First tooth.
First word.
First step.
First haircut.
First Birthday.
First Christmas.
First football.
First friend.
First day of school.
And suddenly you blink and it’s another first, all over again.
Except this one is much worse…
than the first day of sending him off to Kindergarten.
hugs n’ blessings to all the brave little boys who stay brave, no matter how tall.
“A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” G.K. Chesterton
hugsnblessings 
What a hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Praying the time will go quickly till his safe return.
Love,
Janine
Sent from my iPhone
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Yes, indeed. The haircut, the backpack, and the notes from mom & dad tucked inside were instant flash-back moments so reflective of packing for school. Reality sunk in quickly with the replacement of Military Dog Tags around his neck, where a football decorated Name Badge was once worn. Thanks for the warm thoughts and needed prayers! Hugs!!!
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That must have been difficult. Praying for his safety and your comfort. I love the quote at the end.
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Thank you, Keith. Yes, so much pride enveloped over the sadness but your prayers and our God will encourage us throughout the many months ahead. Blessings for your kind prayer support!
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I can imagine
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1 month down!!
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I will lift you all up in prayer. Jesus will hold him and you in the palm of His hand tightly… there is no doubt. Sending love and heartfelt prayers always!
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I am grateful to have your prayers, Patti! You are truly a spiritual warrior and I know they will work mightily!! May you be blessed for your kindness to include us!!
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I keep your boy in my prayers along w each of our friends who are doing the good work of the United States! But, a little extra, just now. Godspeed.
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Thank you, Carla! We are blessed to know so many great Americans, both on the battlefront & the spiritual realm. 🙏🏻 They are each heroic and we are grateful for them all! Hugs to you for your kind support!
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May God indeed undergird both the memories of the past and the future as well. Strength and Grace. (in my book Legacy of Limga the family has to travel through two world wars and its is their faith which is the cord binding through it all. ) My heart is seared as I write and the reality of modern-day mothers is very real. God be with you!
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In God We Trust & In Faith we know we do not stand alone. Gathering your prayers & giving thanks to have them!! You are a true blessing….
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I will keep him & your family in my prayers. You all have always had a special place in my heart.
As it was when my son- in-law deployed, it will be a joyous day when he returns to you.
I thank him for his service & look forward to hearing of his safe return.
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Thank you, Mrs. Scholl! How endearing of you to say such lovely things!! Our 3 children were so blessed to have you as their 2nd grade teacher!! Truly…you were one of their favorites.
And yes, the countdown calendar is a special item in our home right now. Please thank your son-in-law for his Service from us as well and we appreciate your prayers more than you know! Hugs!!!
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Dawn & Dan: What a difficult moment for all of you. Knowing the great love your family has for each other makes this, on one hand, even more difficult, while on the other, I know that Justin has your constant support, love and prayers. He is a good man, a strong soldier, a caring brother, a loving father…but most of all, he is your son…and I have placed him in God’s hands along with all of you. Sending my hugs and love to you along with my prayers….God bless….
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Nance…your words are the balm on my heart, more than you know. Your kind words of our family & of Justin are the words I needed especially today. From God to your lips to my heart. Thank you my faithful friend…and may God bless you for your loving kindness.
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Such a contrast to the carefree, wave- jumping “boys” Kevin and I enjoyed watching in August! Our boys are men now. We pray God blesses Justin and those with him as they serve our country.
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I know!!! I treasure those days at the bus-stop but am so proud of the faith-filled men they have become. Thank you for the prayers and years of friendship! Hugs!!!
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So very hard…hugs to you and Dan…prayers for Justin and all the troops.
On Wed, Nov 16, 2016 at 7:23 AM, hugsnblessings wrote:
> Dawn Marie posted: “First tooth. First word. First step. First haircut. > First Birthday. First Christmas. First football. First friend. First day of > school. And suddenly you blink and it’s another first, all over again. > Except this one is much worse… than the first day ” >
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Thank you, Auntie! God gave us several reflective moments in those few days leading up to deployment and we hold tight to them now until his return. Not a lot of sadness just grateful for the joy they bring. We truly appreciate the prayers & look forward to the day they all return! Blessings!😘
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