this week

found this image of j this week on an old disk of recovered photos. this was so long ago! and it makes my heart so happy to see this photo again.

most of the time i find it relatively easy to keep a smile firmly in place on my face and a positive word on my lips.

most of the time i find it easy to remind myself that everyone is different. not everyone has the same frame of reference, same life experiences that i do.

as a matter of fact? so many people have many more problems. many more battles they must fight. many more demons.

99 percent of the time i am strong. I stay busy. I don't really ever crack. most of the time i don't let it get to me.

but sometimes?

i find it downright hard.

this was my facebook status this week, and pretty much how i felt all week long:

it's one of those days that i'm having to bite my tongue when i witness people whining and complaining about silly things.praying for restraint&positivity.

this week? i just feel tired.

tired of hearing narcissistic politicians grandstand.

tired of seeing that some people seem surprised that "we are still at war???". and just a note...when i'm worrying about my husband and my friends, i don't need a lecture about "how they shouldn't be there anyway".

he is there. i am proud of him. don't lecture me.

tired of hearing people complain. nonstop. about the heat.

it is 109 degrees where my husband is and he is in body armor.

tired of hearing people complain that their husband has to go out of town and they can't do it on their own.

yes they can. plenty of us do it for weeks on weeks on weeks on end. you can do it for a weekend. have a little faith in yourself!

tired of reading things like "my husband won't be home to help me this weekend because he has to play golf again. sigh."

31 families will never have their husband, father, son home again.

 

this week i spent more time on my knees in prayer than in the rest of my life combined.

this week i put on my brave face. my mommy face. but inside i was terrified.

this week i hid and sobbed for those 31 families who lost someone they loved.

this week harper and sadie walked in during one of my 30 second "secret sobs" and i made the decision to sit them down and talk to them about what had happened. it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do. ever. but as the children of a soldier...these things are things they must know about. i told them an EXTREMELY glossed over version. but we did talk about the crash.

this week i wanted to punch the media as they disclosed details about what was going on...details i NEVER should have read. not to mention, they need a LESSON IN OPSEC.

this week i wished i could do something for those families. my heart is broken for them. absolutely broken. donating money is all i can do, and that didn't seem like enough. i wish i could hug and thank all of them personally.

this week when i finally heard my husband's voice it was the sweetest sound i have ever heard.

this week i felt simultaneously relieved and guilty. my soldier is still okay. so many are not.

next week?

will be better.

we are grateful as a family for the gift of another week together.

 

if you want to help this week,

go here.

hope your week is beautiful.

xo

s

 

Comments

[pam bennett]

<3 you, Jimmy and all other military families. ((hugs))

[Susan]

God bless you and your husband. Stay strong.

[Kathleen Loughran]

Thank you.

[Nikki]

Thanks for the perspective. Still so impressed by you, your spirit, and the way you take care of your girls. Thank you for sharing you!

[nicole]

I often have a hard look on life. I have had a rough year+ with a lot of change and events that have effected me in different ways from apartment flooding, graduating college, moving, my mom and stepfather's (very messy) seperation, to a sucide attempt which I was the call good bye to. All to these things have left me pretty shaken and a little dark, but I have started to realize that life is not all dark. I can move on and get through the day because I am grateful for the positivies in my life. But when shit like this happens I just sit on my sofa and cry. Cry for the mess of the war. Cry for what these families are going through. Cry for it all.

[steph h]

I have thought of you so many times this week, Steph. Praying for strength for you and the chickies. I'm glad you were able to talk to J.

[Joy]

I've been praying so hard for you this week. And man, yes, on OPSEC. Although my dad jokes that if the soldiers want to know what is really going on, they flip on CNN--but that is so wrong. Whatever happened to respect for our soldier's safety?

So proud of J and you, and all the Howell girlies. My love and prayers are with you each day.

[Jenni Hufford]

thinking of you and J lots-- and praying lots. xoxo

[Jennifer Henson]

{with misty eyes} So thankful for military families-those fighting and those at home. So thankful you post and remind us all. So thankful... Many hugs, prayers and love! THANK YOU, and Jimmy for keeping us aware and safe. :)

[Kristen]

Thoughts and prayers. A truly thoughtful post. Thanks.

