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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Memorial Day
Post Info TOPIC: Memorial Day
Karilynn


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Memorial Day
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(((((((((((((((((((((Family)))))))))))))))))),

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you who have family serving in the military around the world.

Politics aside, what the military families do to serve all of our countries is heroic, unselfish and to be commended. I know how hard it is on the families left behind. You too are in service to your countries and I thank you. You carry a heavy burden, along with the addition of dealing with addiction. You all have my deepest gratitude for your sacrifices as well. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

So often our Memorial Day here in the US is more about picnics, and the official start of summer. That's fine. Take the time to have fun with the people you love. May it be a safe one.

But please, remember those who have served and our serving. My father's family had 4 sons in the Navy serving at the same time in the Pacific, 2 came back and 2 didn't. My father came back. I still have the flag that hung in my grandparents window, with the 4 stars on it. It was a way of letting people know how many sons they had serving. It's one of my most cheerish possessions.

Please I humbly ask that we all say prayers and remember for those who came before, and for our present military family and the families left behind. May they all stay safe and out of harms way. May they all come home to their loved ones. :home:

Love and blessings to all of you.

Live strong,
Karilynn

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MrBlue42


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(((((Karilynn)))))  


  I wholeheartedly agree!!!  Its great to have a long weekend,but its important to remember the reason for it.  I plan to go to the Memorial Day parade with tyler in the morning  He loves to watch the parade and it is a good way to start the day off on the right foot.  I also have a brother currently in the US Army so i can relate to what these people do everyday. Thanks for the reminder     


                          MrBlue42



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whitie


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Thank you Karilynn, you said it so well. My prayers are with all of the families serving our country.
God Bless America.

Whitie

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kismetstrand


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Thank you Karilynn.  I come from a family of conscientious objectors... and then my 2nd son decided to join the army.  Oh boy!  Thru what I've learned in Al-Anon, with the help of many here, I found acceptance for his decision, and while I may not like what he is doing, I can be proud that he is doing what he feels to be right. (He's always been one for fairness and justice for all.)  Another group I belong to posted this, it fits in with the topic so I will share it.  Choked me up reading it.


A Soldier's Prayer
 
THE FINAL  INSPECTION


The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must  always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as  brightly as his brass.


"Step forward now, you soldier, 
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other  cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"


The soldier  squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't. 
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint. 


I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was  tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is  awfully rough.


But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't  mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the  bills got just too steep.


And I never passed a cry for help, 
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive  me,
I've wept unmanly tears.


I know I don't deserve a  place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around, 
Except to calm their fears.


If you've a place for me  here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too  much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.


There was a  silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod. 
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God. 


"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your  burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done  your time in Hell."


~Author Unknown~


It's the Soldier,  not the reporter
who has given us the freedom of the press.


It's the  Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.


It's  the Soldier, not the politicians
that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and  the Pursuit of Happiness.


It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
who  serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag.



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Maria123


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Hear hear Kari,

I so agree. You reminded me of something that just happened with my son.

He's almost 21. He and I were at the mall shopping. We had just stopped for lunch at the food court (ugh - lol). We were eating and people watching. We got up to throw our stuff away and I began walking away and all of a sudden noticed that my son was not by my side.

I turned around and he was speaking with an older gentlemen in a wheelchair who had his veterans' cover on. I stopped and waited. When he got to me, I asked him "oh did you stop to help that gentlemen." My kids often do that. My son, by nature, is shy. He just smilingly said no and nothing else. Now you know mothers. We, of course, can't let go. So I said, "what."

He said, "I just wanted to thank him for his service to our country." Boy, was I proud.

Happy Memorial Day to you and all the veterans. I am proud to be an American.
love Maria

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d53sjurne


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Hi,


As I read your post, I remembered posting a link for the Bill of Rights. It just so happens it is in a "Suggested Format for 12 step groups for Vets family and friends" Just in case it may be of interest to anyone I will add it here to.


www.patiencepress.com/samples/formvets.pdf  


When I read thru it, it also reminded me of the homefront when I was young and growing, as it felt like a war zone too. There is some interesting things related to dealing with feelings, control, PTSD, and other things of interest i a 12 step format. And if there is a vet in your home, you may find related info. I hope you find some added perspectives too. I did. My Amom's Abro went to VietNam and was never the same again. The other one passed from exposure to the chemicals they used at a young age.


Take what you want and leave the rest.  PEACEBLESSINGS



-- Edited by d53sjurne at 13:04, 2006-05-29

-- Edited by d53sjurne at 13:09, 2006-05-29

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I tell myself when times are rough, "this to shall pass!!!" Ask HP for guidance, if the door is open, and I know how to look, I will become aware! I also visit http://www.inspiringthots.net/ . Blessings , Your sister in Recovery
Christy


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Thanks Karilynn..

This Memorial Day is especially poignant for my family members. Last summer, my cousin, a Vietnam vet took his life due to the memory of a war fought over 40 yrs ago.
He could not live with the things he was made to do as an 18 yr old boy, he tried for a long time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women that do live with, and are tormented every day by the horrific affect war has on their very souls.

Christy



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nmike


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Karilyn,


Thanks for the remembrance. Such poignant shares. Our oldest is currently serving his 3rd tour of duty in combat overseas. He is only twenty-two years old and has done and seen more in his lifetime then most. We anxiously await his arrival for a much deserved 2 week leave in a week. 


I selfishly forget that my AH also is a veteran of the Viet Nam conflict. His angst may be PTSD from his tour of duty. As was his father in WW II. Pray for peace.


Nancy



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jrtjosey


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My boys were up at 6am putting up flags at the cemetary!!!  They were not awake but they were there.


Josey



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Julianne - It's best to move on. You cannot look back in anger in life. It's too short
tea2


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Karilynn,


 


Thank you for the reminder of reflection


Both my grandfathers served in WWII, two uncles in Vietnam and now a cousin stationed in Iraq.


I really like what kismet shared.


Prayers to all the families and wishes to all on this weekend,


tea



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serenity is a gift
kitty


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Thanks for your post & thoughtful consideration.


Love, -Kitty of Light



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peewee


Senior Member

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Thank you all for these wonderful messages.


I have had relatives serving in combat since the Revolution, and I am most appreciative of their service and sacrifices.  Freedom isn't free, and I need to remember that more often for perspective.


Maria, bless your son's heart.   And bless all the sons and family of mip's who are serving today.


Remember our troops.


Peewee


 


 



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