Just got the call we dreaded..pray for him please hes leaving

[Mari333]

he just called...matter of a few hours, going to Iraq tonight. My husband is shaking. This is too much. Im so mad.

[stepnw1f]

1. My prayers to both of you.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

2. Shit...

I'm so sorry to hear about that.

We'll have to send the DU Guardian Grovelbot to perch on his shoulder and watch over him for us all while he's there. :)

I'll be thinking about you and your family --

Hell

[dawgman]

33. My prayers are with your family.

[laruemtt]

3. you are all in my prayers, mari

we will be here for you. god bless.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

4. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

and pray for his safety and his safe return.

I too am MAD AS HELL about this unnecessary war and wish Bush's butt was being sent over there as rocket fodder. DAMN HIM!!!!!

May God watch over your son and family.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

5. Best wishes for his safe return....hang in there.

[displacedtexan]

6. Will light a candle on Sunday.

Peace.

[Ripley]

7. I'm sending my positive vibes to you and him!

You have lots of friends here Mari! We'll help you through.

[WhoDoYouTrust]

8. Dammit!

Keep up the good battle, Mari! Your family is in my thoughts.

Judy

[sadiesmom]

9. I am so sorry

I did what little I could to stop this war. Almost got fired for yelling at people at work for supporting the war, to boot.

My husband was drafted to Vietnam in the early 70's, so I understand, so very, very much.

[Fenris]

10. I'm so sorry, Mari. That's horrible.

I'll pray for your husband and yourself. We must keep faith, Mari.

[pop goes the weasel]

11. I'm so sorry

I swear I will do everything I can as a voting Democrat to get the idiot out of the White House and get our boys and girls back home.

[Blue-Jay]

12. Hoping for his safe return, Mari.

My thoughts are with your family.

[pinto]

13. hang in there Mari, one things certain, he knows he has a family that

LOVES him. and that can make all the diffrence. Take care.

[Mountainman]

14. I will pray for him everyday and for all the other troops

When I went to Vietnam I wrote a letter to a priest friend of the family's and he said he would pray for me everyday. Well I made it back and don't know if the prayers had anything to do with it but it felt good to know he said it.

We can all ask our higher power each day to keep the troops safe and put a just end to this war and get these bums out of power!

[JNelson6563]

15. Mari, any irregularities or anything?

I could get a hold of the same folks who helped us last time. Let me know if there's a loophole and I'll get you help pronto.

Julie--crossing fingers....

[Mari333]

21. Only that hes going with scoliosis of the spine

and they threw away his X rays.
its tonight. we were hoping it wasnt going to happen but its tonight. Hes packing up his stuff now to send home that he doesnt need.

[xray s]

16. I am praying right now

Mari333...I know a few people over there. You son will be with the best and bravest people this country's got. They will look out for him and he will look out for them. We all support him 100%. We are all trying to change things in Washington to get them all home soon.

God bless you.

[For PaisAn]

17. I'm so sorry

I will include your son in my daily prayer for all our soldiers in Iraq.

[southerngirlwriter]

18. oh no!

:cry:

I will be praying for him until you post and tell us he's home, Mari.

Damn this fucking war.

[PaDUer]

91. Damn, this illegal war!!!

Mari. am so sorry to hear this news tonite. My heart is crying.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

19. All in my circle praying for his safety and fighting for peace now! n/t

[mzmolly]

20. Mari, I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for you and yours.

:hug:

[imax2268]

22. all the best...

hope that he get's home safe...keep up the fight at home as well...we must defeat pResident Chimpypants...

[greatauntoftriplets]

23. I am angry for you and your family as well.

Please let your son be safe.

My nephew (Illinois National Guard) is being sent to Afghanistan in about two months -- just in time for the spring offensive. He has had to withdraw from college to cope with a beef-up training schedule, and to spend time with his family and girlfriend.

Terrible things are being done to this country.

[JitterbugPerfume]

25. heres a ((HUG)))

from JItterbug

[greatauntoftriplets]

52. Thank you, Jitterbug.

Fortunately Tom has a couple of months left in Chicago.

But we haven't told my 92-year-old mother yet. This will hit her very hard. She hates *.

[Ysabel]

39. from me too...

I've missed and {{{you and you and your nephews}}} have been in my thoughts often...