[sue]

Bless you and your family. May your husband be safe always. and I agree, people should stop complaining about stupid nonsense things and be grateful for the men and women who give their lives everyday for freedom!!

[Shelby]

You a,ways inspire me to be a better mom...wife....friend, but this week you inspire me to be a better person. Thanks for being so real.

[Karen C.]

God Bless, I am so thankful for your hubby's service and the rest of our military's service. You are one strong girl! I admire you! :O)

[Janet and Lisa]

I've thought about you and your family so much this week and our grandson that is in the Marines. My prayers and gratitude stays with all of you.
I constanly thank God every day for our freedom and what all the families go though.
Hugs to you and I'm so glad you got to talk to J, I know how much he means to all of you and to us for all he does.

[Sherried]

I have thought of you and your family many times this week. Thanks for what your family is doing. Thanks for laying it out there and being authentic and for giving us a place where we can say thank you, too.

[Rhonda H]

Thanks to J and his fellow servicemen for providing us another day to live free.
Freedom is not free. You are stronger people than I could ever be. I resolve NOT to be whiney today.

[Rhonda H]

ps - On the lighter side, in that old pic of J, he looks quite a lot like Tom Cruise did in TAPS. Remember that movie? The 80's?

[Misty Munn]

YOU have been in my thoughts this week as I knew that this had to be a hard (to say the least) week for you and your family. THANK YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY for your sacrifices for ME AND MINE!!! I will continue to pray for J's safety and for your strength. {{{hugs}}} to you and those 31 families.

[Chris]

I hear you sister! One day at a time, one hour at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. But you know that. I will never forget our 1st deployment after having kids and my beautiful 3 year old looked at me and asked if daddies died in wars...it broke me. My husband is leaving again very soon, less than a year out from last time. Our oldest now knows way too much, and we are having some very powerful, painful discussions. Our beautiful dd who is now 7 was incredulous, saying "daddies have to go back to Afghanistan???". And our toddler of course has no idea, but is going to miss him so much. As far as the media and others, just yesterday I said to my husband "it's like the rest of the country lives in an alternate reality"... Stay strong.

[Leigh Erin]

Handsome picture of J! SOOOOOOO Happy that you heard from J. The whole week has been just nauseating. That's the only way to describe it.

[Elizabeth*S*]

That was so beautiful thank you for sharing. I've had your family in my thoughts and prayers more than usual this week. I am so happy to hear that you were able to speak to him. God bless him. I will continue to pray that God will always watch over him. And you darling are such an inspiration. Hugs, E.

[Dawn]

As an Army brat, I find it downright disgusting when people badmouth our military and/or exploit them. I've tried to keep the news off when it comes to the latest "story" about those 31 families b/c they're just making it a circus, as always.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. You are amazingly strong and will make it through. Just know you have support that you may not even realize is there if you need anything.

[Debby Schuh]

I hear you and feel for you and for all the families with soldiers at war. I'm overcome with lots of tears lately at unexpected times too. I can't have the news on. It bothers me when people say that Brandon and Alicia are "only in Iraq"... as if that's a safe place to be. War is war and I pray for all our guys and gals that are serving and for their families. Know you are loved and prayed for... lots!!

[Stephanie Howell]

i hear you. it used to be the exact opposite, for a long time afghanistan was the forgotten war and people would say oh, hes lucky hes not in iraq. that always infuriated me. as if  one place is safe and one isnt? people are clueless.

