Tami and Aaron moved to Maine when Jacy was 3 and Logan had just turned 1. To say we missed them is an understatement. When our vacation time rolled around, Maine was our destination.
We drove the first year and flew the second year. Everyone met us at the airport. It was quite a home coming. In the year since we had seen them, the kids had changed quite a bit. Logan was talking, Jacy had long hair and some where in the mix Logan had forgotten me. I was in for a surprise where he was concerned. After exchanging hugs and kisses we return to their van. I try to help Logan get into his car seat when he proceeds to tell me to F*** Off! When he said that, I jumped right straight up and hit my head hard on the ceiling of the van. I couldn't believe my ears. I look at Tami and she was ready to burst out laughing or throttle someone. She says, " he learned that at preschool." I laugh and try to get in the van. Logan wants no part of me. He likes everyone else but the verdict is not in on Nonnie. I am having second thoughts about him too:)
Jacy rides in the back seat with us. She is talking a mile a minute about a little purple tutu that she "really, really, really" wants. I told her I bet we could get that tutu the next time we go to the store. She is delighted. It is a long ride back to their apartment. Jacy plays with my hands and rings. She gives us kisses and a hundred "I love you's." Logan dozed off to sleep. Tommy and I are enjoying the moment. One of the first things we did the following day was make a trip to the store and buy that purple tutu. It was money well spent. She wore it almost the entire time we were there.
Logan picked out a dinosaur...a big dinosaur. As we rummage through the store making our way to the check out lane, he throws it out of the cart. I pick it up and give it back to him with a quick kiss on top of his head. He opens his mouth to say "F*** You and I whisper " you had better not say that little boy". We eyeball each other and he doesn't say it. Big sigh of relief on my part, wicked grin from Logan:)
After arriving home from the store, Jacy modeled her new outfit. When she looked at herself in the mirror she felt beautiful and she was. She twirled, took bows and anointed us with her purple wand. We bought bows for her hair and played dress up most of the day. Eventually, everyone was tired except Jacy. We decided to take a nap and let the jet lag move on out from our bodies. Jacy wasn't sleepy so I laid on the couch while she played. I dozed off and on, catching glimpses of her as she created her own ballet. She was oblivious of me as she danced. She would jump through the air and fall down, get back up and do it all over again. She twirled and leaped, smiling and giggling as she created her masterpiece. Occasionally, she would give me a light kiss on the cheek as I pretended to sleep.
It was a delightful afternoon, a memory maker for me. So much faster than I expected, this little ballet star will soon be 12 years old on October 30th. A swimsuit has replaced the purple tutu in her interest. She is growing up to be an amazing young lady. Jacy reminds me of my mother. Mama was a worrier and a caregiver by nature...so is Jacy. She has an amazing sense of humor. Each time I see her, something new has been added to her personality. Now she is learning to cook. Last week Tami had a 24 hour bug and Jacy took care of her mom. Jacy has become my favorite book to read. I imagine her in all sorts of scenarios, however sooner or later my mind always goes back to the purple tutu and the pink princess dress.
There is something special about each stage in a child's life. Soon Jacy will be 12, how did that happen? Time goes by fast, soon all we are left with are memories and photographs. That is the way it is supposed to be. The process is called 'growing up' and letting go. It is also why it is important to make memories that can be conjured up on a rainy afternoon when the one we are remembering is far from home.
As for Logan, he is all boy, full of energy, constantly in motion. He never walks into a room. He slides, runs, flips or slips quietly in to scare me. He is the most loveable little boy I know and I treasure him. We are so much alike, at times it is scary. After that year, he fell in love with me and decided I was a keeper. Thank goodness for that. He has my heart and always will.
Tommy and I are taking Jacy shopping on the 27th for her birthday. Buying for her now is hard. She is developing her own style, which is cool. I can't wait to see what she buys. I am assuming we are going to shop for clothes but she may have other plans. Her birthday is Oct. 30th. She was born on Melodi's birthday.
Speaking of Melodi, she will be 34 on that day. It doesn't seem that long ago we were celebrating her 12th birthday, however it has been 22 years...now that is a sobering fact that just smacked me in the face!! Melodi recently married and is living in California. She is extremely happy. I think I will take the rest of the afternoon off and have some 'Melodi time' for myself. We have made a lot of memories over the years...it is a good day to remember them.