[greatauntoftriplets]

51. Ysabel!!!

Good to see you.

And thanks.

[Mari333]

53. Im so sorry. I am. This doesnt seem real does it

I guess I come in here because I wont be judged for falling apart. I wont be treated with disdain for being angry, and its the only place where people arent mean and in denial about this bloodbath . Thank god for this site. I would be lost without it.

[greatauntoftriplets]

55. No, Mari, it doesn't seem real.

You should NEVER be treated with disdain for being angry over this.

The hell of my nephew's situation is that he just left the regular Army last June and spent the entire time at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii (though his unit there was sent to Iraq last month). They strong-armed him into the NG and off he goes for a year or more.

I hope to the gods your son is safe.

[MoonAndSun]

24. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, may your

son come home as soon as possible.

And damn the bush* admin for this f**king war.

[ewagner]

26. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you Mari

Praying for a safe return.

[prodigal_green]

I'll light a candle

for your family at church on Sunday.

[Sperk]

27. Sending him guardian angels galor! God, I hate this stinking useless war!

I'll pray for your son's safe return to you. Working on a plan to keep my son out of the draft.

DRAFT MY SON FOR OIL?

WHEN YOU PRY HIM FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!

That was my protest sign down in Washington, I'm sorry we were not able to stop this evil event. :-(

[ronnykmarshall]

28. He's in my prayers,

and so are you and your husband.

[NJCher]

29. I'm so sorry

Cher

[DU GrovelBot]

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[zbird]

31. Oh Mari, I'm so sorry.

Positive vibes coming your way from southwest Michigan. Keep the faith that he will be home safely.

:hug:

[Insider]

32. stay safe & come on back home

fulfilling this duty has got to be incredibly tough. he has all the support we can muster, and we're 30,000 strong.

[matcom]

34. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fuck

[lancdem]

35. I will pray for his safe return

and for all the soldiers serving in this horrible war. My thoughts are with you and your family. Hang in there!

[camero]

36. It just doesn't stop does it?

I will pray for him and hope he gets back to you safe.

[Ysabel]

37. Sorry to read this...

{{{{I hope all goes well}}}}

[Bunny]

38. Aw honey I'm sorry.

Mari, please keep the faith. Continue to speak out. Trust that he'll be okay. I'll include him in my prayers. :hug:

[JasonBerry]

40. All the best

All the best to you all - I'm sure it will be a tough night.
We'll be happy to read when you tell us he is coming home.

[ignatius]

41. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope

your stepson stays safe and is able to return to you all soon.

Cyber hugs to you all.

[G_j]

42. so sorry to hear this

let's all increase our efforts to bring them home!

[Skittles]

43. I am with you Mari

we are all with you

[KissMyAsscroft]

44. There are a lot of soldiers in Iraq that are doing ok...

im not trying to downplay the risk, but he could be assigned to a relatively quiet section of the country...

You are in my prayers...

[Mari333]

47. I have to believe that but

I cornered him on the phone, hes an MP, and he said probably outskirts of Baghdad (which is where an MP was just killed)
I have to believe, like the other families, that he will be okay and come home safe. I will continue to believe that. I will just keep believing that and keep fighting to get all our kids home in every way I can.
God damn the Bush administration. God damn them all.

[Pithlet]

45. Oh, no.

:hug: I will be thinking of you and wishing fervently for his save return. I'm feeling rage that this still continues.

[democrank]

46. This is for you, Mari....

a warm, sincere hug from Vermont. I`ll hold your family in my thoughts and do everything I possibly can to stop Bush and his filthy war. Take good care....

[kayell]

48. I am so sorry

I will keep you and your stepson in my thoughts, and a candle in my window for his safe return.

[Dees]

49. We're leaving the light on. I was in

your husband's position many eyars ago. I couldn't tell what my family was going through but it was tough on them. It will be OK. The reunion is so sweet.

[soup]

50. Feel so damn helpless sometimes.

All I can offer are my hopes for his safekeeping until he's home with you again. I hope you know you've got the support of everyone here. Please let us know if there is anything we can do that would help. If it's at all possible, you've got it.

Hugs and tears.

[Ksec]

54. He'll be fine

Its now important to get positive. Im sure everything will be OK.

