Remembering Ramadan (Eid Mubarak!!)

Few years ago, I remember spending Ramadan with my good friends from Saudia, Talal and his two older brothers, Bader and Bander who, are married to Filipino women (Ate Rosel and Ate Evelyn), and their cousin, Samer. There were nights I was invited to come over to their place and together, we had iftur (supper or evening meal to break the daily fast during Ramadan).

It is known that during the Islamic month of Ramadan, participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn to sunset. To them, fasting is meant to teach a person patience, sacrifice, and humility. It is also during this time that they fast for the sake of God and they offer prayer more than usual. They ask for forgiveness for their past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from every day evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

Today, they celebrated Eid el-Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. And along with it, my Ramadan memories came flashing back before my eyes.

It's not easy to fast. It really takes patience to be able to last a whole day with no food and water. You have to learn how to sacrifice your needs like eating or drinking whenever you feel like doing so because it's not allowed. It sure did teach me those valuable lessons that I should say, had stayed with me up to these days. Not only that, I already experienced myself how it is like to feel really hungry and not be able to eat anything to even lessen it. I learned how to think of others. I feel sad for those who only get to eat once a day, especially those who, sometimes go on for days without eating anything. Now, if I have something extra, it goes to those who need it more than I do.

While I was fasting, I avoided places where I can smell nice food and see people eating. My friends in school would always tease me when they're eating something in front of me because they knew I wouldn't ask them to give me some. Believe me, it was never easy to resist but I was able to do so. Whenever I started feeling hungry or thirsty, I always wanted to just sleep and wake up when it's already time for iftur. But most of the time, I was wide awake so I had no choice but to endure hunger and thirst at the same time! I just let myself think that right after maghrib, I can eat as much as I want to until suhoor before the fajr. I remember sitting with my Saudi friends in circle during every meal, with one big plate in the middle (biryani rice and the meat all in one) and just using our right hands while eating. It's a tradition that Saudi people practice. After every meal, we would sit and have tea while chitchatting or simply watching TV. Dessert always followed after that :) I don't know how's that, but we preferred eating dessert after drinkig tea. Then, if we still had enough time, we would go out for a walk and if ever ended up feeling hungry, hot and spicy chicken shawarma was always there to quiet our noisy tummies. Hehehe [Oh, that just made me start missing my favorite Arabic food ;( ]

There's no doubt I will observe Ramadan again :) I just had to stop this year because I have lost so much weight and I need to gain some of it back. Once I'm fit enough, I'll definitely fast again - maybe next Ramadan :) Inshallah!!

Today, Talal and I greeted each other Happy Eid through SMS. He even sent me pictures of his two younger sisters, Asraa, 6 and Gaya, 2 - both in Saudia right now. Talal is living in Dagupan and since he left Manila in 2006 to study there, we haven't met till now. I miss that "gentle giant" (I call him by that name sometimes because he's so tall) and how I want to see him again. I miss the happy moments we all shared together, our crazy talks, singing Arabic songs together, problem-sharing, and I miss Kuya Bader's jokes. They're the nicest Arab people I know and I'm glad we became friends and are still friends up to now. My husband and I were supposed to meet Talal in Baguio when we went there in May, but at the last minute, the plan changed because one of Talal's friends asked him to go with him to Ilocos at the time. I'm convincing him to come here to Manila, but he always gives me the same answer - he hates Manila because of too much pollution and noise. Well, I still am not giving up the chance of seeing him one of these days.

I also greeted my other good friend, Ameer who, told me in his text message that he never really felt it was Eid today. I somehow understood how he must have been feeling. He's away from his family and though he has his older brother here and a niece, still he said he didn't enjoy celebrating Eid all by himself. Well, I hope Ahmed or Wissam will do something to make him smile as he said he's going to spend time with them tomorrow. [hehehe] He deserves a break.

Praying and Hoping

Wanting so bad to able to spend our first anniversary together, my husband is doing the best he can right now so he can at least have a 30-day leave. That has always been the plan, but it looks like things are against us at this time. He told me there's a possibility that they might not let him do that. I mean, come on now!! They have them for six whole months, what is thirty days days off? No offense, but I just don't get it - I don't understand some things sometimes. That made me sad, to tell you the truth and I just don't know what else to think and expect as of the moment. Everything is a blur!

He's really persistent in making it possible and I hope it will pay off in the end. I can only pray and hope that at least they'll reconsider. All we want is to at least spend more time with each other. Since we got married, believe it or not, we've only spent like less than two months together. (Add the 2 weeks he spent here last year during his first trip, the 3 weeks vacation he had in April-May, and the 3-day trip we had in Malaysia during their last port visit), and in November, we'll be turning 1 year. So basically, in all those 12 months of the year, we've only been together for not even exactly two months and they were even far in between! My gulay, I really am praying to God for things to work out fine. I am letting go of this matter as it's already out of our control now. Whatever is His plan or will, let it be done :)

Beautifully Made Scented Candles

Can you actually believe that these really are candles and not cakes?!

I was watching this morning show on GMA7, "Kay Susan Tayo" and got really interested in one of the show's features that was all about scented candles. But mind you, these are not just the ordinary and most-seen scented candles found inside the malls or boutiques - they're different and such one-of-a-kind!! If you don't know better, you'd actually think at your first glance that they're not candles, but sweets. Who wouldn't think they are really not edible if they happen to look like the ones in the photos above?

I've always loved scented candles; that's one thing my husband and I have in common. That's why when I saw them on TV, I couldn't help but admire and appreciate how beautifully they're made and how smart and really artistic of the owner who thought of making scented candles the extraordinary and unique way, indeed!! I haven't seen such kind of candles in my entire being and I would really love to have even just one or two of those deliciously-looking candles. Not to mention that you can actually use it for birthdays, for instance and still have it for next year's use. In that way, you are saving money [hehehe].

If you're interested to take a look at their scented candles, you can visit their online store - "Candle Delight". See for yourself ;)

FYI: I am not trying to advertise here or anything. I don't even know how to do that in the first place. I just found their work too beautiful not to share :)

Three Liberty Days

My husband was able to spend three days off the ship this week, from Friday till today (Sunday). He just, in fact, got back on the ship tonight [afternoon their time] to go to that area again. I had that same feelings again, every time he's about to leave - worrying, wanting to hold him back and not let him go just yet, wishing I could hold him, hug him and kiss him, and all that. I'm sure that we had the same feelings at that very moment, I heard it in his voice. We were talking still on the phone even up to the last minute before they boarded the helo, and like before and always, I never wanted to let go. If only it was possible for us to still continue talking over the phone even while they're already up on air. The only thing that made it less harder this time is, God willing, this week is going to be their last week out there and they'd be sent back to the ship where they actually are from.

