the lead story on 3 out of 4 channels. Trace Adkins' home burning beat him out of one top spot. But ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox showed Chaz's homecoming on each broadcast (the 5, 6 and 10). The stories were all great and it made me proud to be from TN. Our news stations could pick a different soldier and their family every night and could bless our country with incredible stories of faith, perseverance and courage. I get to witness these stories everyday thanks to all the great people we have met. Chaz and I get giddy when another soldier and family make the news. That's why you'll see me post them.
Our military hospitals are filled with tremendous stories. But it seems that some of us are too celebrity focused and are too busy worrying about little things that are really so small. This morning Carrie Underwood's song So Small popped into my head. I thought you know my family is on a really hard road right now, but I am thankful that Chaz and I can see that this is just what we have been given and we are going to make the best out of it. If we can take this mountain and make it small others can do the same. You just need the will and faith to make it happen. Remember if you cannot fix it with your hands it is not your problem to fix and you need to give it to God. He will sort it out with faith and patience.
No matter what please make sure you pray for these guys and gals everyday. They need it. Some don't even know you are doing it. But God is listening so keep your dialog going with Him. I shall step off of my soapbox now! Have a great day! :)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Our First Long Distance Adventure
Yesterday we ventured out to the Team Allen BBQ Bash in Chesapeake City MD. It was a two hour car ride. Which you may shrug your shoulders and say that's no big deal. But it is to us. Chaz has not gone that far yet. So it's a very big deal to us and is super exciting.
We had to go to this BBQ. First we are honored that anyone wants to help us in any form, shape or fashion. We couldn't let them do this and not show up to say thanks, even though they told us that it was far away and to not worry about it. Chaz and I are just so thankful for all the amazing people who keep coming into our lives to help us get to that new normal.
We had so much fun with this group of people. They had food, a band and games to help raise money to help us move on with our new normal. There were a ton of motorcycles and people there. So many people were there that I did not meet everyone. I think Chaz at least shook all of their hands. We did meet some great people from the various motorcycle clubs from all over the region, the VFWs, American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary. It was a great day filled with great people.
Cyrus and Mariah you guys did a great job!! Many thanks to you guys for kicking this off and many thanks to all of your awesome friends and their friends and their friends! We all had such a great time yesterday and we are so thankful for all of you guys.
We got to really get away from the hospital and really see the area. Maryland is beautiful. We drove past Baltimore and got to see the city. The girls and I went there to see NKOTBSB but we enjoyed seeing it again and Chaz got to see it for the first time. There was a huge cruise ship docked on the harbor and that got my brain churning.Deryn pointed out that her favorite TV person Duff from Ace of Cakes lives in Baltimore and that we need to find him. Deryn also was excited to see that Philadelphia and New York were within driving distance too. So we discussed where else our travels could take us. It's so exciting to think about all the things we could do. After we get back from TN we hope that Chaz will be up for some of these adventures.
On the way home we found a Sonic. Wahoo!! We all four were so excited. In TN and OK Sonics are everywhere. Here they are almost non-existent. Even though we ate at the BBQ, our little crew had to stop and get a treat. That cherry limeade was perfect and hit the spot. It was nice to find a little reminder of home yesterday. It was a great surprise. If these awesome people wouldn't have had this BBQ for us then we wouldn't have gone on our little adventure. What another amazing day!!!
Guys thanks again for everything!!! We are so grateful for you taking your time out to help us! We'll see you soon!!
We had to go to this BBQ. First we are honored that anyone wants to help us in any form, shape or fashion. We couldn't let them do this and not show up to say thanks, even though they told us that it was far away and to not worry about it. Chaz and I are just so thankful for all the amazing people who keep coming into our lives to help us get to that new normal.
We had so much fun with this group of people. They had food, a band and games to help raise money to help us move on with our new normal. There were a ton of motorcycles and people there. So many people were there that I did not meet everyone. I think Chaz at least shook all of their hands. We did meet some great people from the various motorcycle clubs from all over the region, the VFWs, American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary. It was a great day filled with great people.