[Lostnote03]

56. I understand, my nephew...

....just arrived in Baghdad a few weeks ago and our family is on pins and needles as well....he is staying in Husseins ex-bodyguards residence at the palace....he recieved sniper fire on his way to Baghdad from Kuwait on his first trip into Iraq....needless to say my sister-in-law is terribly upset as well....please remember that regardless of the idiocy that placed our loved ones in harms way our boys are the best trained and armed force in the world....they are covering each others back as much as humanly possible.....we all join in prayers for their safe return....best wishes

[Mari333]

57. oh christ Im sorry and your nephew is in my prayers

give them this site please
www.mfso.org
the people there will help Im not kidding you can contact them on the phone they are good people and all their kids are over there
and hug the mom for me if you would.

[rasputin1952]

70. My thoughts and prayers are with your nephew...

as well as the rest of the family.May he return home to you safely and quickly.

We will fight on to get this sob out of OUR WH!

O8)

[Rebellious Republican]

58. Mari333, I know there's not much I can say that will comfort you...

and your husband. But there is something that you can do for your son. My mother and Grandmother had a tradition of keeping a lit candle (Electric) in the window for when I was gone. I spent ten years on active duty in the Navy, I was in Combat Camera Group and also Combat Aircrew. When ever I left the country they always put a candle in the window so that I would always be able to find my way home. I know that it does not sound very special, but for me it was somehow a comfort knowing that no matter how dark my days or nights were, I would always be able to find my home.Ya know what, I always did! There is an ALABAMA CHRISTMAS album, they have two, it was on the first one, its a song called " A Candle In the Window", to this day it chokes me up when ever I hear it. Hope this helps for what it is worth. RR

On Edit: If you can get your hands on that album somewhere, it is old, take a listen, its a special song!

[Mari333]

59. anyway heres his picture

hes the one with the dress uniform on the right
the other is my son..he almost got sent, but he got out.


hes just a kid. anyway, I have to believe he will be okay.

[Rebellious Republican]

67. Now those are a couple of handsome young men, a fine catch

for any young lady. I am sure that he will back to give years of joy with many healthy and just as handsome grandchildren.

[rasputin1952]

72. Handsome lads!...

The girls better watch out!

O8)

[rasputin1952]

60. Hang in there...

I know this is tough for you and the big guy. Damn it, I'm tearing up as I type this, makes it difficult to type.

Your son is going to be just fine. Please believe me.

We are going to get this SOB out of the WH, and turn things around in just a little more time. You are in the company of a great # of us, all who wish this national nightmare were over. When he returns, you all will find a joy that is unimaginable.

Stay strong. Keep to your convictions. I went through this when I found out my daughter was going in at the very beginning. She was on a carrier though, and the chances of her being directly involved were remote. My mother went through this when I went in. My G'mother went through this when her only son went in, back in '42. It sucks.

There is little I can say that will alleviate your fears. Just know that you and yours are in my prayers, my hopes and my faith that the American people will rise up against this evil bastard in the WH.

O8)

[Mari333]

62. You are right Ive never been thru this

and I was on such a roller coaster ride trying to keep my son out of it, and then my stepson ended up going...its a nightmare for so many people but thank god I have this site because if I didnt I would lose my mind..
You have no idea how many people look at his picture at the weekly peace vigil and avert their eyes from all the pics of the dead soldiers and then tell me "well, he signed up for it" , in some way assauging their denial and justification..'
its disgusting. I spit on people who support this bloodbath and dismiss all the soldiers as meaningless to them as they go about their daily lives ignoring what this country is allowing.
The outrage needs to be much greater. where the hell is the outrage.

[ulysses]

64. the outrage got lost

in fears over how anger plays with the electorate.

All best to him and your family, Mari.

[rasputin1952]

74. Oh Lord, how I agree...

I was called a traitor when this all started. We were in a Town Meeting, and I spoke up against the administration. Two weeks later, at the next TM, I brought in my uniform and laid it over a chair next to me w/my DD-214. No one EVER called me a traitor again! I still get 'eye aversion' when I run in to some of the people in this town. They know what shame is, but they still are in denial.

