ok, So I know this blog is called "The Sweet Life of the Powell Family" but sometimes events happen that are not always so sweet. Most of this blog will be upbeat and happy but either way I want you to know what went on in your lifetime that created who you are today. Anyways, Mama is so proud of your courageous Daddy, Uncle Andy, uncle Jake, and Papa too for serving in the United States Marine Corps. They are all amazing men and have served this country to protect our freedom. I can never find the words to truly express my gratitude to all those who have served. For now though, hopefully Thank You will be sufficient. Uncle Andy is currently deployed to Afghanistan and just recently got hurt by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Thank god he was able to call everyone to let us know he is ok. It sure beats getting the phone call from the Marine corps FIRST staying he is in critical condition....So thank you Uncle Andy for getting in touch with everyone first! I know it made a huge differance for everyone to be able to hear your voice. We are hoping and praying they will send him home to his family to heal, but the Marine Corps is the Marine Corps and they will do there own thing. Last we heard Uncle Andy is healing in a hospital in Afghanistan for about 6-8 weeks and then he will go back to fight with the other guys in his unit until the end of his deployment in February. Mommy's still hoping they change there minds and let him come home, I believe he has served his time in this war.
Since you were born there has pretty much always been a Powell fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan...as scary as it can be we are so proud of the brave men in our family. Daddy even spent his time in Iraq before you were born. I always want you to remember that everyday men and woman are putting their lives at risk to protect us. I know it wont be hard for you to forget with Daddy and the rest of our family who has the up most respect for the men and woman in the armed forces but I want you to spread that knowledge. The older you get the more often you will hear people complain about the little things (even mommy I'm sure) Try to remember this:
(this is from an email Mommy got and really puts things into perspective)
You stay up for 16 hours, he stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up, he goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a headache and call in sick, he gets shot at as others are hit and keeps moving on.
You put on you anti war shirts and go meet up with your friends, he still fights for your rights to wear that shirt.
You make sure your mobile phone is in your pocket, he clutches the cross hanging onto his chain next to his dog dags.
You talk trash about your buddies that are not with you, he knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach staring at all the pretty girls, he patrols the streets searching for insurgents and terrorist.
You complain about how hot it is, he wears his heavy gear not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch and complain how the restaurant got your order wrong, he may not get to eat today.
Your angry because your class ran 5 minutes over, he was told he'll be extended an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight, he waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries, he gets a letter with a picture of his newborn baby and wonders if they'll ever get to meet.
You criticize your government and say that war never solves anything, he sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents, you don't, he does exactly what he is told even if it pus his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch tv, he takes whatever time he is given to call home, write home, sleep and eat.
You crawl into your bed with down pillows and get comfortable, he tries to sleep but it woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
Get better soon Uncle Andy. We love you and are impatiently awaiting your safe homecoming.
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