Enjoy your birthdays ladies...there are lots of memories to be made in these next few weeks. Much love to you both.
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I think this sign best describes the wonderful people I met while visiting Red Bluff, California. I was there to attend my youngest daughter, Melodi 's wedding. From the time I stepped off the plane, I was welcomed, accepted and felt completely at home by Melodi's friends and future family. I quickly learned to love and enjoy being with everyone. We laughed as we worked together preparing for the outdoor wedding on Saturday. Friendships were formed while we hung lights, painted signs, and created flower arrangements.
The wedding was held at Cheryl and Lynn's ranch, a spot of heaven on earth. We were completely surrounded by mountains in the distance. A constant and at times gusty wind blew for four days. There had been a snow storm to hit the mountains earlier in the week. Mt. Shasta received several feet of fresh snow. The day I arrived, the wind on Mt. Shasta was blowing so hard from the west it literally blew snow off the eastern side of the mountain with a continuous horizontal gale force.
When I finally went to bed on Friday night the wind was still blowing. For the wedding to be perfect and peaceful the wind had to cease. First thing Saturday morning I looked outside to see a beautiful quiet day. We were all thankful the weather cooperated. The morning was cool, warming up during the day and then around seven it cooled down again...
just as the dancing began.
At 4 p.m. the wedding began. Friends and family came from all sections of the country to join in the celebration. Lisa, my oldest daughter flew in from Florida on the 3rd. Danielle, Melodi's matron of honor flew in from Virginia. Several of us flew in from Missouri, others from Oregon, Arizona and all over California.
Ralph Gomez married Lacey and Melodi. As I walked Melodi down the isle, we held hands. I was touched by the music and by how beautiful the young people in the bridal party were.
The little flower girls wore cowboy boots and carried rose petals in cowboy hats. One little girl, about 3 or 4 decided to throw one rose petal and keep the rest in the hat. She was adorable. Lisle, Lisa's husband, made a carved wooden ring holder for the ring bearer to carry. It was a nice touch for the rustic setting.
All eyes were on Lacey and her father as they made their way to the front. Lacey is a naturally beautiful person, and her father is so charming and funny. Charisma runs in the family.
To the left is Jamie, mother of Lacey and beside her is Melodi. Jamie looks young enough to be Lacey's sister:)
Jamie and Dan opened their home to Lisa and me.We spent most of our nights there. We are all extended family as far as I am concerned.
The rest of the photos are a mixture of the night.
On Oct.5, 2013, Jamie and I each welcomed another daughter to our family. It was a beautiful wedding..
Lisa and I with Lacey and Melodi
I especially like this photo
Tug of War with the new couple!
Scenes from the Bachelorette party. They love the super heroes...enter Superman and Batman!!!
Good food and drinks flowed that night,and every night we were there. The Gorman's know how to have fun!! And all of us did just that.
The flower girls with the little girl who carried the rings.
My first day at the ranch. We were getting
our game plan going:)
This is the "Blanket Ceremony" where their Native American aunt bless the couple. Doni Jo recited the marriage blessing and the mother's repeated it after her. This was new to me and a very nice representation of their heritage. The blessing sealed the marriage.
Vacationing in Hawaii...
May your lives be filled with an
abundance of love, happiness,and
adventures.
I have several blogs to write about Melodi and Lacey's wedding, however I am waiting for the photos to get processed. I should get them tomorrow. What I intend to write about today is my return flight.
I love airports. They are a mixture of colors, languages, hugs, kisses, laughter and tears. The aromas of all the different food courts assaults the nose and tugs at the tummy. Everyone is in a hurry. Most people are halfway lost, working extremely hard on not being totally lost. Each person crammed into this small inner city has a story. Most people will gladly share their story, if they have a listening ear. That's were I come in. I have an amazing listening ear and a wicked sense of humor. Airports and airplanes are right down my alley. Yesterday was no exception.