I may not be there with him physically to see him take off along with the other soldiers, but I know the pain when seeing your most-loved person leaves is just as intense as being actually there to witness it personally. I think, it's even harder not being able to be there to even give my husband hugs and kisses and just be able to tell him in person how much I love him and that I'll be waiting for his return. It may be hard to see them disappear right before our very eyes, but it gives them the assurance and comfort that they have someone - who loves them with all of their heart - they will look forward to coming home to.

I never thought they'd give them liberty time - not exactly like day-off or something but a sort of time off the ship - so I was surprised when I suddenly received a phone call from him on Friday evening. He just told me in his letter that I shouldn't send him e-mails to his e-mail ad on the ship because something came up and they might be moved to a different area. I had no idea they'd be sent back to that place. I'm thankful to God that at least, for three days, they were given time for themselves to relax somehow and we were able to talk to each other over the phone. He'd call me for like five to six times a day and still would send me text messages right after every conversation just to tell me (again) how much he loves and misses me, and I got to see him on webcam!! Not too long, though because of the slow connection. It froze up on us just even before I had the chance to really relish myself watching him. Oh, how I missed him so much and how I always miss him every single moment ;(

We also got to buy together something for our grandparents in Samar - obviously, not together physically - over the phone. He called me and we discoursed about what stuff to buy for them and he'd tell me if he has seen one and asked me if that thing would do or not. It wasn't hard for him to find something for grandma - something we both agreed on buying for her, but it got a little bit harder on what to get for grandpa. Whew!! Why is it just so hard sometimes to find desirable presents for men/guys/baby boys? Honestly, I am not so good in doing that. It has always been a lot easier for me to look and buy presents for girls than for boys. It's the thought, I think, that I don't want to buy something they'd end up not liking and I bought it just because I thought it'd look cute or good on them, that makes it harder for me to decide on which is which. And sometimes, it's when you see a lot of beautiful things and you couldn't pick the right one up. You're just left there standing, staring at everything that's surrounding you not even having a miniature clue on what you want to buy - because in the back of your head, if you can just afford, you'd buy them all in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what my husband ended up getting for him. I already gave up when the both of us could no longer think of what to buy for grandpa. All he said to me was, he'll still would go and look around for stuff and hopefully find something suitable for him. I don't know if he did find one, but I hope he did and it didn't take him time to do that. We just wanted to give something to the both of them [grandpa and grandma] that will always remind them of us and how much we truly and dearly love them. Something that is kind of rare to find. Well, rare that is if you don't actually go on purpose to that particular place that sells them or has them. I'm thinking of labeling those gifts with - From the Deserts with Love - as that's where D got them from, then our names just underneath it. We both know it's not how expensive the present is or how appealing it looks; it's the love, the thoughts that count the most.

D also surprised me when he - out of my knowledge - posted pictures they took in that place, on our Multiply site. He entitled the album - For My Wife - and wrote something, too. I couldn't help but adore him more while looking at the photos. How I wanted to give him hugs and kisses so badly right then and there!! If I were to do something at that very moment, I would stand next to him with great pride, so much pride while shouting at the same time to the rest of the world, "This is my husband. He is a great soldier and I am so proud of him!!"

(my husband)

(with his buddy, Danny)

Showing His Love through Written Words

This came in an e-mail today. Actually, he already sent me a copy of this yesterday but I wasn't able to open the file because it wasn't compatible with any program I have in my computer. So, he had it changed and resent today. I just want to share what my husband wrote for me. Though, I already edited some part [I took off personal matters..hehehe] the whole thought of his letter is still intact. It got me crying right after I read it - as his every letter always does every time I go over and read each of them once more. My heart is overflowing with joy and so much love for him right now. If only we're together right now, I would have ran to him and hugged him so tight and just stay that way for a while. The smallest gestures help you say a lot when you're already out of words because of overwhelming emotions.

For my darling wife,

I wanted to write you something on my laptop so that I had more time to write to you. I have been counting down the days mahal and even as slow as some of them have been going, the thought of knowing that they are counting down makes me feel so good inside. I know things have definitely been tough on us during these times. It was your first deployment as a wife and mine with the team. I have definitely seen some great and also some tragic things my wife. Your letters and words of encouragement though have helped me tough these days out and always bring a smile to my face. Knowing that you love me like you do mahal is the greatest thing in the world. I can’t thank you enough for the love you give me and the strength you bring out of me. Without you Kirsti there would be no me. I can’t ever imagine living a life where you are not in it. To ever go back to that life I would much rather not exist in this world. You make me so happy mahal and it is that happiness and love that coarse through my veins letting me know that I am alive. I have never in my life felt so alive and so in love. I really thought I knew what love was before but I had no idea. I replay so many thoughts in my mind sweetpea that I feel like I am running a movie marathon about us in my head!! To think sometimes that you doubt yourself as a wife and a woman are hard to believe. Yet that is why we have our husbands and wives. In those times when we feel like we are nothing in this world, that we can’t be loved, our beloved ensures that we are everything to them. That they are the world that revolves around them providing light where there was once darkness. They love us unconditionally, through all our habits, our simplistic rituals, our love of tomato, peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches, they love us.

It is me mahal and you that share our love with one another. Loving each other more day by day, year by year. It will be our first anniversary together, the happiest day of my life. The day that I married my best friend, my soul mate, my wife K.A.C.. That day was the first of many victories and battles that we face in front of us mahal. I will always stand beside you my love. No matter the fight I will be there to be your shield and your spear if you should so need it. No matter the cost I would gladly give my life in defense of yours. As your husband I promised you that we will build a home of love and respect. Our children will be given all the love that they will ever need in this world. I love you so much sweetie that I just can’t wait to embrace you in my arms again and give you such a great big kiss. I miss you so much and everyday I grow closer to holding you. Being able to see you in Malaysia was the greatest thing that has happened on this, and actually any deployment in my career. I am so grateful that things worked out and I was able to see my wife. It is great how God can work things out mahal and He has been doing that since day one with you and I. I know that we didn’t meet by a weird occurrence mahal, we met because it was our fate that was laid before us by God. He gave us the first big step and now it is up to us to continue the walk, hand in hand my baby.