[Mary Rogers]

hugs and prayers and love.

we love you Stephanine and we appreicate everything you do. everything you have sacraficed and all that Jimmy does for you
the girls
the country

xoxo

[tara pollard pakosta]

Dear Stephanie,

I made a point to NOT complain about the heat, even when our air conditioner went out, I just was thankful I had a box fan and a ceiling fan...My husband didn't get home until after 10 every night this week, but I made a point to not complain. The reason WHY I didn't complain is because of YOUR husband and YOU and all the military families....it just wouldn't seem right to complain when you mentioned the things you talked about above. I thought of them and thought, "I have NO RIGHT to complain"...thank you for making me more aware, more at peace with my life and the things I have to be grateful for...much love, prayers and hugs go out to you. and especially to J as he fights for our country. I want ALL the soldiers to be home where they belong, but in the meanwhile, I am MIGHT PROUD of them all and proud to be an American and grateful for all that they do for us...
love to you dear,
tara

[Amanda]

bless you strong one! your are an inspiration. love your perspective. keep on keepin' on!

[Holly S]

I am so sorry and my heart aches so deeply for you and all who have someone they love defending our country and defending my rights as an American. I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest when news came down about the tragedy this past week-I honestly don't know how you mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, children and friends cope with the wars your loved ones are fighting in...I guess you just do it-you have no other choice. It's time to bring our soldiers home. We need peace. I am so proud to be an American. Steph, we are all right there beside you holding you up.

[Jamie F]

I'm a new reader of your blog and this post TOUCHED me. I have NOTHING but respect for military and their family, there is no stronger sacrifice than what they do for our country and their families go thru and do for them to do that. One of the car dealerships on my drive into work has 4 HUGEEEE flags that fly out in their parking lot and they are at half mast for the fallen soldiers and it makes me cry EVERY morning on my drive in. I just can't even imagine that loss :(

Thank you for sharing your story :)

[Jill]

Thank you for the kick in the behind Steph! I need that every now and then.

[Katrina Seiko]

I have been thinking the same thing, about how people are worried about petty, CATTY stuff while people are dying/risking their lives. I stumbed across a scrapbooking "smackboard" while looking for information on a scrapbooking company, and all I could think of was, we have a war going on, and all you are doing is posting catty comments about other scrapbookers and companies?! I lost a little faith in humanity that day.

[Brenda]

Stephanie, Thanks for the perspective. My mind and heart have been full of grief for those families and it was good to hear how you are doing, even though it is so difficult. You inspire me with your focus and your positive attitude. Take care.

[joanne smith]

oh stephanie...
sending you hugs ... and continued prayers.
God bless...
xo

[Kristy]

As a wife of a 5 time deployed Soldier this post hit home.

You want to feel relief when you see it's not your husband but feel so bad and guilty for those whose husbands they are.

I wish I could put on a brave face 99% of the time, and infront of others I guess I do. But as much as I appear strong infront of others when I'm not infront of them I am crumbling inside most times.

These politicians? They need to serve time RIGHT now so they can see what our soldiers are being put through.

[NancyNally]

The people who complain about that stuff, and say insensitive things, simply don't know any better. Their world is small and limited. Feel sorry for them. And then keep doing what you are doing...living your life in a way that shows them something that they can learn something from.

Ignorance is no excuse but it is widespread. All we can do is try to break it down one chunk at a time...

[Kelly Greatrex]

I wish your week was better.... I admire your honesty, strength and faith and thank you for sharing it with us.

[Deb]

Steph,
Speaking as someone who did lose a soldier, although it was Viet Nam, you have no need to ever feel guilty when you hear J's voice. Yes, I'd love to see my brother, but would never want someone else to have died in his place.

[Peggy in Houston]

My thoughts exactly. I wish, as paper people, we could make cards of prayer or inspiration or just something so the families know they are not alone. We grieve with them. But where would we send them? I did a soldier post today too.

[Christine F.]

God bless you and your family. Thanks for sharing this - your honesty is so refreshing and reminds me to be grateful for all that I have - something that is too easy to forget at times when little petty stuff clouds my mind.

Blessings - Christine

[TinaM]

Stephanie,
Thank you for helping us all keep things in perspective. God Bless you and your family and all the members of our military.

[Linda E]

Hugs and prayers to you and all the wonderfully brave military families who serve our country.

[Kathleen Sunderland]

Thank you for your very honest and genuine perspective! I so cherish reading your blog each day!