I also learned a valuable lesson yesterday...24 hours before I board a plane I will now confirm my flight and check in on line. I thought because I bought my ticket 4 months ago, I was a shoe-in. I had my seat. It should have been that way, however that is not how it works. I get to the Sacramento airport in plenty of time. I am checking in, life is good except for a smidge of a hangover that four cups of coffee and two Tylenol will eventually cure.
While I was getting my boarding pass, the computer only gave me one ticket. I ask about this and a lady does a little magic on her computer and tells me, "Run, don't walk!! Do not stop for coffee or go shopping!!! Go straight to your gate 19. Then go talk to the man at the desk and he will give your second boarding pass." After going through security, I arrive at my gate. A nice man gives me a second ticket and tells me not to leave the area. The plane is over booked and there will be people bumped from this plane. My headache just increased by 100%. Of course I want to know why?? Apparently since I had not checked in 24 hours in advance...I was a no show. The computer decided that I might not show up and sold my seat!!! Now this is where it made no sense to me. If I bought my ticket 4 months ago, why would I not show up for my trip?? If I had died someone would have let them know I am sure...otherwise I am going on the trip.
I made my flight. Several people didn't. They were not happy at all but I was delighted and dragged my C class rear on board and searched for a seat. We were told that all our choices were middle seats. However I got a window seat because a man in my row needed to be near the bathroom. We were landing in Los Angeles in a couple of hours and the race would start all over again.
We got off the plane, I found my gate in time to hear them say "We are seven people over booked. Would you like to take a later flight?"
"Aaahh No, I want this flight that I paid for four months ago!!!" and I take my seat... crossing my fingers and watching the people in my gate area fill up seats and see lots of young men standing.
Soon it announced they are over booked by seven. The standing young men looked tired, ticked and rather unpleasant.
Once again the "C" group was told "middle seats only." As we were boarding they called a young man's name and he had to leave. Then they offered anyone willing to wait a $300 credit to use on another flight. A young girl took them up on this. By this time I have walked about 4 rows into the plane and see only center row seats. I decided to take the first one I came to. There were two men setting there. The little guy sitting by the window was an odd little duck. He had his tongue stuck out and said, "You don't want to sit here!!! I chew with my mouth open, I snore, I have gas and I have been told I am crazy". I looked him square in the eye and said "I do too" and I am sitting here.!" I was out of people skills and crazy sounded fine to me...I am used to that! He put his head phones on and began to sing. I took a xanax and tried to get comfortable. He did a few odd things during the trip but nothing that was alarming. He didn't lick the windows but he was right about everything else.
After we landed, Tommy was there to greet me and my window flying partner came up and told Tommy, "We took really good care of your wife." Tommy looks at me kind of funny so I whispered, "I will tell you about it later...it's a blog story in the making." Tommy gives me a kiss says "Oh My God, what now??? and welcome home"
Summer is in the process of bowing out making way for Autumn. There has been no need for the air conditioner this week. The windows are open, a breeze blows in steady gusts through the openings. The rowdy sounds of frogs, and cicadas are silent most nights.
When summer was in full throttle, the wind chimes were drowned out by the night noise of nature. Over time nature lost momentum allowing the large number of wind chimes scattered around our yard, near the edge of the woods and in flower beds, to create the orchestras I now hear at night. Owls are once again getting feisty, speaking a language that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Most gardens have started to die. The ground will be tilled waiting for next Spring to replant and grow.
This past spring there was a vine growing in one of my flower beds in the front yard. I started to pull it up with the other weeds however, it was a pretty plant and I wanted to see what it turned out to be. It was a pumpkin vine that soon took over the whole flower bed. I was delighted. The one pumpkin I did not throw away last year had voluntarily started to grow again in the spring. I didn't think pumpkins did this. As far as I know pumpkins are annuals. This little group of seeds made it through the winter snows and emerged in late spring. It went from a handful of vivid green leaves to a small mound within two weeks.
One month later it had doubled in size. Huge orange blossoms were forming. There were at least fifty flowers if not more. They ran in all directions, making it hard to mow around the area.
Another month went by and the blossoms turned to greenish white balls. Most of these withered on the vine. I watered and fertilized and still they died. I even tried to add more fresh dirt since they were growing mostly in mulch. You could find me any time during the early mornings or late afternoon, spooning dirt into places that a pumpkin might possibly grow.