I love you with all my heart and I will always love you, T. I will always be there for you and don’t ever think that you never have someone to turn to. I LOVE YOU MY DARLING WIFE!

Your Husband Forever through Eternity,
J.D.C.

♥♡For my husband, John♡♥

Mahal, I always love the way you convey your thoughts and feelings through writing - you have no idea!! I will never get tired reading what you've written and I will always be your number one avid reader ;) I love you so much more than I could even begin to express and tell right now. You are my world, my life - my everything - now and for always.

Rainy, rainy Thursday!

The only thing that made say, today was fine with me is, the fact that it hasn't been too hot the entire afternoon. It has been cloudy and would sprinkle in between hours, since this morning. Other than that, it has me bored to death! I was planning on going out to buy groceries and continue looking for that novel that my grandma's asking me to buy for her. But because of the unpredictable weather, I had no choice but to cancel my plans today and postponed instead - hopefully, tomorrow. I hope the weather won't be as unpredictable as it has been today. And I think I need to buy another novel for myself, too. I'm almost finished reading Wild at Heart. I only have two more chapters left to read, then I'm through.

Well, my day didn't totally go to waste I should say. Because I had nowhere to go but my room, I had the time today to actually go back to checking on China Airlines for my husband's trip to come here. He said they needed the information as soon as possible - the earlier, the better. Thank God, it worked with me today. I mean, the website. It wouldn't let me access its site last night that's why I wasn't able to have it done right away. Today, as I was checking on available flights and fare, I kept on praying that it won't mess up till I get my work done. Good heavens, it didn't and I got all the information I needed for now. If in case he'd still need more, I'm just right here :)

By the way, I also looked for any available flight on Cebu Pacific Air on the "date" that we think we might be flying out to spend time with our family in Samar, but to no avail. The date I picked has no more seats available. It's almost peak season, so it's always better to plan ahead of time and take care of whatever needs to be taken care of. As what my husband taught me - never forget the five [5] Ps - Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I also checked Philippine Airlines and found available flights, but no amount of fare yet. Maybe in the next few days they'll end up posting the prices on there. Better be on the watch all the time :)

That's pretty much how I spent my whole day today. Boring, isn't it? I'm just glad I have my books around me or else, heaven forbids, I think you might not be able to ask me something I'd give you the right answer to, by now. These books are somewhat precluding me from the possibility of having neuroticism. And of course, this blogging thing. They keep me busy and sane when I have nobody to talk to. Literally, I am all by myself most of the time. Needless to say about what's happening around me here. It only adds to the bitterness of what I already have to go through just to make it through a day after the other. But, I'm surviving - and why wouldn't I? It's just all about learning how to accept and let go of the things that are beyond my control and make use wisely of the ones that somewhat, somehow are within my control right now. I'm no longer worried about those things that do nothing but hurt me from inside. God is in control of them now, not me! I'll just let tomorrow worry on its own. I already have enough of stuff to worry about today :)

Contagious Smile

Thank you so much, Ate Anne for this cool tag. It really did make me smile!! :)

Smiling is infectious,
You can catch it like the flu.
Someone smiled at me today,
And I started smiling too.


Toss this smile along to your friends who brightened up your day
or those whose days you want to brighten up.

Smile!

Each day is a wonderful reason to celebrate!

CONTAGIOUS SMILE:
Simple Delights / Motherhood in a Nutshell / Complex Life / My Little Home / LiFe Of A Navy WiFe / You/

I hope you, too will grab this one so to spread that really oh, so contagious smile!!

btw: click on Ate Anne's name to grab this tag. Thanks!

The Husband called His Wife

You read it right. He called me awhile ago and I was so ecstatic!!I haven't heard his voice for more than a week and tonight, we finally got to talk to each other over the phone - thank God. But before that, I had received two international missed calls - they wouldn't have been just missed calls if I was around my phone to answer those calls - and all the while, I thought those were from my mother. I forgot to bring my phone with me downstairs that's why I didn't hear it rang twice.

The line wasn't that clear, just enough for us to understand each other. His voice sounded much farther that there were times I barely understood what he was saying. Good thing, the husband is always patient to repeat something that the wife have missed him telling her about ;) We got to talk for twenty-one [21] minutes and fourteen [14] seconds. Not bad at all, is it? Aside from the fact that phonecards cost a fortune, he couldn't stay long because for sure there were a lot of soldiers behind him patiently waiting in line for their turn to make those short phone calls to their love ones, too. There's no specific date as to when he will give me a call and when is the next after that. This thing really requires a lot of patience, and I'm thankful to God that He is ever helping me deal with this wisely. I don't know what I'd do without Him to constantly guide me and strengthen me.

My husband has asked me to check for airline fare for his flight coming here. He has no internet connection there that could access to websites like this. And that also means one thing - I'll be buying his plane ticket for the first time!! [Good luck] I have tried to open China Airlines but it wouldn't let me through. I wasn't able to open the site. It's the same problem I encountered that day we were looking for my ticket to go to Malaysia. Sometimes, I can open the site. But most of the time, it appears blank, just like what happened awhile ago. I guess I'll just have to try again tomorrow. He gave me two different possible dates of his arrival. The first one [Plan A] isn't for sure, yet. He told me it will depend on their approval if they'll let him fly out from a foreign country to get here to the Philippines. And the second date [Plan B] is actually just in case Plan A won't work out. I'm praying that they'll let him come here on the first date we've talked about, because if not, we'll then have to wait for another two weeks before he can actually leave the ship and fly out here. I don't see anything wrong with those plans. It's just that, this countdown is killing me!! And what I dislike most about it is, the nearer the date approaches, the longer the wait seems to be - that to wait for a day to pass by is worse than forever. I guess all I wanted to say is - I just want him [them] home!!

A Single Photo = IMMENSURABLE HAPPINESS!