Cyrus and Mariah you guys did a great job!! Many thanks to you guys for kicking this off and many thanks to all of your awesome friends and their friends and their friends! We all had such a great time yesterday and we are so thankful for all of you guys.
We got to really get away from the hospital and really see the area. Maryland is beautiful. We drove past Baltimore and got to see the city. The girls and I went there to see NKOTBSB but we enjoyed seeing it again and Chaz got to see it for the first time. There was a huge cruise ship docked on the harbor and that got my brain churning.Deryn pointed out that her favorite TV person Duff from Ace of Cakes lives in Baltimore and that we need to find him. Deryn also was excited to see that Philadelphia and New York were within driving distance too. So we discussed where else our travels could take us. It's so exciting to think about all the things we could do. After we get back from TN we hope that Chaz will be up for some of these adventures.
On the way home we found a Sonic. Wahoo!! We all four were so excited. In TN and OK Sonics are everywhere. Here they are almost non-existent. Even though we ate at the BBQ, our little crew had to stop and get a treat. That cherry limeade was perfect and hit the spot. It was nice to find a little reminder of home yesterday. It was a great surprise. If these awesome people wouldn't have had this BBQ for us then we wouldn't have gone on our little adventure. What another amazing day!!!
Guys thanks again for everything!!! We are so grateful for you taking your time out to help us! We'll see you soon!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Our Night with Bob & Elizabeth Dole & their family & friends
Our night started out a little frustrating. Unfortunately they did not bring the buses with the wheelchair lift. So Deryn and I ran back to Fisher House and grabbed Chaz's legs and all the things he needed to put his legs on and we drove them back down. They are very heavy and it was very hot yesterday. She and I drove them down parked and got them to him. Then Chaz got to walk onto the bus. He did very well and people were very happy to move and let us have the front rows so we could all sit together.
We drove to the Watergate. I thought we were going to the Rivers at Watergate. That is the restaurant we dined at for the Kennedy Center event. But no we went into the actual South building of the Watergate complex. Chaz, the girls and I just moved right along and then in the middle of the hallway was Mrs. Dole welcoming everyone to their home and giving out hugs to everyone. I just continued to push Chaz in and then Mr Dole was in the living room waiting for everyone and taking pictures. We took our shook his hand and move on to the others come in. Then we went out to the patio. You're thinking oh my gosh she's crazy it was so hot. But Mrs Dole have a tent set up to cover their patio with AC pumping into it. It was freaking sweet. Then we look and there's a bar set up for the occasion. Chaz and I finally began assessing the situation and then it dawned on us that we were in their home. Chaz says, "Did you know we were coming to their house?" I told him, "No I thought we were going to the Rivers (the restaurant)" He said, "Well this is a nice surprise." I agreed.
We hung out on the patio and hung out with other soldiers and friends of the Dole family and the Dole family. We met their daughter Robin and their adorable friend Bunny from North Carolina. Then I met this great family from Oregon. The daughter, was named Kate ot Katie, we just so many Kates and Katies I get them mixed up all the time and my friends know I am not great with names. But I hung out with her for a while. She reminded me a lot of myself, just a younger version. Her little brother Clark thought Chaz was too cool (because we all know Chaz is) and became friends with him. What a great family! I hope our path cross again. You could tell they were so excited to be there and to meet the soldiers and their families.
We were treated to a lovely self serve buffet dinner. We had some yummy ham and all sorts of fixings. Deryn and Ryann loved the crescent rolls. I lost count of how many they ate. We also met David Bradley (I think that was his last name). He was another family friend and was super nice too.
