When I packed up my old dining room and moved to the new, several note books made the trip.  Notepads, small spiral-bound note books and pens were always kept by the phone.

In this new space I carry a cell phone and have no designated message area.  I worry I’ll forget something important before I can write it down.  Or worse yet – loose an important bit of history.

As I flipped thru those familiar pages yesterday I realized I’d recorded a great deal of history………

“Mom, those chocolate cookies travel well – – send more – – please” – David – Afghanistan 2003

Be sure to ask Andrew his boot size – does he want me to double up on his credit card payment?

“Mom, please send a package to Carl. He hasn’t gotten any mail” – Andrew – Iraq 2007

David – bus to Dover, Delaware – 18 hr flight to Kuwait – Dec 2007

“Mom, can you send me some sheets? I gave one of mine to a guy who doesn’t have any” – Andrew – Iraq 2009

” turret in Humvee gives better visibility… one of our ASVs got hit twice in one day, no one hurt… my old buddy Travis from Elmendorf is here at Anaconda” – Andrew – Iraq 2007

“Mom, can you get Andrew’s building number? I’ll try to find him – I should be at his camp next week” – David – Iraq 2008

“I made it to David’s camp, missed him by a few days” – Andrew – Iraq 2008

The multi-national truck drivers shared their chai tea with Andrew after mission…he liked it – the guards at the PX are Ugandan –  Iraq 2007

“we lost ………  he was my friend…………  mom…………” – David – Iraq 2003

“you won’t believe this but I need more sheets…. these guys just aren’t prepared, mom….  and thanks for all the packages …. got a couple more names who need mail …. love you” – Andrew – Iraq 2009

“we’re on the side of a mountain under the stars….. cold, beautiful…..  been on mission last 30 days…..don’t worry, mom, I’m sure my mail is waiting back at camp…..love you too” – David, courtesy of an officer with a satellite phone who let each troop make a short call home – Christmas in Afghanistan 2002

There are many other meaningful messages jotted in my notebooks:

– date, time, weight, length of new grand babies

– Auntie M in hospital again, pray

– Ian’s truck broke down, tow truck headed to our house

– doctor/dentist appointments, shopping lists, airport arrival times

But the phone calls from war keep things in perspective.

Today’s challenge and difficulty doesn’t come close to the experience of sending a child into harm’s way.

I thank God for his provision, protection and sons safe home……

………..praying for those who are still there.

“When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout hearted’ Psalm 138:3