Finally, I turned to the Internet for more information on growing pumpkins and found that I needed bees...lots of bees to fertilize the plants. This proved to be a problem. We had a bumper crop of horse flies, yellow jackets, and wasps but bees were on the slim side. It has been that way for the past five years...a decline in the bee population. That was fine with me until I wanted to grow pumpkins.
I also did not know there are male and female 'flowers' on a pumpkin vine. The male flower blooms one day and needs the bees to be ever vigilant that day so when the female 'flowers' bloom the bees will be ready to pollinate. Evidently my bees are not all that concerned in procreating pumpkins!
However, I did have the joy of watching six little pumpkins grow. Two of them died or withered before I could harvest them. The other four are picked and in my sun room. I enjoy them every day. Next year I intend to have a large area and plant all sorts of pumpkins. If the bees cooperate it will be a pretty fall for decorating at the Carter house.
It really doesn't take much to make me happy.
Tommy and I grew up about seven miles from each other in a small southern town in Western Kentucky named Clinton. We were 11 miles from the Mississippi River. There was a sign posted on Highway 51, the main road running through the center of town, stating " Welcome to Clinton-- Population 1600". The eighteen years I lived in Clinton, the population sign never changed. I laughed about this oddity when I was a teenager. Now as I remember the old sign, I find its memory very comforting. I also wonder what happened to the sign. I hope it is hanging in someone's den instead of at the bottom of a trash dump. Funny how something that never mattered before matters now.
When Tommy and I visit Clinton, there is not a piece of wood or any remnant of a home or building showing that either of us lived in Hickman County. Every home we lived in as children has been torn down. The land belonging to other people and families. We drive by and look at where we used to live, telling stories to each other we already know.
When Tommy and I went home this year for the family reunion, we first stopped at Barbara's to say hello. Soon we were reminiscing about their childhood. I began taking notes so I could get the story straight. I still don't have it exactly right. There were chunks of memories I had never heard before. We decided to meet on the following Monday to drive through the back roads and countryside. While taking photos, I listened to see and hear their story. I wanted their stories as they saw a road, a creek or a sign post that brought a memory to the forefront of their mind. Some of the things they hadn't thought about in years were at times sad and at other times down right funny. I think I got the most enjoyment listening to how they played and how they fought. I am surprised any of them made it to adulthood. I also have a renewed respect for Mrs. Carter. She and Mr. Carter did a remarkable job raising children with the resources they had to work with, especially Mrs. Carter.
This is one of two photos I have of Mrs. Carter's mother, Birtie George Campbell. Tommy talks fondly of her. She has a story to be told some day by someone who knows the story better than I do. Tommy remembers sitting on the back porch drinking Coke and eating peanuts together. Once he told me that Grandma Birtie would give him a quarter to drive the tractor to the store for the sodas and peanuts. He likes that memory.
While we were on our trip up and down the back roads, Tommy, Bobby and Trea sat in back of the SUV. Barbara drove and I took photos of their memories. Our last stop was Reelfoot Lake, where we ate dinner and walked the nature trails. That story is for another blog. Tommy and I loved every minute of it. The stories were nonstop as Barbara and Tommy remembered their childhood. Some of the stories were bittersweet, as with all families not everything was as it should have been. However, it made them the strong men and women they are today.
I think this is Johnny standing in front of the old home place on the Utterback farm. Tommy was basically raised on this farm. It is where he learned to drive a tractor, buck hay, help with the garden and anything else that was required to keep a family of two adults and eleven children fed and clothed. Everyone who was big enough to work had chores to do daily.
This photo is of Bobby and Barbara kneeling in the back. Tommy, Joe Neal, Johnny and Joanie from left to right in front of them. I think Tommy was probably 7 or 8 in this photo.
Tommy often talks about how he loved to slip off and go hunting with a 22 rifle or fishing. He liked to ramble around in the woods. He still likes to do this.
A double wide mobile home now sits where the old house used to stand. The big tree at the edge of their yard is still there and so is the old dirt road the kids walked to get to the back fields to work.
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This photo of Tommy is about the earliest memory I have of him. I guess he was about 9.
