A Sign of Thanks

For those that know me well, know that if you ask me my opinion on something, I will tell you. However, you also know that I am not the type to "preach" about one thing or another.

Today, I am not preaching, but feel the need to say a few things.

As I type this, I am sitting at work at the funeral home. It is the visitation of Master Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin of the United States Marine Corp. A soldier that was serving his 4th duty in the Middle East and killed during hostile fire in Afghanistan. He was 34, never married but has a large and loving family.

I have cried everyday since his body has come to the funeral home. So many thoughts and emotions have hit me that it is hard to start from the beginning.

But the one thing that I want to say and make perfectly clear is that I am thankful beyond words can even begin to state for the country that we live in the men and women that give their ultimate for us to have the freedoms that we take for granted on a daily basis.

No matter how you feel about politics or the military - I ask that today, you put it aside. I ask that you show whatever sign of thanks you deem appropriate to pay respect for the freedoms and liberties that you enjoy.

Today, I am wearing a ribbon to honor Adam - I do not know him or his family other than to serve them with during this funeral. I do not know any of the Marines that are paying their respects to a fallen brother or are serving as the honor guard (which is an extremely moving transition to witness).

Hug your loved ones and feel blessed they are near and pay Thanks for all of those that keep us safe.

Jake 1sts

Jake has been a VERY active little boy this last week.

He crawled for the first time - now we can't keep him one place.

And tonight, I witnessed him crawl over the loveseat, pull himself up, stand, take two small steps to the right, fall on his butt and do it all over again.

It won't be long before we might have to get some more gates for other parts of the house.

Jake's Baptism

This past Sunday we had Jake baptized at St. Basil the Great church. Deacon Dave officiated the ceremony. It was a rather private ceremony with just us and a few family members and friends that could come into town.

Jake slept through most of the ceremony. He was like a load of lead bricks in my arms. He didn't even flinch when the water was poured over his head. He was a great little boy.

The ceremony lasted about 25 minutes and Deacon Dave did a fabulous job incorporating and being genuinely gracious to both Celie and Anna. It was a very memorable moment for me.

Here is a picture of us after the ceremony. From left to right - Reagan, Tammy & Deon Lehman (Jake's Godparents) Bob & Jake and me.

We appreciate everyone that joined in our celebration. Thanks for being a part of Jake's special day.