"Emotion" is my Word for Today, June 3, 2010.

"Emotion"

I'm working on keeping my emotions in check today.  My son is leaving for Afghanistan.  He told me his departure date isn't firm; it will be between the 3rd and 10th of June.  Today or one day soon he will leave.  We haven't heard from him for several days.  Trying not to be upset that he didn't call to say goodbye.  He may not get the chance now because they can tell him he's going in an hour and he'll have to just go!

He did come to visit us for several days in May.  He also took the time to fly out west to see his youngest sister, and he tried to see his older sister, although their schedules and circumstances didn't allow it.  He has been very considerate of his family.

As far as his safety in Afghanistan: he is an officer, he will most likely not be in the field, he will be in a NATO office and he will have much more security around him than many other Americans serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

I know all that, but it doesn't keep me from worrying and being emotional, even though I'm trying not to do either.

In addition, I've lost three cousins in about two weeks, all in Indiana, all three younger than me.  Feels like they were cheated, while, so far at least, I'm blessed.  I feel guilty.  

It's been a time of much love, much sadness and much anxiety.

Doing whatever I can think of doing, to keep my emotions in check.

May God give us the courage to face this life and live it well.  May we think more of others than ourselves, and yet take care of ourselves too.  May we remember all the good and learn whatever lessons possible from the bad.  God give us peace, allow us to see the hope in being a child of yours, guide us, help us to lead others to you. 

In your Son's name,
Amen.

"Emotion"

(All photos by Janet Toney, please request permission

before 'borrowing' any photograph.)