My husband sent me a photo yesterday that he asked from one of his buddies to take specially for me ;) Ooh, how sweet!! Yes, that single picture made my day and I must say, I couldn't even express how happy I was when I finally saw my husband's face. Too bad, he's wearing sunglasses. I didn't see his eyes. I love his beautiful pair of blue eyes and just how they look at me makes me go weak on the knees. This photo just made me miss him even more. And the more I look at it, the more I want to fast forward the time so he can finally come home. [Haaay, just few more weeks to go, Mrs. KC - just hang in there!! ;)]

He said in his e-mail that he lost weight and that his top looks too big for him - I didn't even notice that till he told me himself. And still, I don't think he lost weight. That top is just too big for him :) He even looks so much better from the last time I saw him in Malaysia. My husband looks younger and even more handsome. Yeey!! Just can't help but compliment him for his sensational new looks ;) Aww!! My oh my, can't wait to mess up with his hair, that's for sure. I love the feeling when I slowly run my fingers through his soft, brown hair. I love smelling it. His smell stays fragrant even if he's already been sweating the whole day. I can honestly fall asleep to the smell of the shirt he wore the entire day. Did that gross you out? I don't think so ;) I think he'll always look cute and smell nice at the every end of the day no matter how bad he's been sweating. There's just something in it that makes it so appealing to my sense of smell. (Hahaha) Okay, okay at least for me, it is.

One more thing I saw in that photo - his wedding ring around the strap of his watch ;) Since he can't wear his ring while he's at work, he still makes sure it stays with him all the time. It's something that I just have no words to describe how it makes me feel. All I know is, it has me beaming with pride knowing that even through his small ways, he is making me know and feel that even though we're far from each other, I'm always so close to his heart - as he is to mine :)

Our World Today in My Eyes

The clock shows 19:57. Still a bit early for me to feel sleepy, but I already am. Kind of bizarre because I didn't do much today. I will just take it as a result of not being able to get enough sleep from last night. Aside from the fact that I went to bed at 0300, I woke up just about five hours and 10 minutes later. Not good for my health, but still glad for at least I got a five-hour sleep. That made me think of my husband and everybody out there right now. Is he still able to get as much rest as he needs? How can someone who's in a place like where he's at right now, still manage to sleep peacefully at night knowing that dangers could be lurking anywhere nearby and who knows when they're going to make an entrance into the open? That is if they even get to have some sleep. How can they still bring off a smile having the fear in their hearts that any moment now could be their last? Why can't two different people just live together peacefully so nobody, no innocent people need to suffer from things they never wanted to get involved with in the first place?

I just don't understand things, people in general. And I guess I'll never ever understand them for the rest of my life. Simple things are turned into the most complicated situations because nobody wants to give in; everyone wants to rule; no one wants to be behind someone and be led; everybody wants to lead.

I may not know a lot like older people do and those who had been through so many ups and downs in their lives, but I completely am not incognizant of what's happening around us now. I have seen and heard enough news on TV about the sad things that are going on in some places right now and how innocent people strive as hard as they can to survive a day after the other even with no foregone conclusion as to where they're actually headed. I need not to be with those people in person for me to feel the agony they're carrying with them every single day. Those people live in fear; in hunger for freedom and peace. Can anybody hear their cries? If so, where are those people who can? Can they see right through their eyes the heavy encumbrance they need to take just so they'd make it to the next day? If they can see their pain, why are there still so many of them left suffering when all they deserve is to have a life that's like yours and mine? Why can we - the people who aren't in their situation - live a day and enjoy moments without worries and fear of being shot at or worse, end up dead on the streets, and they can't? Don't they have the same rights that you and I possess? What about those innocent children's dreams of growing up and having life of their own; wanting to experience life longer in this world we're living? Are we just going to let those precious dreams go to waste without even giving them the chance to prove themselves to the world, that they, too can make a difference? What are we really doing to end all these conflicts; wars between men of the same race, same beliefs, same culture, same blood; men created by the same God? What has become of us? If all this won't end now, then when? What about the young children and the unborn ones? What will be left for them to someday stand there and be proud of those who had bestowed them of what they have, in the future? Don't you want your children to be proud of you when they're older? Don't you want to share happy stories, instead of having them asking you about the bad things that's slowly swarming all over the world like bees in a new hive?

I worry about my children's future. I worry about those young people in those affected area. I worry about the people who aren't certain if they'll ever get to see the next dawn or not; those people who live in fear. I feel sad and sorry for them and more often than not, my heart cries with them. Not all want to solve these "wars" in ways where people have or should I say, need to shed blood and sacrifice countless lives to attain peace. Who would want to have their love ones sent to places of precariousness? Unsure of almost everything that thrives in there. Uncertain if they'll make it out alive or not. Nobody, right? But because it has been implanted in our minds that for now this is the only way to achieve peace or freedom, we go for it even if we know, in the back of our heads, that there are other approaches as to how we could make it happen. But I guess that's what the saying "Eye for eye; tooth for a tooth" means. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not so familiar with that one. I just heard of it many times before. I still couldn't get it. Why is it a lot easier to take other people's lives, yet too hard to ask for forgiveness, acceptance, and letting go? We already lost millions of lives - of our soldiers down to the innocent ones, and even that of the so-called bad people. But, have you seen changes so far? If so, were they for the good side or the bad side? Because if you'll ask me, changes that took place were more on the latter side. That's why as much as I want to watch the news like I used to, it's the other way around now. I could no longer stand a whole minute of it when all I keep seeing and hearing are the same stories, changing only for the worse. I fear for the lives of our soldiers - and I feel sad for those who had given their lives for us so we could live in peace and have freedom to continue doing the things we love. But they will never be forgotten! We owe them the very thing that other people would willingly die for just to have even a minute-long taste of it - freedom. I pray their sacrifices will soon pay off so nobody has to lay his own life again for the same cause that the soldiers before them had constantly been fighting for. I don't want any of those to ever go to waste. We have lost so many men out there already, and nobody knows how many are we still going to lose. That's part of the uncertainty we all have to face each day.

I may have seen a lot, but I've only experienced so much. But those experiences were enough to open my eyes to the real world - a world where every minute of it has to be battled for you to continue living. This is a new world where everybody is afraid of everybody. We no longer know who to fully trust and who to avoid. People come out into the open wearing exactly the same looks, hiding behind the same mask of pretentiousness - we pretend everything is all right when we know they're not even close to being as such. It's hard to distinguish between who belongs here and who belongs there. And it's not even about where you belong - it's where you want to be and you embrace it with a heart that's full of hope and eagerness to help make things better. Everyone can make a difference - a difference that soon will lead us to a better world, the kind of world where each of us truly deserves to live in. War is not the answer and it never is going to be. War is not going to solve any conflict. The only thing it does is to make it more challenging to solve things. War is an omen that we all have to take heed for because if not, we're all bound to destroying our very own lives, not other people's lives - OURS. It's not actually the guns that kill people - people do!