When we were in the 7th grade we had our first school dance. It was held in the library at Central School. Tommy and I taught each other how to slow dance. We took turns leading:) When the dance was over, Tommy didn't have a ride home so I took him out to the car with me. I told Mama, Tommy was coming home with us. If looks could kill, I would have been dead on the spot! I don't think I said it exactly right and Mama did not give me a chance to reword it. Instead Mama took him to our mobile home on Waterfield Drive and let him out. Tommy had to walk to the poolroom to catch a ride home with his brother Bobby. The next time I brought him home to stay...we were married.
Tommy and his family went to Oakwood Methodist Church. Most of the Carter's are buried in Oakwood Cemetery. We walked through there and I saw the graves of friends we went to school with. Our best man, Danny Joe King is buried there so is Joe Neal, Tommy's brother. He was our groomsman. He died so young.
Tommy spent a lot of time fishing in Moscow bottom. Fishing is still one of his favorite hobbies.
When Tommy turned 19 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. This photo was taken when he first came in on leave from bootcamp and ITR.
When Tommy was young, his life was filled with brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and cousins by the dozen. They played music on the back porch, sock ball with a broomstick in the summer, and ate Mrs. Carter's checkerboard cake for Christmas. They each have their own memories of growing up in a big family.
I have enjoyed being a part of this family for 43 years. I especially love number five son, number 8 child.
Last week I spent four days with my grandchildren while Tami went to a Joyce Meyer's convention in St. Louis. I thought I was all prepared, ready to be 'Super Nonnie' with everything under control. After all I raised 3 daughters and we all survived! What could possibly go wrong? Famous last words. In a nut shell the answer is I never raised a little boy...Tommy is still a work in progress, so the results are not in on him yet. However, Logan has me wrapped around his little finger...and he knows it! Jacy does too but it comes natural with us. It has been this way since she was a baby. I belonged to her then and I still do.
Thursday night Logan and I went out to eat. It was just the two of us, since Jacy had swim practice in Columbia and Aaron was taking her. She wouldn't be home until around 8 p.m.
He wanted Mexican food. It sounded great to me so we drive to the restaurant. On the way he tells me, "Nonnie, you pay for dinner and I will buy dessert." I told him I would be happy to pay for both, however he insisted. After we ate and I was paying the bill, Logan takes off around the corner and comes back with a little brown paper sack. I asked him what was in it and he proudly brings out 3 sticks of what I used to call "laffy taffy'. He proudly lets me pick the one I want and says he hopes I enjoy my dessert. It was the best laffy taffy I have ever eaten:) Did I mention Logan is 9 years old:)
Before bed time we were getting our time frame ready for the next morning. They go to different schools and for once I wanted to get the right kid at the right school on the first try! Bingo!! I did it!! This was a big deal to me. First time ever in fact and more importantly I found them when school was out!!!
However, before the kids go to school the dogs have to pee. I took it upon myself to 'help' the kids by taking the dogs out. Max has to be on a leash and Precious has no bladder control once her kennel door is open. The back door better be open and no one should be in her way. Once she is done, she takes off to pee in the neighbors yards also and visit for awhile.
When Precious crosses the street, I am outside in shorts and a tank top, barefooted with my hair on fire because is hasn't been brushed yet, yelling at the top of my lungs, "Precious get your wazoo back in the yard right now!!" The time was 6:30 a.m. I grab the dog and run back inside, as lights pop on in several of Tami's neighbors homes. Hmmm so much for neighbors. I live in the country and have none...now I remember why!
Friday night we go to Subway to eat. We love that place. On the drive everyone is saying what they are getting. We get inside and Logan changes his mind. He wants a foot long BMT. I told him "No, because he couldn't eat it all and we had already decided what we were getting." We go round and round. The man waiting on us had no sense of humor until 6 little cheerleaders came in to eat. Then he was Happy! Happy! Happy!!!