[Joanne]

You are SO spot on!!!!

BTW...I see Sadie written all over J's face!

[Danita]

I've been there before. While my husband was deployed and even while he was going to officers school it was really hard for me to listen to others complain about their husbands, the war, politicians ect... I send my husband off to war not knowing if he will ever come home to the kids and I so I've learned a very important lesson since being an army wife. I never take the things my husband does (or doesn't do for that matter) for granted. Just having him walk through the door, and having him here is such a blessing. If he wants to fish all weekend I don't complain, if he doesn't want to help with dinner, oh well. He's here with us just that much longer and that's all that matters. I hug him just a little bit tighter everyday. My heart aches for the families that got that dreaded knock on the door (a fear we have to live with every time our husbands go to war)

Your blog is very inspiring. I know some days it's so hard to keep a smile on your face and be strong for the kids...There's been countless times I've hid in my room and cried too. All of us military families, we're in this together!

[Kathy VanESsen]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your pain and your strength during this very difficult time. You are simply amazing.

[Becki]

as the Mother, Mother-in-law & Grandmother of this precious military family, which also includes grandparents, brothers, aunts & uncles - I, too, find it so hard to restrain my comments. People, friends included, have no idea the sacrifice of our military & their families. The comments hurt - so casually spouted. I think & pray for my sailor & soldier continually - their bravery & knowledge & abilities amaze me. and when they have the chance to lie on my sofa & flip between football games - I thank the good Lord for their lives.
My precious daughter is so strong - her life so full - her faith so strong - her girls so loved, happy, smart, beautiful. They mirror the strengths of their parents, they have had many life experiences & adventures in their young fresh lives. We love them beyond anything imaginable.
We as a family covet your prayers for our military. Their job is of a magnitude that is hard to comprehend.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it in a small way - I've learned so much & cling to the old hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
BB

[katie squires]

Thank-you :)

[Linnea]

What a blessing to hear your husband's voice! Thank you for being such a strong woman as you and your husband make so many sacrifices for our country.

[Jodi R.]

Stephanie, God bless your sweet, brave family. Thank you so much for your sacrifice each day for the rest of us. Thank you for your strength and inspiration. You are stong and you are brave and so is J and all those he serves with. I have always liked the fact the we use the term "Military Service" because that is exactly what it is. What wonderful men and women (and their sweet familie)to choose to spend each day in the service of their country. If only those they serve were more grateful. A couple of weeks ago, I was at the Salt Lake airport when a group of soldiers came home and the whole crowd broke into applause when the came through the security area and it was all I could do not to break down in tears. I was so glad and proud to be among a small group of random strangers who actually got it and were grateful. Thank you Stephanie!

[kate]

i was almost waiting for this deep thoughtful post from you when i read this news... you give such an insight... prayed for them and you...

[Vicki Boutin]

Hugs.

[Betsey]

God bless you and your family for all the sacrifices you make for our country. I work for the VA and I am reminded constantly of how military life/war impacts individuals. Thanks you and praying for you.

[Lisa Day]

Steph - This is so beautifully written. Thank you!!

[Amy P.]

Thank you so much for your post. My cousin in fighting in the war and I often think of his family and the family of others fighting as well. I am so thankful for those soldiers and their families! I totally get you about the news and the women who say " they could never stay with their kids" or "they would drive me crazy" or "I don't see how you do it". My husband travels alot for work and it drives me crazy to hear that from other women. Ya know, we do it, even they could do it! You do what you have to do for your family and kids!! God bless you!!

[lizzy kartchner]

xoxoxoxo

[Shanon Gibson]

Since we are stationed overseas right now we only get AFN television and I have to actively seek out news if I want updates. My girls are 3 & 4 and the less the see of the reality of being at war the better. My husband is in Iraq now and I don't want my girls to worry about him. I have also tried to seek a few minutes to reflect and my girls caught me. They gave me a hug and said that they didn't like my sad face. What's a mommy to do but suck it up and turn that frown upside down? Thank you for gracefully reminding us about the sad side of the military life. Most days I am grateful for all that way have but then these horrible events remind us of how much we continually stand to lose.