Then the Doles brought everyone in the living room and they both spoke and it was so cool to listen to them. Mr Dole said the title of the greatest generation is now being past to us. He says no one ever asked them to deploy, come home, deploy. He also said the soldiers are his inspiration. He also told this great story about when Monica Lewinski moved out next door they bought her apartment so they could have more room. Deryn commented while we were there that Chaz should talk to them about how they set up their house because it could work for us. Then she found their stair lift (like the one on Up) and said, "Here mom, this is what Daddy needs." Then we sang Happy Birthday to him and ate some cake.
The girls were extremely well behaved. Then this ladybug caught Ryann's eye in this glass case and asked for my camera because she was to take a picture of it because it was so pretty and she wanted to remember it. Then she had me take her picture with it. Then Deryn said it's time to leave we have to say thank you. She grabbed Ryann and they ran to Mr Dole and cut in front of what I did not realize until it was too late was a line waiting to do the same. Boy those cuties are fast. Deryn took Ryann by the hand and walked right up to him and said, "Thank you so much for having our family. I hope you have a happy birthday." That was a super proud mommy moment. Mr Dole asked to take a picture with them and thanked them for coming.
Ryann then walked by the ladybug again and said, "Mommy, who's ladybug is that?" I pointed to Mrs Dole and said, "It hers sweetie." She said, " Can I tell her it's pretty?" I said sure and about that time Mrs. Dole walked over and Ryann looked up and said, "I like your ladybug it's very pretty." Mrs Dole says, "Here, look at it better." Ryann had it in her hand for just seconds and Mrs Dole says, "Now it's your ladybug." I tried to argue but Mrs Dole wouldn't have it and I began tearing up. Chaz looked at me and and motioned the what's up at me. I sent Ryann over to him she open her hand and he started to tear up. I immediately hugged her and said thank you. She said, "It's a simple gift from one family to another." I told her, "You are just amazing thank you so much." Then I looked and so many other people had tears in the eyes and some were even crying. It was such a simple, yet incredibly beautiful moment. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Mrs Dole then says, "Oh but what to give to your other daughter?" Deryn then says, "We'll share it, thank you." Then I asked to take their picture. Just thinking about last night, I immediately start fighting back the tears.
We wished them well and said good-bye to all our new friends.We got our goodies bags loaded up and then we got on the bus. Ryann held tight to that ladybug. Then she asked to put it in my purse after Chaz and I talked to her about how we wanted to make sure it was safe. Oh the bus ride home, Deryn says, "Mom, we have to do something nice for them. That party was so nice and that was so nice for her to give Ry that ladybug." Ryann and Deryn decided she would draw a picture of it to send to her.
For those wondering that ladybug will be living in my purse until I find a better place for it. Ryann says that's her favorite ladybug and she wants it to stay safe. Smart girl, huh?!
Life is so great!! I am so thankful for all these absolutely amazing experiences that just jump right onto our path. Every time I think we can't be more blessed, I swear God laughs and knocks me off my feet again. I could just explode from joy and gratefulness. One thing is for sure, this family won't forget our evening with the Doles anytime soon!
We drove to the Watergate. I thought we were going to the Rivers at Watergate. That is the restaurant we dined at for the Kennedy Center event. But no we went into the actual South building of the Watergate complex. Chaz, the girls and I just moved right along and then in the middle of the hallway was Mrs. Dole welcoming everyone to their home and giving out hugs to everyone. I just continued to push Chaz in and then Mr Dole was in the living room waiting for everyone and taking pictures. We took our shook his hand and move on to the others come in. Then we went out to the patio. You're thinking oh my gosh she's crazy it was so hot. But Mrs Dole have a tent set up to cover their patio with AC pumping into it. It was freaking sweet. Then we look and there's a bar set up for the occasion. Chaz and I finally began assessing the situation and then it dawned on us that we were in their home. Chaz says, "Did you know we were coming to their house?" I told him, "No I thought we were going to the Rivers (the restaurant)" He said, "Well this is a nice surprise." I agreed.