I finally cave getting Logan the foot long sandwich. The man waiting on us, gives me the ole "You Sucker" look. Back at our table everyone is eating, laughing, talking and watching the other customers. After Logan has eaten the first part of his sandwich, he is full. I didn't say anything. I wanted to see what he would do. He let out a small burp followed by 3 long sighs as he picked up his other half of the sandwich. He took a bite and I said, "So are you still hungry?" He says, "Yep I could eat two of these!!" We shall see little boy. He moves the lettuce around, adjusts the spinach and rearranges the meat on the sandwich...and he takes another bite. I asked him if he was full and he said, "well, kinda." I told him he didn't have to eat it but never again was he to order a foot long sandwich. He sighed, agreed and grabbed the food up and threw it in the trash before I could get out the words, "we can take it home with us". Half way home he says "Nonnie, I love you." "I love you too you little stinker".
The next morning was football practice which Logan decided started at 7:30. I am up and ready, coffee in hand and off we go to wherever practice was to be held. When we get there only girls are having softball practice. We wait. I ask him again if we are at the right place and the right time. By now his positive attitude has dissolved. He thinks maybe he has the wrong time so we send an SOS to Tami and sure enough, practice starts at 8:30. We are heading back home when I run a 4 way stop sign. The sun was in my eyes and I really did not see it. Logan goes ballistic, "Nonnieadimos, you just ran a stop sign!!! Oh my Gosh, you ran a stop sign!!! You could get arrested!!" He was literally bouncing off the walls. I look in my rear view mirror and yep there was the stop sign. I tell him I am sorry that I really did not mean to miss the sign, I just did not see it. Then I remind him that he got the time wrong. We are out an hour early... I think I threw in a "so there" for good measure.
We have an hour to kill, I figured we would go to a yard sale or two. Logan does not like yard sells nor does he want to go to one. I am pouting and he is quiet while I decide how much I want to go to a yard sale. A light comes on in Logan's head and he decided he wanted to go to a yard sale and get a 'mongoose'. To say this was the best of mornings would be an exaggeration and I had only had one cup of coffee so not all my cylinders are clicking. At that moment in time, a mongoose was an animal that kills snakes and I think they live in India. I am like "No Logan you have two dogs you do not need a mongoose and besides there probably isn't one in Missouri much less at a yard sale." He starts laughing and says "It's a bike Nonnie". Hmmmm I quietly say 'I knew that" and home we go. Logan was still laughing as we pulled into the drive way.
On Saturday we stay home, make cookies and eat pizza. We watched the Will Smith movie, "Hancock"...twice. It was a good easy going kind of day. No rush, no hurry no schedule. About 5 p.m. we decide to walk to the park. The trees are slowly beginning to change colors. Plants are in the process of dying after a summer of blooms. All of the pavilions are filled with people having family reunions, cook outs and at one a wedding reception. The area is decorated in bridal flowers. The bride still has on her gown and veil. It is very pretty. I ask the kids to walk by quietly so we won't disturb the festivities. About that time Logan spies a water faucet about 10 feet from where the wedding party is taking place. He wants a drink of water. I tell him there is a reception taking place and we need to be quiet and walk on. He can get water on down the lane. Nope, Logan wants water from that faucet. I tell him 'no' again. About this time Jacy wheels around and points her finger at Logan, in her best Mama voice she says, "Logan, you can not get a drink of water there. Nonnie has already told you 'no' and besides they are getting ready to have a 'resurrection' there and you will spoil it!!!" I lost it and when I loose it I cannot laugh quietly. Tears were flowing. I would have been better off to let Logan get a drink of water, considering how much noise I was trying not to make.
Tami comes home and we are all glad to see her. The next morning is Logan's first football game. They are playing the Chiefs in Columbia. We are the Centralia Panthers. We are up and out the door without much trouble at all. I was impressed. When we get to the park where the game is to be played, there are 100's of cars, kids and parents. Three football games are playing at the same time. This went on all morning, maybe all afternoon also.
As we get out of the car Logan looks over at 4 or 5 boys from another school. He says, "They look at me like I am lunch". And they did. They were sizing up the competition. We find places to sit and soon it is Logan's turn to play. He runs out to the field and we notice he has on one blue sock and one black sock. I don't know if that is for good luck or if he just couldn't find a mate, whatever it was no big deal.
It is like Tami said, "Ever since I found out Logan was a boy, I have been waiting for him to play football." Me too and I also hope he likes basketball half as much as I do. They were so cute on the field. Logan made a tackle. Tami and I went nuts!!!
