I want to share the story about our Christmas weekend.
First off, our family was celebrating the 23rd birthday of our twin sons Friday Dec 23rd, as well as their last Christmas at home, (they are shipping to MCRD San Diego Jan 9, 2006). My wife and I knew this would be hard, realizing it was a turning point in all our lives.
Next, I have only been involved in the Sgt Grit forum for a short while and I noticed a post by JustStacy on Dec 13th entitled "Allow Me to Vent (just a little)?" [url]http://www.grunt.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=72866[/url] Of course, when I read that she was getting flak about her decision to join the Marines I responded with an email and a post with words of encouragement and a photo of me and my sons from the recent Marine Corps birthday ball.
In her subsequent replies, she mentioned that she would be having Christmas alone in her apartment in frigid Pittsburgh, as her mom was on the way to Germany to visit with her big sister in the Army. I said that was too bad she was in Pittsburgh, or she could spend Christmas with our family in sunny Jacksonville, Fl.
Well, she took me me up my offer, (after checking numerous times to make sure I was serious)! I asked my wife how she would like to have a guest for the holidays, and she was positive towards the idea. I wanted to be able to share our home with someone who was unable to be with their family. I had spent many Christmases alone overseas and I have the feeling that my sons as well as Stacy, might spend their next Christmas on duty overseas, so I wanted them to be able to remember this Christmas. We had also expected our nephew, Wilbur, a new Marine from Cherry Point to spend the holiday with us. We were anticpating a good time togther and I was sure hoping everything would go well.
Stacy arrived at JAX airport Friday afternoon and was greeted by my sons. Wilbur arrived by car just after Stacy got here from the airport. By the way, Stacy's 21st birthday is New Year's Eve, so we included her in the birthday celebration! We had a great birthday party Friday evening. There were lost of guests and everyone had a great time. Saturday afternoon we all went to BW3's for lunch and watched the NFL games, drove around and looked at the Christmas lights and decorations, then spent the evening playing Marines Monopoly. We all had a good time.
Christmas day, we all exchanged gifts. Stacy brought something special from Sgt Grit for each of us. I was really touched by her kindness and generosity! I got the most fun to see the smiles on everyone's faces and they way everybody seemed at ease and relaxed. We enjoyed a Christmas feast prepared by my wonderful wife. The whole weekend was a family affair and it felt so good to see my family extended. We are a Marine family for sure.
I know all of them have found some new friends and they will be able to write and encourage each other during their time boot camp.
Here's a few pics.
The birthday gang...
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/jagnorb/TwinsBday05021.jpg[/IMG]
3 poolees (Norbie, Tracy, Louie) and a new Marine (Wilbur on the right)
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/jagnorb/Xmas05048.jpg[/IMG]
My wife, (Warlie), Stacy and the old fat Gunny (me)
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/jagnorb/Xmas05049.jpg[/IMG]
Seeing Stacy off at the airport Monday
[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/jagnorb/Xmas05056.jpg[/IMG]