I have fought this admin from wall to wall, and it is starting to sink in with the locals. Peace is NOT a bad idea. Going to war under false pretenses IS a bad idea. I have no qualms asking if their children are in the service either. I feel my daughter, (actually stepdaughter, but I raised her damn it, and as far as I'm concerned, she's my daughter, just as your s/son is your son), has more intestinal fortitude than any twenty of the bush supporters have. She served, they ran...and many of them still run!

Alas, I didn't mean to go off; but I get so emotionally wrapped up in this stuff. By God, if anyone attacked this nation, I would be the first guy to defend it, but this war is just wrong! It is a slash on our nation psyche, and it will take years to get over the implications of a nation of pre-emptive attacks. But we'll beat these bastards down and get them out. Then, we can prosecute them!

:hug:

O8)

[onethatcares]

61. I wish him the best luck in the world,

Don't know what else to say. This fucking war is so fucked. Bring all the boys home, send b/cheney/asscroft/rumsfield and the rest there. They want it, let them take it without our help.

[calimary]

63. I am so sorry for you and your family. I will be praying for you,

and your brave young man.

I've got a great suggestion for another guy we could send in his place.

Mari - we're all here to work our butts off to get this bastard out of OUR White House. It's not the White House where he belongs anyway. He deserves the Big House instead. Certainly earned it by now.

[Lefta Dissenter]

65. I am so, SO incredibly sorry

I hope that we all can offer some source of strength for you and your family. Don't ever feel alone - you have literally MILLIONS of people around the world who will provide a shoulder for you to cry on, many thousands of whom are here on DU.

We need to keep working tirelessly to get bush out of the White House so we can put an end to this senseless war.

I will keep your family in my thoughts each and every day.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

66. Just think, by the time he comes back safely, there'll be a new president.

...and all of our prayers and wishes and thoughts will have helped y'all through.

[Ferretherder]

68. Only positive thoughts for you and yours, Mari.

Hang in there, girl. All of us at DU will be sending good vibes to you and your loved ones - we won't let you down!

[ariellyn]

69. He won't be there long, I know this will end soon and Bush will be history

I pray for your loved one's safe return. Keep us posted.

[latebloomer]

71. I am holding him in the light

All good thoughts to him for protection, and to you and your husband for peace.

[never cry wolf]

73. Oh good Lord, peace be with you and your family Mari!!

Don't know what else to say. Hang tight!

[Jack Rabbit]

75. I am rubbing my Rabbit's foot

My mark from Mammals of Kansas

[absyntheNsugar]

76. Peace be with you and may he come back safe and sound!

My prayers are with you Mari

[rasputin1952]

77. God, I love the people at DU...

what an outpouring of love!

O8)

[Mari333]

80. Thats why I come here and thats why this is the best site

I have ever been to. I thank all of you and will keep you updated on his emails and whats going on. I almost pray that the first week he is there he falls and breaks his leg and is sent back and I can whisk him away from here and they wont be able to find him again. In the meantime, scream to the rooftops that the media cover the bodybags, the caskets, the funerals, and Walter Reed...that is bu$sh's Achilles heel THAT is what will bring bu$SH down...
thank you for your kindness and there are many DUers on here like Tolania whose husband is in Iraq right now, along with my stepson. and everyday it seems like there are more.

[Dob Bole]

78. Love and prayers go out to your family....

I have friends in the region already. What unit is your husband in, if I might ask?

And the previous poster was right, a lot of troops in Iraq are doing fine. I hope that gives you some assurance, even if it doesn't make your husband any more here with you.

[Mari333]

83. Hes my stepson, 428th MP reserves..

[annagull]

79. Mari, ours returned safe and sound, yours will too

Richie got back almost a week ago, so I know how terrified you are. Pray, scream, meditate, believe in the intelligence and luck of your family. I know these things matter not in the big scheme of things, but mostly keep yourself sane while he is over there. Be upbeat and supportive when he calls, don't let him know you are crying yourself to sleep at night. He's already freaking out, you need to keep him stable so he can keep his head over there. Please know you can scream, shout, curse and cry to us over here at DU whenever you need, especially with me and others who know how it is, Love to you, Mari, please PM me if you need to.
Blessings to your family,
Anna

[Mari333]

81. dont let them send him back!!

thank you

[annagull]

96. Mari, Shaking everyone I know, hang in there sweet Sister

Doing all I can, don't mean to preach at 'cha, so please take me as one on your side.. Love to yours!

