Remembering soldier children & their moms this Memorial Day

Memorial Day is here and as we remember those who have served - if that's you, or members of your family – but for those of you who had a child or children who served a very special thank you..  and I think this note, from another mom, written a few years ago for  Independence Day speaks volumes to our soldier children’s memories…

~ July 4, 2010 ~ Eileen Marie Hines: To All Our Soldiers and their families

I am very humbled and grateful to be able to speak out concerning so many of our children that have died for us and their country. I know many people who's names would never fit in a large book, through my life, that spoke of soldier's, men and women alike that were just your average next door neighbor that loved and believed we live in the best country in the world!

My husband and I have raised our children to respect, and honor those that are serving in any capacity for freedom and helping other folk less fortunate than our people are here in the United States.

There is something mentioned somewhere that when one human being suffers, we are all touched by their suffering. This applies as well to our fallen comrades. We are so very, very, proud of them and their families for having given the ultimate sacrifice. We also know that it was not in vain. What we don't understand now, will become clear to us later.

The Commander-in-Chief, (GOD) has them safely with HIM for the present. We will get to see them later. I'm sure the medals HE will be passing out are far more wonderful. I know several, personally that have passed on to HIM. I miss them, but they made a difference for a lot of folk. Thank you- You will never be forgotten, just like those that are serving our country now will not be forgotten.

Sincerely, Eileen Hines

Memorial Day and Gold Star Moms....

~ by Cherie Houston

Yes today is Memorial Day… a day when we remember fallen soldiers, but I also like to ask you to remember all of their moms...I know that throughout the US, typically it is the last Sunday in September (not today) that our nation pays special tribute to all the brave and loving moms of our fallen heroes – Mom’s who have painfully earned the tile of Gold Star Moms… but I think they deserve our thanks every day...

Yes for Gold Star Moms, this additional title, is one they never wanted yet despite their prayers, and although it’s not September – I feel strongly that they are owed our loving thoughts and heart felt prayers as we remember the sacrifices they and their families have made, hearts broken and the lives of their children that were given..   I hope you will join me in prayer, that she find comfort and peace and know that what her child has given is remembered and they are honored by us all…

So as we salute the flag on this Memorial Day and remember our owned beloved children, say an extra prayer for all the moms who are worried sick about their children serving in the military as well as for those moms whose children gave the ultimate sacrifice – our Gold Star Moms - Thank you and my God be with you and your families…

And today I want to offer a special thank you to Gold Star Mom, Dorothy Schafenocker whose son Mike Schafernocker was a Crew Chief And Door Gunner On A UH 1 B Helicopter With The U. S. Navy "Seawolves" and actually wrote the following poem Wrote The following poem Just Before He Died on April 28^th, 1969 When His Chopper Was Shot Down Over Cambodia... Where He And His Pilot And Co-Pilot Were Actually Buried For 8 Months.  Mike was born Feb. 28^th, 1949..

Look God

~ by Mike Schafernocker

Look God, I Have Never Spoken To You
But Now I Want To Say "How Do You Do"
You See God, They Told Me You Did Not Exist
And, Like A Fool, I Believed All Of This

Last Night From A Shell Hole, I Saw Your Sky
I Figured Right Then, They Had Told Me A Lie
Had I Taken The Time, To See The Things You Made
I Would Know They Weren't Calling, A Spade A Spade

I Wonder, God, If You Would Shake My Hand
Somehow, I Feel, That You Will Understand
Strange, I Had To Come, To This Hellish Place
Before I Had Time To See Your Face

Well, I Guess There Isn't, Much More To Say
But I Am Glad, God, I Met You Today
I Guess The Zero Hour, Will Soon Be Here
But I Am Not Afraid, Since I Know You Are Near

The Signal - Well, God, I Will Have To Go
I Love You Lots', This I Want You To Know
Looks Like This Will Be A Horrible Fight
Who Knows, I May Come To Your House Tonight

Though I Wasn't Friendly With You Before
I Wonder, God If You Would Wait At The Door
Look I Am Crying, Me Shedding Tears!!
I Wish I Had Known You, These Many Years

Well, I Will Have To Go Now, God, Goodbye
Strange, Since I Met You I Am Not Afraid To Die
Shades Of Laughter... Shades Of Love
Circling All Of Us... With Arms Of Love

Don't Cry Momma... I Love You Still
I Always Have And I Always Will
When You Cross The Big Divide
I Promise... I'll Be The First One By Your Side!

Copyright © 1968-2012 
~ by Mike Schafernocker, Used With Permission Of Mike's Mom Dorothy

Memorial Day - Thank you to all who serve and their parents

This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day 2011, a day meant to remember and give thanks to all those serving in our military and especially those who have served and have since gone home to heaven...

I received this poem a few weeks ago and feel that it's a wonderful tribute to all those whom we remember this weekend. So as we take a moment to remember and be grateful for the selfless sacarafices so many have and continue to make on our behalf, take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for each and everyone of them - and for those still serving, we thank you and pray that you all come home safely to your families.....

And also take a moment to remember the moms and dads who have and continue to share their children in the military for the benefit of each of us who enjoy the priveleges here in these wonderful United Sates of America....

THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..

'Step forward now, Soldier ,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~