I strongly support our troops, not the wars!!

It's not yet too late to change things. So, why don't we let it start - with us - right now?

Thank you very much, ArmyWife24!!

I came across of Ate Ruby's blog one time and read one of her posts there about her going to the US Embassy with her husband to get her a Military Dependent ID. She's also a military wife; a proud wife of a US Army who is currently on deployment, too right now and a mother of a handsome little boy named, Jaden. Her husband was here for his R and R that's why they were able to get this thing done.

It caught my attention right then and there because I never had even the slightest idea that it could be possible to do so - to get a Military Dependent ID from the embassy. Even my husband didn't know about that. All the while, he thought I can only get one once I get to the States because the place where they issue IDs for military wives is there. When I told my husband about this, he was surprised, but was happy to know that if it's really possible, when he gets here, we're going there to get mine, too. So, I messaged Ate Ruby and asked her for information regarding this matter. She's so nice and kind for helping me out with some details and she even gave me a contact number to call for further inquiries. This is going to be a big help for us, especially with the paperwork application.

Ate Ruby, I can't thank you enough for your help!! Thank you immeasurably and we appreciate your help a lot. Thank you, thank you!!

High School Musical 3 in Theaters?

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR, is one of the many new movies I'm so looking forward to watch this year. Not to mention that it's going to be the last part of this Troy-Gabriella tandem, it's also one of my all-time favorite musical movies that's why I don't want to miss it - not a chance. But a few days ago, while I was seated on the couch watching HS Musical 2 on Disney Channel, one commercial aired and gave viewers a sneak peek into the movie. In the end, it said that it will be shown in THEATERS on the 24th of October and NOT on Disney Channel like the previous two HS Musical movies. I was like, good heavens!! I mean, I understand that it's going to be their finale movie and probably they wanted it to be big, but I was a bit reticent to sweep that up. I sure would love to watch it from a bigger screen so to speak - but the thought that I have to spend a hundred and twenty pesos only made my nearly-empty purse a sad, sad thing. Oh boy, I'm waiting with a raring heart for its premiere, but never did I expect they'd be shown in theaters this time. I watched the first two parts comfortably at home with nobody else to make noises, but me. Now, I guess I'll have no other choice but to mingle with other HS Musical fans at the cinema just to be able to watch the movie we all have been waiting for.

I know it's so much fun to watch them in the big screen, but that doesn't make my pocket right now really happy ;) I hope they'd still air it on Disney Channel even if it means watching it "late". Stinting a hundred and twenty pesos won't hurt anyone, will it? If they don't air it on DC, I guess I know what I will end up doing next ;) But, none will ever take away the excitement I feel inside. I wonder what they have in this movie this time for their millions of fans out there. I bet it's going to be as huge as the first two HS Musical movies and I'm so looking forward to learning new songs from them. I love their songs and I have all of those saved in the iPod - from HSM 1 to HSM 2. It's just kind of sad to think that after this one, there isn't going to be another High School Musical movie anymore. I've learned to love the story and everything about it. It's a one-of-a-kind musical movie that surely will leave marks on the hearts of those who truly appreciate and like it.

I could have taken a quick glimpse at its trailer on the website, but I chose not to - just so not to spoil the thrill that I feel. I love surprises, sometimes. Waiting for the 24th of October to come!! My purse will understand, I hope ;) PEACE ^_,^

Missing my Little Angels ;(

To hug them is all I want to do right now. I miss the kids so much that it hurts. We're living in the same not-so-big apartment, but it feels worse than being far from each other. I see them every time but I couldn't go closer to them and just pick them up and hold them, because I'm afraid it will trigger a new reason for my sister to keep them more farther away from me. Yes, they're keeping the children away from me since that incident happened. They're using them to hurt my feelings on purpose because they know they're my weakness. I don't know what I did for them to act the way they're acting right now. Things are just pretty ridiculous around here and if I give in to their 'game', I'd be worse than what they are now. They're so good at a game that I don't even want to play!! Good heavens, I no longer care about them, but the kids. They had pushed me far enough to ever want to go back to the once life as it was when things weren't this bad yet. They obviously shut me off so, why would I push myself too hard to make things fine when they don't even want to make any move to better things, in the first place? I have done my part. I can't simply do it all alone. But they chose to continue on playing their harebrained game that who knows what's going to be their prize in the end. If not for the children, I would never dare to even want to see them anywhere around me anymore. What else could be more worse than the fact that we're living under the same roof?

Today, I saw Rhecia and I wanted so badly to pick her up and carry her and play with her just like before - but they were around. There was nothing I could do but watch her from a distance. My heart ached for wanting to hold her so badly. She loves to run towards me and throw me her cute, little warm hugs and she ends it with sweet kisses every time. I miss my little Squeaky Shoes! Haniel, on the other hand, being old enough to do and decide on small things on his own, comes to me when I'm around him. That's something they couldn't stop him from doing because he simply won't let them. He would do things to get your attention and he will approach you for a short conversation about his "Super Hero" buddies and just how he loves imitating them, especially Spider-Man. Small stuff like those somehow can break the ice that's separating me from his family right now, even for only a short moment. He and his little sister are the only reasons I still have somewhat a little respect left for their folks. Call me a bad person right now, but that's the reality behind all these bunk conflicts. Sometimes, I'd sit there and ask myself if only I am just too mad that's why I get to say these hurtful words. Am I being mean? I'm afraid that by being like this right now just because I want to protect myself from the same pain I had been through before, along the way this is who I'll become. I know better. I know myself. I can't stay up mad at a person for more than a day, unless I have enough reason to - just like now - and it rarely happens. In all my 23 years, I could count with my fingers the times I stayed up mad for more than a day, with this one included. Half a day is even too long for me to stay upset over something. I don't know the exact depth of pain it has caused me and I sure have no idea how hurt they are right now. But I do know that the pain was enough for her to hate me this much and for her to set aside the fact that I am not just 'somebody else', but her sister.

I just miss the kids, no other reasons kept back. As crazy as it may sound, but I'm waiting for the day to come when the two of them need to go out to do something important, leaving the kids at home with their nanny so I could spend more time with them. I miss baby-sitting Poopette [Rhecia] and I miss Baba [Haniel] barging in to my room and scattering my stuff. I miss scolding him for wanting to climb up and down my bed and swinging around holding on to the tiny bars, pretending he is Spider-Man Black ;) I miss their laughter; just the sweet sound of their voices when they call me. I don't understand why all this ever happened. I'm just glad they're still too young to really get the picture of what's been going on and that they don't know yet what it's like to really get hurt emotionally. I just hope they'll never forget how much I love them even if we don't get to spend time together right now; that I will always be here to protect them. I hope they feel how much I am missing them and how badly I want to hold them in my arms again.