Logan in number 25
It was a good morning. Tami and I were up and on our feet. When Isaiah made two touch downs, we ran with the crowd down the field, cheering and clapping as we ran. You would have thought it was the NFL. To us it was close. We lost the game but had one heck of a good time, made some lasting memories and caught a few cute shots.
I hope 25 years from now when Jacy and Logan are reading this blog to their kids that they will remember how much fun we had those four days in September. I also hope Logan has twin boys just like him:) I may not be here in person to watch everything that is going on but I will be somewhere close smiling and whispering in his ear, "Take it easy on the boys, I remember when you did me the same way sweetheart."
Every year since we were attacked on 9/11/2001 I get anxious and tense when the anniversary date begins to roll around again. I hate admitting this because I know the terrorists would jump for joy to think they have the power to make citizens of the United States uneasy...even if it is only one citizen who is worried. However, it is true. For one week, I am extremely uneasy wondering what the terrorists are planning and who will die because of their warped mentality. Actually, I wake up every day and turn on the news to see what happened while I slept. They are never far from my thoughts.We are never far from their thoughts either.
This empty, uneasy feeling will pass and I will get on with my life doing the things that are normal for me. However, for the terrorists nothing changes. They will continue to plan and execute every atrocity they can in the name of Allah to rid the world of America and Americans or anyone who disagrees with their warped view of life.
A little 8 year old Muslim girl died on her' wedding night' a few weeks ago, because she was too young and small to have sex. Really??? Who marries off their daughter at 8 and what kind of pervert marries her? Again I say these warped extremists want to rule the world!! Their 'religion' allows this. If they commit suicide and take 'infidels' with them...their reward, in their minds, is a whopping sex party with 72 virgins of their own. Really???? Is that something a god would delight himself in and wish for the world? Does that make any sense? Not to me.
Is there a god who really condones this kind of behavior? A god who will look at them and say, "Well done my good and faithful servant" I don't think so.
I know there are many Muslims who do not act or think this way. They are good decent people who are trying to live in a world that no longer makes any sense to any of us. They are trapped. I feel sorry for them. Fate placed them in an area of the world that thrives on war. They fight each other as much as they do outsiders. It is their way of life. It is not my chosen way of life. I would love to see my grandchildren raised in a world of acceptance, peace, joy, forgiveness and love. The radical Islamists know nothing about the meaning of these words. It is their goal to rule the world. These two factions can not coexist together. They are polar opposites. One of them has to go. Because of our differences, and their hatred for us, we will be forced to fight them from here on out.
For thousands of years, they fought each other and we stayed out of their business. They raised the ante by acquiring weapons that could be used on Israel and on us eventually. Now we are forced to fight people who would just as soon die in battle as live. They strap on a vest of explosives, walk into a crowd of people going about the process of living, and set off the bombs taking as many innocent people with them as they can.
The other day, I read where one of the Al Qaeda leaders..Zawahri calls for radicals to try and hit America in our economic regions since that is where we are most vulnerable.
We will be fighting these people forever!! They have never given up fighting, they never will. For them fighting is a way of life and the very best way to die. It is hard to beat that mentality. Me, I am personally sick of fighting and of war. Sick of seeing our young men and women sent to these countries where you can't tell an enemy from a friend. Sick of our country arming countries in the Middle East, who in turn use these weapons on our soldiers. Where is the sense in this?
It is such a 'mixed bag of oats' the politics we are facing now. All I know for sure is that I remember Benghazi and how our soldiers and citizens were treated and how many of them died. This week someone actually said that our people in Benghazi should have asked for more help. Excuse me but I believe they did. While Americans were dying and in harms way, our leader went to Las Vegas for a fund raiser. I am very hesitant to follow our commander and chief into another war. In fact, I wouldn't follow him down the road for an ice cream cone. This is a completely new emotion for me. Never once have I felt this way about a President but I do now.
Like I said earlier, I really do believe we will be fighting the radical Muslims forever. We can fight them over here or over there but fight them we will. It seems like the decision now is not when but where and under whose leadership. That is a game changer for many people including me. Having Obama as Commander and Chief, to me is what nightmares are made of.