[Priya Mohan]

Touching post..hit me hard in a good way and thanks for inspiring me to be a better person.

[Lillian Child]

Your post moved me ... so much so that I linked it in a post on my blog (http://lillianchild.blogspot.com). My husband is a decorated Vietnam veteran and praying for all of our troops is just something we do every single day. HUGS!

[PattiP]

As a mom to a deployed soldier who is missing his little girl's third year of life, and mother-in-law to a sailor who is out to sea far more than he is home,who has missed years of his children's childhoods, all I can say is that I understand, at least from my second-hand perspective.

We notice this week especially because of the size of the tragedy, 31 lost in one night is shocking. But there are many other times when it is one or two, and their families suffer just as much, and need support and prayers too.

It's easy to forget, in our safety here at home, that many people sacrifice their own safety and time with their families to maintain the very safety the rest of us enjoy.

[Carrielyn]

Thank you for your post... It's odd, but like another commentor mentioned, I tried hard this week to "keep things in perspective" thanks (in part) to your example. Please know that for every person you described above, there are opposites... and we love and respect the sacrifies made on our behalf by men and women and their families who have no idea who we are. I'm so sorry that you feel the negativity that surrounds us so profoundly this week, I'm sorry for the worry and stress our world has placed squarely on your shoulders... I wish I could make it all better, but I can't. Instead, please know your family's gift to my family is so very appriciated. With all my heart, thank you.

[Stephanie Howell]

carrielyn- i wasnt try to say in ANY way that everyone is like this. thats why i used the terminology 99 percent of the time. its just how i felt this week. and its more of a commentary on society than people i know. i was just sharing my heart today, i really wasnt trying to be negative.

[jennifer Camplin]

agree with this... (teary)

Have always thoughts of others who are out there.
Yours too. anyone. Strangers. etc

[Shannon Shurtleff]

Oh honey. I could have written this myself this week. I have had so many of the same thoughts, reactions, sadness... My teen & I talked about the crash at length and she is so very concerned about her dad. (he did arrive safely about a week ago) :) It is hard, most people *don't* get it. We are strong Army wives. We can do this. :) XOXO

[Amanda Newberry]

Military life is like no other-My bf called today, and it's always such a blessing to get to talk to him. My heart pitter patters when my iPhone pushes an email out. I'm always admiring your grace and strength in the good and hard times! Take care! :)

[KerrieLou]

Sending so many prayers your way Stephanie...praying for strength and resilience. Praying for Jimmy and every other soldier who is sacrificing for us every day, at home and overseas. I am humbled by you. Humbled by your strength, your dedication, your heart and your willingness to be vulnerable at times. Your girls are oh so lucky to have you, to explain the hard things that there are to explain about life. I hope the love and support of a stranger, gives you a little bit of comfort right now, and always. xx

[Wendi Kimball]

Thank you for putting into words how many of us Navy families feel.

[Valerie]

Beautifully said Stephanie. When I heard about the crash I immediately thought of you and your family. The military and their families are our heroes. Thank you so much for your sacrifice.I hope your family will be together again soon.

[Elisabeth Costa]

I will join you in prayer today. Please know that many are thankful for all that is being done by your husband and others, including family members. Peace be with you.

[Sheri Feypel]

Thank You!! Your words are so powerful!!

[Emily]

 I am so thankful for your words. You and J were the first two people I prayed for when I heard the news. Before it was announced that they were SEALs I prayed for you and your family.  This week has reminded me why I am becoming a military wife and why it is so important to be a friend, a supporter and an extra person to pray. 

Hugs to you and all of the families that have lost their rock this week. 

[Brenda]

As a fairly new reader to your blog I couldn't agree more! A friend's daughter's fiancee was killed in the line of duty in February (they were to have been married last month) and the thoughtlessness of people sometimes is just unbelievable. I will pray for you and your family along with all of the other military families. Thank you so much for your family's sacrifice!