[ninkasi]

82. My prayers go out

for you and your son. I pray daily for all of our children over there. May they come home safely, and may this immoral, illegal war be over. I know you have done everything in your power to stop this madness, and I can only imagine how you and your husband feel right now.

All of us here are praying, and sending loving thoughts, and we are here if you need us.

[UnAmericanJoe]

84. Wishing for a safe return.

Hang in there.

[Oilwellian]

85. You have my heartfelt wishes for his safety

There are many good souls here pulling for your stepson and that's a very good thing. I know from a personal experience, just how powerful group energy and thought can be and I hope you find comfort in that.

I think it's horrid that they're sending a young man with scoliosis to Iraq, and I hope your interview with Reuters will take his story more mainstream. It's absolutely one of the more despicable things I've heard in quite a while.

I would love to do a little campaigning on his behalf as well and wondered what you thought of getting several DU'ers to call the major networks and let them know of his story. It wouldn't hurt and could perhaps open some doors for the much needed activism you need to involve yourself in, to stay sane for the next several months. Whatever it takes, we're here to help.

[Mari333]

87. Complain to anyone you want! I beg you

they are sending TONS of soldiers over there with pre existing medical conditions and sending tons of them over with psychological damage for the 2nd time! They dont care! they just need warm bodies! thats all they care about! just sending our kids to a slaughter, our loved ones, no matter what kind of shape they are in..and then re-sending them BACK again...in the never ending occupation...

[Oilwellian]

105. I'll be happy to make some calls

If I get any nibbles, I'll let you know.

[Iraq_Vet_For_Peace]

86. May God hold

Your son in the palm of his hand and grant you and your husband the serenity to make it through. it was tough for me and my dad, but we made it, and so will you.

[Mari333]

88. (((((((((Iraq Vet))))))))))))))))))

good to see you home sweetie. Hugs to your dad. much love to you. Im so glad you are back, so very glad to see you here.
Stay home now. k?

[Iraq_Vet_For_Peace]

92. Thank ma'am

I was a MP too, your son got the best around him. Hopfully one of his MP duties will be escorting the chimp to the brig. Cops look out for there own, over there its no different. He will make the real patriots proud and uphold the finest traditions of the Army and those who came before him..

[blondeatlast]

98. (Very) Welcome (addition) to DU! Your voice is so valuable.

We are glad you found us.

:toast:

[stanwyck]

89. We're all thinking of you

and your family. You will have many happy years with your fine boys and their families. We care so much. Please stay in touch with us.

[Johnyawl]

90. I'm so sorry Mari

fuck I hate these bastards!

[opihimoimoi]

94. Dear Mari, The Odds are in your favor. Be Brave and be as Happy as you can

Time will fly and soon the Wait over.

My one and only son served in DS1 with the 101 outta Kentuck. But that was a walk in the park compared to Iraq.

But I know the feeling of seeing your loved one go abroad to a fight. I wish you well. (((((Hug)))))

Opi

[vanityfair]

93. Sorry to hear that Mari

Blessings to you all.

[NoPasaran]

95. You have my best wishes Mari

I hate this damn war and the bastards who were in such a rush to start it.

[blondeatlast]

97. Mari, I'm so sorry... Prayers for hubby, you, and stepson.

By the time you read this, I'm afraid he has gone. He takes the hearts and minds of DUers with him.

Sending my love to you and yours.

[LWolf]

99. I will add him to my prayers.

and continue to pray, to work, to support every effort to bring our troops home.

[watercolors]

100. will pray for him

along with my grandson who left last week. Like you the emotions are almost to much to handle. I was phsyically sick. I pray for every young man and woman there in harms way. Please God bring them home safely and keep them in your arms.

[Mari333]

103. (((((((((watercolors))))))))))))

yes I am sick. But I wont let my anger turn inward. I am going to fight like a madwoman now. PM me if you need to talk.

[MountainLaurel]

101. What you must be going through.

((((Mari))))

[cayanne]

102. My wish for him...

is a safe and speedy return. You have a huge support group here, another family. Keep thinking positively Mari and he'll come through this. Here's a group hug for ya. :grouphug:

[laylah]

104. My thoughts and prayers

are with you, your husband, and your son. How heartbreaking this must be for you! :hug:

Jenn