One week down; two more to go

It's been a week now since my husband left on a three-week long mission to I-don't-know-where. One week down?! Wow, that was quick!! It's true that when you keep yourself busy, you hardly notice the days pass by. I hardly noticed those days that much. Last week, while we were talking on the phone before they headed out, those two words - three weeks were the hardest ones to say or even think of. I was so scared and all that and as much as I tried not to let him feel how worried I was at the time, he still perceived it. D is really good at it ;) It's so hard to hide something from him, especially when it comes to how I feel. The thought that he knows me that much by heart gives me an immeasurable joy.

This past week, we at least got to talk to each other more than we expected. We never thought we could, but we did. I even had that feeling that he'd never get the chance to e-mail me at least once a day. But, God surely does make a way where there seems to be no way. John informed me ahead of time that he won't be able to send me e-mails as much as he wants to because of them having a lot of things to do out there and for the fact that they only have three computers there for so many people to take turns to use. That's the reason we hardly get the chance to exchange e-mails with each other. If he's on, it's either I am still asleep or busy doing stuff around here. And if I am on, he's the one who's not available to hop online or he's out doing missions. One factor, too is the time difference. I am a couple of hours ahead of him which makes it a bit hard for us to come online at the same time. So, who would have thought that we at least are able to exchange a couple of e-mails a day? God is great indeed! It's kind of hard, but with the Lord's constant guidance and help, we're making it through, one day at a time.

Since he left, we haven't talked to each other on the phone - not once. I already got the feeling that for the whole three weeks he'll be out there, phone call is as close as it is impossible to ride on a flying broomstick with Harry Potter. [hehehe] It's just one of the many things we have to endure right now. I miss the sound of his voice, no doubt about that and I know he does miss mine, too. We just keep reminding each other that it's almost over, he will be home with me soon. If there's one thing my husband does even he's far, he keeps me strong and going. He always tells me how I am helping him make this deployment a less stressful, but he just doesn't know that he's actually the one who's helping me survive day after day in this situation that I am so new to everything. He just is such a great husband! Even if he is far, he never fails to make sure I am always well-taken care of :)

The first week came by so quickly and before I know it, third week is finally over! The first thing I want is to hear his sweet voice. He promised he will call as soon as he gets the chance to and I know he will keep his words :) He always does.

KC is back to do blogging!! ;)

After 3 long days of being away from blogging, I'm finally back!! I haven't even said anything that I won't be around for a couple of days, and I do apologize for just disappearing. First and foremost, it was unexpected. Some things just happened so quickly that even I, till now couldn't seem to constrain myself to believe that they actually happened.

Things haven't been good around here lately and I'm afraid they're even threefold worse than before. I had no time to sit in front of my computer in the past few days to write my heart out because I couldn't think straight - afflictions and bleary mind hampered me from doing so. Every time I'd start to even think on what to write first, thoughts ended up sinking in.

I have a lot to share, but I've only got so much time right now. In just a matter of 3 days, I'd been through a lot and things, obviously were against me. It was a battle I had to fight - and I ended up losing it. I just did what I thought was right, but in the end, it only gave me the feeling that what I did was so wrong! Sounds wry, isn't it? I did nothing but inflict guilt on myself. But one thing, though that makes me feel happy right now in spite of what's going on is, I've finally voiced out!! I sure am changing. Can't help but notice that. I'm changing into a person I thought I'd never be - a person who's willing to defend herself [if she knows she is right] and her rights at any cost; a person who will stand firmly on the things she believes are righteous. I used to keep quiet and say nothing. It's never going to be that way anymore - starting NOW!!

Forgive and -- Forget?!

Has anybody ever done something so hurtful to you that you think forgiving has never been an option?

To be continued ...

Everything looked perfect, but one ...

Looking out the window, I stared at the beautiful moonlight pensively. My mind, in a sudden heartbeat, ran away from me. It took off to somewhere I had no strength to find out. Hesitantly, I let the tiny glimpse of moonlight in to my room. It would then serve as the only source of light to the dimness of my surroundings. It has been peering outside my window but the curtains shielded it from getting in. I let them loose. I left the room dark. I chose it to be that way - I wanted it like that at least for tonight or the next perhaps, and the next after that. I can never tell. I was trying [hoping] to shield myself from something I wasn't prepared to see - or something I'd rather not see at all.

But I stood there. Still. Quiet. Staring at the vastness of the horizon. Thinking of something to counter the heavy feeling I had at that very moment. Ah, it was no longer of any use. I already have given in to that urge that not so long ago was only a flyspeck thought that I could have gotten rid of if only I wasn't too busy lurking behind a sad mentation. I drifted away for a moment. And then, I was back. Muffling a chuckle, I let out a sigh just enough to ready myself to seize the moment I was hoping I'd share with someone - my husband.

Melancholically, I stared at the bright moonlight again. This time, it was way past my eyelevel. I had to look up a little higher to meet with its I-shine-beautifully-don't-I look. I could have sworn I would have been out there if only ... if only he was here with me.

The moment felt so right. The coolness of the breeze enticingly swept past my skin, letting me know just how good it would feel if only ... if only I could have shared it with him.

Gasping for air, I closed my eyes to let out the heaviness that was dragging me drastically down, deeper to total loss of sanity. Inconspicuously, I was back in my own world.

Everything looked perfect tonight, but one ... he wasn't anywhere around me. I was savouring the perfectness of the moment - alone.

Then, the moon started to tardily vanish before my eyes into the calm, pitch black sky. It was as if it felt the emptiness my heart was trying its hardest to hold back. I smiled vaguely at the thought of it - I couldn't gloat. It just felt good within to ignore.

This is what scares me most!

Attached here is an e-mail that my husband sent me about 2 hours ago. We got a chance tonight to exchange e-mails before he left to do a mission.

On another note I have to go load out for a mission now, things are getting hectic out here. I am not telling you this to worry about me, but I want to make sure you remember your tools you can use. If anything happens to me mahal you can always contact the American Red Cross and talk to them if you have to visit me in a hospital. They can help pay for a ticket and then they will just have it repaid later. Also the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is another tool to use. If you ever need help on that remember those two and they both have websites with numbers to call. I love you with all my heart and I will always love you with everything in me.

