Sunday, June 24, 2007

Mentalpause & the Trainwreck of Emotions

My dh and I went to Cracker Barrel this Sunday morning when we discovered we were out of milk. (Like we need an excuse to go out?)

My "baby" used to work at Cracker Barrel and donned her cute little 3 star apron (maybe 4?) and off she'd scamper to serve the weary and hungry travellers. Don't roll your eyes, she was cute. Even if her freshly laundered shirt still smelled like the restaurant, lol. She is a workhorse, and has made everyone proud with her work ethic.


This is a picture of my youngest last fall just after completing Army Basic Training. (She posts her pic on My Space...so I shouldn't get fussed at...right?) I may have shared it before, it's one of my favorites.

Today at Cracker Barrel, a boatload of Reservists piled into a table that were in clear view. Another customer got out of his seat and patted the shoulder of one of the soldiers and said, "Good job." I had to change seats with dh, my goodness, I miss my kidlets. Something about seeing those guys in uniform just tugs at my heart. I know she's a Reservist, I know she wears the uniform proudly and is willing to serve at a moment's notice. I've yet to see her in this uniform tho, and seeing these guys just makes it so much more profound for me. I tear up every dang time I see them. Airports are bad too, lol.

So I changed seats, and wouldn't you know it, another table was seated in my view, lol. I sucked it up, our table only had so many sides!

I'll get to see 2 of my 3 girls in late July. My 2 sisters and I gather together every summer to regain our touch of family. My sister's daughter and my daughters join us whenever possible. I make a point to involve all family members for a family reunion when it's my turn to host. I get to see the extended family children so seldom this is my golden opportunity.

My 3 girls live 2000+ miles from me. Work and money keep us apart far too long. We communicate often and share, "I love you" on the phone...but my goodness, it's been WAY long this time!

Hey girls, "COME ON DOWN".

I'm this girl's "Mamma Llama", I have no idea how I got this name, but I kinda like it! *vbg* I'll just presume it's 'cuz I'm warm and fuzzy, and leave it at that, lol.

Oh, and #2? She'll be next in the spotlight. 8^)

12 comments:

Tanya Brown said...

Oh, my; can you believe your youngest is all grown? She's gone off and had the immense experience of basic training and fifty mile hikes and so forth. Time flies a little too quickly sometimes.

Erika Jean said...

Ohhh mother. you crack me up.

... okay but IIIII get to pick the picture! lol. ;-)

atet said...

I know what it's like to be on the other end of the too far away from your mother equation. I know your daughters miss you too!

Unknown said...

Your daughter is beautiful, what a shame they live so far away from you, I understand that you miss them...

Barb said...

Hi! I came over from Erika's blog!

I'm sure you're looking forward to getting all the family together for a reunion. :)

Norma said...

Oh, this makes me want to cry! My kids are right here under my nose and I should be more thankful!

My husband was in the AF and we went off into the wild blue yonder and stayed there so our mother's must have felt the same.

Hang in there MOM, they will be there soon! (meanwhile I can send you one of mine.....except you would send him right back! LOL)

Kim said...

Darn! Don't you just HATE running out of milk?! LOL! Cute girl! I just heard from my Wild Child today, who was on her way back from NOT climbing Half Dome for the second time (long story) and who is beginning another job tomorrow while working out her two weeks' notice at the previous one. Kids! Gotta love 'em tho.

dee said...

You have so much to be proud of-wonderful girls. Sorry they have to be so far away right now. Sounds like you could use a big hug!

Christine Thresh said...

You should be proud. Nice picture.

Beth said...

Boy did your post hit home! My DD is active duty AF stationed along way from home (but stateside for the time being!)I'm lucky she blogs and Ims me alot, so I feel connected. Our future DIL works at Cracker Barrel too! Oh and I tear up/shake hands/ say thank you when EVER I see anyone in uniform. You could have been posting about me! lolol

Jules said...

Your daughter looks enough like me to be my sister. Whoa! Tell her thank you and good job for me.

Shoot, now I am crying....

Unknown said...

Oh boy that one tugged at my heart strings. I have a son who saw active duty a few years ago, and now all my big kids are over 12,000 miles away. I understand how you're feeling. But be assured even though you are proud, we are grateful for the sacrifice made by both parents and the kids of those in the services.