We hung out on the patio and hung out with other soldiers and friends of the Dole family and the Dole family. We met their daughter Robin and their adorable friend Bunny from North Carolina. Then I met this great family from Oregon. The daughter, was named Kate ot Katie, we just so many Kates and Katies I get them mixed up all the time and my friends know I am not great with names. But I hung out with her for a while. She reminded me a lot of myself, just a younger version. Her little brother Clark thought Chaz was too cool (because we all know Chaz is) and became friends with him. What a great family! I hope our path cross again. You could tell they were so excited to be there and to meet the soldiers and their families.
We were treated to a lovely self serve buffet dinner. We had some yummy ham and all sorts of fixings. Deryn and Ryann loved the crescent rolls. I lost count of how many they ate. We also met David Bradley (I think that was his last name). He was another family friend and was super nice too.
Then the Doles brought everyone in the living room and they both spoke and it was so cool to listen to them. Mr Dole said the title of the greatest generation is now being past to us. He says no one ever asked them to deploy, come home, deploy. He also said the soldiers are his inspiration. He also told this great story about when Monica Lewinski moved out next door they bought her apartment so they could have more room. Deryn commented while we were there that Chaz should talk to them about how they set up their house because it could work for us. Then she found their stair lift (like the one on Up) and said, "Here mom, this is what Daddy needs." Then we sang Happy Birthday to him and ate some cake.
The girls were extremely well behaved. Then this ladybug caught Ryann's eye in this glass case and asked for my camera because she was to take a picture of it because it was so pretty and she wanted to remember it. Then she had me take her picture with it. Then Deryn said it's time to leave we have to say thank you. She grabbed Ryann and they ran to Mr Dole and cut in front of what I did not realize until it was too late was a line waiting to do the same. Boy those cuties are fast. Deryn took Ryann by the hand and walked right up to him and said, "Thank you so much for having our family. I hope you have a happy birthday." That was a super proud mommy moment. Mr Dole asked to take a picture with them and thanked them for coming.
Ryann then walked by the ladybug again and said, "Mommy, who's ladybug is that?" I pointed to Mrs Dole and said, "It hers sweetie." She said, " Can I tell her it's pretty?" I said sure and about that time Mrs. Dole walked over and Ryann looked up and said, "I like your ladybug it's very pretty." Mrs Dole says, "Here, look at it better." Ryann had it in her hand for just seconds and Mrs Dole says, "Now it's your ladybug." I tried to argue but Mrs Dole wouldn't have it and I began tearing up. Chaz looked at me and and motioned the what's up at me. I sent Ryann over to him she open her hand and he started to tear up. I immediately hugged her and said thank you. She said, "It's a simple gift from one family to another." I told her, "You are just amazing thank you so much." Then I looked and so many other people had tears in the eyes and some were even crying. It was such a simple, yet incredibly beautiful moment. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Mrs Dole then says, "Oh but what to give to your other daughter?" Deryn then says, "We'll share it, thank you." Then I asked to take their picture. Just thinking about last night, I immediately start fighting back the tears.
We wished them well and said good-bye to all our new friends.We got our goodies bags loaded up and then we got on the bus. Ryann held tight to that ladybug. Then she asked to put it in my purse after Chaz and I talked to her about how we wanted to make sure it was safe. Oh the bus ride home, Deryn says, "Mom, we have to do something nice for them. That party was so nice and that was so nice for her to give Ry that ladybug." Ryann and Deryn decided she would draw a picture of it to send to her.
For those wondering that ladybug will be living in my purse until I find a better place for it. Ryann says that's her favorite ladybug and she wants it to stay safe. Smart girl, huh?!
Life is so great!! I am so thankful for all these absolutely amazing experiences that just jump right onto our path. Every time I think we can't be more blessed, I swear God laughs and knocks me off my feet again. I could just explode from joy and gratefulness. One thing is for sure, this family won't forget our evening with the Doles anytime soon!
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