I don't even know where to begin right now. I don't know what exactly to say. My heart is covered in fear; my mind is clouded with worrying. Who wouldn't feel the way I do right now if you receive an e-mail from your husband telling you to prepare yourself just in case something might happen to him? None of what he mentioned in his letter registered in my head. I don't even know how I was able to reply to that e-mail. All I remember telling him was, "I will wait for you till you get back. And you better come back!!" Can anybody out there understand what I feel right now? I am trying my hardest not to cry, but I can't help it!! I just can't. He said he will let me know once he gets back and I am going to stay up late if I have to just so I won't miss his e-mail and for me to be able to reply him right away. And one thing that's bothering me right now - I have been a really bad wife ;( I did something today that upset him and hurt his feelings. I didn't put his feelings, but mine into consideration when I sat there and brought something up from the past. I don't know what has got into me for doing that in the first place. My husband is out there risking his own life and I am doing nothing but trouble his mind. I admit I was wrong and I never meant to make him feel that way. All I wanted was to find out the truth, but I guess - I'm sure - I brought it up at a perfectly-wrong timing. Now, it's eating me from within. It's making me feel uneasy and guilty knowing that he went out there with a heavy heart because his own wife chose to say hurtful things to him, instead of doing her best to make him happy especially that he is out there. I hope he knows how terribly sorry I am for what I did and I will never ever do such thing again. It just wasn't fair!!

The ticking sound of the clock is making this wait arduous. I can't even think of myself falling asleep in that comfortable bed knowing that my own husband is out there right now doing 'something' I wish I never knew about. All I can do right now is pray. I'm just so thankful that God doesn't get tired of hearing out our constant cries, because I always cry to Him countless times a day. I know that He is watching over them right now. Though I still am scared, I couldn't do anything more but pray for them.

I will be here, waiting...

I'm a little bit cranky :(

I feel kind of surly and peevish right now, I don't know why. Must have something to do with the weather condition - it's exuberantly hot outside!! I'm about to leave here in a few to do some errands and I don't think I can last a minute outside in this condition. Just seeing the blinding sun outside my window right now makes me want to pass out. But, I got to do what I have to do and not let anything get in the way. I just don't like it when it's as hot as it is today because I always end up having headache and when I do, I tend to get so irascible which isn't nice at all. And speaking of having headache due to excessive heat, it sometimes takes me hours to get rid of it and I, as much as possible, avoid taking in medicine if I know there's a natural way of curing any malady. That's just me - not to mention that I am allergic to Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid. It's something that I have to live with for the rest of my life. I had a really bad experience before. I took Mefenamic hoping to cure my dysmenorrhea and I almost ended up in a hospital bed due to dysrhythmia and severe nausea. I had no other choice at the time but to take one because I was then having my clinical rotation. It was the first time ever in my whole life that I took that medicine and surely that would be the last. No more!!

Oh, got lost track of the time. My bad!! [hehehe] I have to go because I need to be home early. I still haven't replied my husband's e-mail, yet and I know he'll be waiting to hear from me. The last one I sent him last night was too short. He loves to read long e-mails. Well, he'll get one here shortly. I've got something to tell him.

On the iPod thing

At first, I was never [really] interested in having an iPod, though I'd be hypocrite if I say I don't like it. Who would not want to have such a cool gadget where you can put everything into it - from your most favorite songs, to your videos and photos, and a lot more? I've always admired it, but I never thought - not once - of getting myself one. I sure do love listening music and that means anywhere I go, I always make sure I have something with me to listen to that would at least keep me busy especially when traveling and stuck in a heavy traffic, or when I'm not doing anything at all. Before my husband gave me an iPod as a birthday present, I used to store my songs in my mobile phone. It doesn't have enough memory to hold a lot of songs [maximum of 10 songs] so, I was not able to actually save a lot in it. Every time I found a new song and would like to put it to my mobile phone, I always had to sacrifice one.

D knows how much I love listening music and looking at our photos and videos all the time. That's what made him decide to get me an iPod despite of me refusing him every time he'd ask me if I wanted one. For me, it's an expensive gift and as much as possible, I won't let him spend on something I can get by with nothing. I was happy with what I had, but he knew I at least should have something better. So, before my birthday, he bought an iPod nano online and had it shipped out. It didn't take long for it to get here. And on the day of my birthday, it arrived! And another thing; he bought it in my favorite color of all - green! We weren't expecting it would get here on that date because as what it said, it might take 7 to 14 days and he bought it on the 5th I think of August and wasn't shipped out till the next day. It's really amazing how God works on even the simplest things to make us happy. He is never too early nor too late; He is always on time!!

I'm happy of course that I have an iPod now because I have something so convenient that can hold all my favorite songs, pictures, and videos. I haven't uploaded more videos and photos, yet - I don't know how!! [hahaha] I can't believe at how a small gadget as this can hold too much. One more thing I like about it is, its being portable. I can carry it with me anywhere I go and it's so thin that I can even put it in my pocket! It's just so amazing! I have 426 songs in there right now; 21 photos; and a video. I don't know what else to put as of now and it still has more than 5G of free space left. I'm just waiting for my husband to come home from his deployment because I want to copy some of the songs that he has in his iPod. And he's the one who knows a lot better than I do on how to use it with regards to transferring videos and photos.

I never wanted to have one before because of its cost. But now, I'd say that having one isn't that bad after all - it's even better!!