[Michelle]

Oh Boy... you and Jimmy have been on my mind this week!!! I am so so sorry for those families that lost their loved ones. The media is out of control! I feel like they jeopardize the safety of our soldiers and anyone else who is over there. They really divulge to much info. I hear you on the politician thing as well. Living in WI and past 9 mo. of this recall crud... government, both sides, all levels needs to get their act together. I think how you are feeling is completely normal. I am so so happy that you were able to talk to Jimmy!!! I hope it eased your worries a little! Please tell him we are thinking of him and to stay safe! Hus!!!

[Jenn A.]

I appreciate your candor. Sending hugs.

[Traci]

Hugs to you, your girls and J. You are so brave & strong & eloquent. I applaud your honestly & candor. Having begun following you earlier this year I realize how hard those ridiculous complaints others have (constantly) must be to hear, see & read. I'd like to think I've become the sort of person that thinks before I post since so many out there have it so much worse than I do, xo

[Heidi German]

Stephanie, the co-pilot of that Chinook lived just a few miles from me. One of DH's bosses had to do the casualty notification, and he has been dealing with press conferences and media and funeral preparations all week. CW4 Dave Carter left behind two beautiful children, Kyle and Kaitlen, and arrangements have been made for a college fund for his children that we can donate to. It's 1st Bank in Colorado if anyone is interested.

My heart has ached this week for all of the brave Special Ops men killed--in that Chinook, Sgt Plutino from 1-75, and the two 160th pilots at Benning as well. So much sorrow for so many.

[Carrielyn]

Oh, I didn't think you were trying to say that everyone, or even "most" were negative, or that you were negative... in fact, I found your post very well expressed and very uplifting. It is a wonderful reminder to each of us. Thanks again.

[Bea Monforte]

Dear Stephanie, all my love is with you and your family (and all the militar families today). I send you all my strong and positive feelings, and I think you are a GREAT woman, mom and wife doing all that you do and loving as much as you do. I think, too, that, although is very hard, is good and healthy thtn you can feel all the things you feel and have those 1% bad days or weeks. It means you are alive, you are human, and you love. Be proud about yourself and all that things you do <3

Huges,

Bea

[Kim Heggins]

God Bless you and your family...I love reading your posts, it always seems to put everything back into prespective. Thank you for doing that.

[Tami B]

There is nothing I can say right now but, Thank You. God Bless you and all our brave men and women and their families waiting at home.

[Jamie]

What a powerful post! Thanks for your perspective, Stephanie.

[Marla]

I have been thinking of and praying very much for your family this week, and for all those families affected by the terrible tragedy that is on all of our hearts and minds. God bless!

[Kayla]

I follow you blog through the emails I get on my phone, so I rarely post comments on here. However, I had to log onto my computer for this post! WoW - is all I can say. Today's post brought tears to my eyes! Your words can make anyone put their life into perspective & appreciate everything they have! Thank you for writing this. I'm going to share this with my cousin, who's husband, son-in-law, & son are all Marines & will all be overseas in the coming year. I know they will all appreciate this!

[Corey Brock]

Thank you to you and your husband for doing what you do!

[Patty]

All so very true!! Not only do you have struggles day to day being married to a soldier but the after effects can be just as strong. I am a child of a Marine decorated Vietnam vet. Although we had a very loving childhood, it was sometimes a very emotional, dark one to from the effects of war. Thank you to your husband for serving our country and to you for supporting him!

[Tammy]

Simply sending hugs to you...hoping for a better week :) Thank you for this post and thank J for everything he does :)

[Tere]

I was kind of avoiding watching the news about this tragedy, because I know how they are! But I know if I come her, I will learn from it in a different perspective. From the perspective of a very mature, inteligent and loving army wife.
Thank You Steph!!!
Many hugs and many prayers coming your way and all those brave ones and their families!

[Darlene Melvin]

I am so very grateful for your husband's service, for keeping my babies safe another day and ensuring their future. I am grateful that you are a strong and real wife of a soldier .. and I am grateful that you are an awesome scrapbooker from whom i gain a whirlwind of inspiration. Thank you.

