This time, it's personal. The Homefront Heroes yellow ribbons are "my" yellow ribbons - for my first born, for his first tour in Iraq.
Everyone knows which house is mine - it has a big sign on the front porch that declares, and dares to ask: "God Bless America." It's been there since before - before he asked me how I'd feel if he joined the Marines (he asked how I'd feel "if," when, in fact, he'd already joined), since before he went to boot camp, since before we saw him graduate. It is still there.
He called me on my cell phone Friday to say, in his boy-man-Marine voice, "We're going now. I can't talk long." He told me he loved me, I told him I loved him - so many times I can't remember how many. I think we both cried a little.
I wake up and can't go back to sleep. This unexplained stomach ache comes, and goes, and haunts.
I'm proud. I'm scared. I'm weird most of the time. When I say the words, "My son just left for Iraq," it sounds like someone else's words are coming out of my mouth.
Throughout the history of this regional office of Homefront Heroes, all the troops who've received Girl Scout cookies and other care packages from us have been "mine." I've prayed and prayed for them, and for their families. Their e-mails and snail mail messages of thanks have made me smile through my tears. They are so humbly appreciative. I even received an American flag a unit flew on a mission in honor of me. Of me?? It takes my breath away.
And - who am I to say that I'm all that special? The ones who are special are the ones who've been there before, and may, unfortunately, be there again. They are the Military Moms who tell me to call if I need to talk. That's an offer I know I can count on - always.
So, this time the Homefront Heroes Care Package Drive (9/11/07 "Care 'Framed' in Remembrance," in the parking lot of Grizzly Creek Framing and Gallery, 5545 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.) is personal. I want those whom we call through the Homefront Heroes mission - "empowering and inspiring ordinary Americans to support our Troops and their families" - to answer the call.
The rally/ceremony from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. that day is so we can just "shut up" and humble ourselves, as blessed Americans, to mourn those lost on 9/11 and since, pray for courage for those far away from home and to be thankful we live in this brave and gentle country.
Thanks for your steadfast support for our troops. My son's name is Lnc. Corp.
Donald Barrand. And, my message to my sweet son is carried on the wings of so many prayers - we are so proud of you and love you, and all of your fellows. Hurry home to America where you belong.
Linda L. Olson
Regional director of Homefront Heroes
Marine Mom
More information about the Care Package Drive
There are several components to this event:
- Bring care package donations (list below) and cash donations for shipping for troops serving far away from home . . .
- The Remembrance Rally/Ceremony will feature a USMC Color Guard to present the colors, several speakers, and patriotic songs . . .
- Grizzly Creek Framing & Gallery, along with are offering free framing of photos of active duty troops . . .
- Marines stationed at Buckley AFB will bring a Hummer and a "7-Ton" for Americans young and old to see, and even climb into. . . .
- Show Americans that Americans CARE!
Care Package Items:
DVDs (any sort of movies)
Dried drink mixes (Gatorade, etc.)
Dr. Scholls inserts (go with 9, 10, and 11 for sizes)
Socks
Quaker Instant Oatmeal (Variety Pack)
Games
Total Raisin Bran Cereal
Letter writing supplies
Air Fresheners (Stick Ups)
Little American flags
Raisins
Dental Floss (waxed)
Dried snacks (granola, pretzels, chips)
Jerky