[I can't thank my husband enough for giving me this :)]

Mrs. Sleepyhead ;)

As much as I want to stay up a bit longer right now, my body is turning down to stay awake. My eyelids are starting to swag from hours of writing and reading. I have written like 3 entries that are suppose to be posted today, but I have no more energy to edit each of them, so I might end up posting those entries tomorrow instead. I think I did a lot of stuff today and that maybe explains why I am already so sleepy at this time. Not only that, I think I'm hungry, too!! [hahaha] But the problem is, I'm too tired to go downstairs to grab something to eat. I probably might take a nap first [my gad, at this time?] and then I'll go ahead and eat. I just hope I won't fall straight into a deep sleep for me to totally forget that my tummy, too needs a little bit of my attention right now ;)

Well, let's call it a day. Sure will be back tomorrow for more. Oh, before I forget - I'm just so happy right now that my husband already replied me back but he's still using the 'misspelled' e-mail ad. It's likely that he didn't have enough time today to go and have it changed. He told me he's doing fine out there, thank God. That's all I needed to hear for me to sleep tonight with a wide, wide smile on my face :)

D's got a new e-mail ad

I was so happy when I woke up this morning and found an e-mail in my inbox from my husband. It's his first e-mail using his new e-mail ad since he'll be staying off the ship for 3 whole weeks. He wasn't really happy about the e-mail ad because they misspelled his name. He told me he's going to ask them today to have it changed. Good thing, though that for some reason, I didn't send, yet the e-mail I made to my mother-in-law last night. I was going to give her his e-mail ad as he can't hop online on the computer like how he used to when he was still on the ship. I just got the feeling that I should wait at least one e-mail from him before I actually give mom the one he's using right now. Good instinct!! ;)

I already replied to his e-mail and I'm just waiting to hear back from him, though I'm kind of sure he won't be able to reply me until probably later on tonight my time. That will be fine with me, at least I know now that he is all right out there. He kept his promise that he will e-mail me to let me know he got there safely and that everything is fine. I just can't thank God enough for watching over them all the time and I believe He will continue to keep them safe till their work is done.

Awesome Site Award

First of, I would like to thank Ate Eden for this award!! I don't honestly feel I deserve this as my blog doesn't look like it's 'awesome' at all. [hehehe] But thank you very, very much for this, Ate Eden. I do appreciate it a lot.

Awarding Rules:

l. Make post for this and the award's image.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate as many blogs as you want.
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Since I have a lot of friends in my Topper Bloggers' list, I would like to give this award to all of them. Sorry for I cannot write down their names and links one-by-one - my pc is freezing up on me ;( But I hope those who haven't been given this award, yet would join as well :)

Note:
Click on Ate Eden's site to grab the award. Thank you!!

We Just Turned 2 Years!!

I forever will consider this date as a very special day for me and my husband. September 15 marks as our anniversary as boyfriend-girlfriend. It just amazes me that it actually has been 2 years now since I consented to be his girlfriend. Where did all the time go? [sigh..]

Looking back to all the ups and downs our relationship itself has been through, I can't help but feel baffled at how our love remained strong. I will tell you if I can about the things that had put us to the test and how we've surpassed each of them, but there's just too many to elaborate. Some reasons are even perplexingly hard to explain just like that of my most-hated algebraic equations that I used to stay away from when I was in 2nd year college.

But there's this one thing that almost caused us not to make it through this far. For me, it was the biggest and hardest test we had to conquer so far. I could never tell what was God's reason behind that, but one thing is for sure - it did make us realize that the love we have for each other is far greater and stronger than any other thing in this world. Things indeed are sent to try us and everything that happens, has a reason. I'm not sure if we will be this strong right now in facing trials and tribulation if we never had encountered those hardships.

Although those experiences had caused us both so much pain along the way, I won't ever take a single of it back and wish it could have been something better that I can designate as a 'beautiful memory' and not as an experience that I had to fight over with just to be happy. Those trials had taught us valuable lessons that will surely be helpful to us for the rest of our lives. They are the strong and unbreakable pillars now that stand as our foundation. These pillars had been through a lot. They've been shaken by "huge waves and temblor" of life, but they stayed steadfast. And we both know that whatever lies ahead of us, there is nothing we can't surpass together - and with God as the center of our marriage.

I am more than thankful to God above for everything He has blessed us with - love, good health, guidance, happy memories, and a lot more down to the smallest hardship we had gone through. Without which, we may not have made it this far. We will be forever grateful to Him, in each and every day of our days - for the rest of our lives.

HAPPY, HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY TO US, MAHAL FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!! I WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER MORE.

Off to I-Don't-Know-Where

My husband and his team are leaving today to do a 3-week operation in I-don't-know-where!! I want so bad to know where they're taking them, but that would be against the rule. Haay, sometimes that would make me ask myself, "Does that mean they really don't trust the wives that much?" At times, I understand it. But there had been those times when I just can't seem to apprehend why I can't know where he's going. It's not like I'm going to tell the whole world about it [especially the 'bad guys']. I guess that's just how it works in the military and it's never really going to be easy to grasp something you know that has more chances of taking your love ones away from you than having them back.

He told me something last night that made me break into tears. I did my hardest to conceal my feelings, but what he said just totally, completely crashed me inside. In between of his trying to say words of comfort and assurance that everything will be all right, I remember saying nothing else but, "Please, Mahal come home!"

Is every military wife prepared for something like that? And those who have lost their loved ones in those battlefields for our freedom, were they prepared for something that would change their lives forever? As much as I want to clear my mind about that thing, I can't help it. Especially that I know about what they came there for and the kind of job that my husband does. Who will ever find it easy to take the fact in that once they go out into those 'remotely dangerous' area, they may not make it out alive anymore? I recall my grandma telling me, "Soldiers are meant to die for a cause. Their lives are not theirs to have control over with. They are bound to serve their Land at the cost of their own lives." Every time her words cross my mind, I die inside. But I have to stay strong. I have to be that tough wife he wants me to be. It's never going to be easy, but I will deal with it with all the best I can.

Today is for them! When I go to church, they will be the ones I'll be praying for for the rest of the service. I don't know how I'd begin my prayer without me bursting into tears, but I definitely will be praying for them. Three weeks is long!! We often say that time flies so fast, but in cases like this, I don't know why it feels the other way around. An hour feels like an eternity, how much more a whole day - then 3 weeks? A lot of things can happen in just a very short period of time, and these things are the ones that will change our lives forever.

Let us pray for our troops. They are out there willing to give their all for us. A short, sincere prayer for them won't take much of your time. Your TVs can wait. Your computers won't go anywhere if you leave them for a while. It won't hurt you if you put down your video games for a minute of silence for our soldiers. They are crying and hurting inside because they are far away from their love ones and they know they may not see them again, but they are putting you first before them. You are walking on this earth a free person right now because there's a lot of great men out there willing to take a bullet for you. Is it too much to ask from you to show your support through prayers?! Have you even thanked a soldier before in your entire life?! You just don't know how much it gives them strength, happiness, and how it keeps them going when they know we are thankful for what they are willing to do for us - that they are remembered and appreciated. That's all they ask out of us.

They deserve more, but they are not asking too much. Are you that busy to at least show them that you care?