[Carrie K]

oh steph ive been holding my breath all week hoping your jimmy was ok...

Ive prayed so many prayers for all those families this week...adding a prayer of thanks that you guys are ok!

im beyond thankful for the sacrifices made on THIS side of the ocean and THAT side as well...deeply grateful!

[Lowri McNabb]

Stay strong. Lots of love to you, your family, your husband and all his brave colleagues.
Thank-you to him and people like you for supporting him.
Thinking of you - I can't imagine how hard it it.

[Lou]

Steph I couldn't help but think of you when I heard this awful news :( was crossing my fingers and toes J was ok. 31 others + families are not :(

[Angela]

When we first went into Afganistan, I found my husband and myself sitting on the couch at night eating popcorn and watching CNN. It felt like we were watching a movie and I just thought it was wrong. So I searched out soldiers to send care packages to. That gave us a personal connection. Once when I heard on TV that a female MP was killed in Baghdad, I almost passed out in my living room, praying it wasn't the young lady we were currently corresponding with. I know that in no way does it compare with what you experience on a daily basis, but it opened my eyes to just how painful and difficult it must be to have a loved one in the military. These days (aside from collecting donations of Girl Scout cookies for the USO!) my personal connection to these wars has been largely through you and your beautiful family. Please know that even though we are strangers, I keep your family in my prayers. As a mom of twins I admire you!! I remember how hard it was with just my two, and you are doing a wonderful job with all four of your beautiful girls. When the news of that terrible crash broke, my initial thoughts were of your husband, praying that he was safe. And praying for the families of those who were not. Wish I could reach out a give you a hug!

[Sarah H.]

Oh Stephanie, I so hope that you can feel the arms and prayers of so many of us wrapped around you and your family. I thought of you and J as soon as I heard the news. There aren't enough words to thank you all or tell you how much I admire and appreciate all you and J do for our country. Hugs and prayers to you, and to the families of those who have lost loved ones this week.

[theCakeGirl]

I know exactly what you're saying. My husband is a 47 chinook pilot currently deployed to that far off sandy and very hot place. Over the last few weeks I'll get an email or a phone call they've were shot at again and had to make a hard landing, but everyone is ok. Now I jump out of my skin when the doorbell rings. There are days when it's hard to choke back the tears to stay strong for my 3 girls. Then people are fussing about how stressful their lives are after spending an entire weekend on the lake with their husband and kids, while there are these 31 families whose lives were completely ripped apart and will never be the same. Some people just have not got a clue knowing how stressful life could be. But isnt that one of the luxuries our husbands are fighting for? Continuing to hope and pray for the safe return of all our military members.

[Jamie Long]

You can't always have that smile, but it's amazing that you always try. I hope being able to get it off your chest helped

[Leslie G]

When I heard the news, I immediately thought of you and your family and hoped they were okay. I agree with everything you said and I am in awe of you and all you do with 4 wee ones and I am extremely thankful and grateful for your husband and all the other military personnel out there fighting for me - for us - for a better world! Hugs to you. Stay strong. You're doing an amazing job as is your hubby!

[Rae C.]

Thanks for this post! You are so right about the whining, complaining and carrying on about truly inconsequential things. As a wife of a career retired Navy man, I am in full agreement with your wise and heart felt sentiments. May God bless you, your sweet family, and your serviceman. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Alissa]

{{hugs}} Thank you Steph! My prayers are with you an all military families...God bless you!!!

[Stephanie Eaken]

WHat a powerful, & very true post! I am keeping you & your family in my thoughts & prayers, along w/ so many others. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for all of you. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways!!

[Claudia]

Oh Stephanie,
You and your family have been constantly on my mind since I heard the terrible news of the crash. I'm so proud of you, you are what every service wife should aspire to be. Thank you for your heartfelt post. More "civilians" should understand and be thankful for the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers and their BRAVE families.

[Molls]

God Bless you and thank you for saying what you did about OPSEC. I will keep your husband in my prayers.