A POEM FOR GABE

From the Anniversary Clock

Tick tock, tick tock,
Damned it’s time to wind the clock.
But it’ll tick till you come home,
‘Cause I’m convinced it knows the tone,
Of little Gabe, his laughter loud,
Now a soldier, we’re so proud,
But not so proud as that old clock
That now keeps watch ,for Gabe, our rock.

You're safe, God's watching over you, as you watch over the needs of our country.
Maryanne
globetrotter2u - 9/28/05 12:55 PM

edited: 10/03/05   (IM from Gabe)
NativeHopi [10:29 AM]:  i love that poem about the clock

ARE YOU THERE YET?

You're probably sleeping as I write this, it will be the wee hours of Saturday morning where you are.  Its a beautiful day here.  Even the clouds are enjoying the sun.  Pikes Peak has a little dusting of snow on it.  I love autumn days like this.

Zack has to work tonight, he gets off at 1am, and then he will go deer hunting at sunrise.  I'll be going with him and dad... you know... I'm the staff photographer.  Besides, I hear theres a 6x6 muley running around.  And.... well, there's another critter running around there as well, but I'm kind of sworn to secretcy for the time being.  Lets just say you'll freak when you find out!

Kurt Parsons, the prairie dog fisher, came by last night with his family enroute to Alaska.  Do you remember them?  His little girls were the ones who were chasing the skunk around the back yard with Becca and Art.  The oldest girl has moved out, and the younger one is now 12.  I never met the son, he was born just after they moved.  Wow!  I can't believe they still remembered us!  I had no idea who they were and I said so. 'Hi, how are you?  Who are you?'  Duh!  I'm such a doofus!

Thanks for the call yesterday.  I really needed to hear your voice.  I've been so calm today.  Okay, maybe the coffee helped, but I'm okay son.  Don't you worry about me.

Be safe.  Miss you, love you!

Mom.

I GOT MAIL!

Two emails were waiting for me when I woke up this morning. What a beautiful way to start the day, especially after last night.

I had my first nightmare.  I may even have screamed out loud, I know my tears were for real because my face and pillow were sopping wet when I finally woke up.  And I was soooo afraid it wasn't a dream.  I am still shaken over it.  Reading your letters were so calming.  Thank you.

Zack got a call from the Marine recruiter.  He said 'no, not interested right now'.  I was so happy to hear that.  Art is a different story.  He'd enlist now if they took 16 year olds.  Baban had all 7 of her boys join.  How did her heart survive that?

Dad was given some tickets for the Styx and Reo Speedwagon concert.  They were giving them out on Post.  This community hasn't let up on its support of the military one bit.  Thats really cool.  We're taking Art and Becca with us.  The concert is on the 3rd of October, thats Becca's birthday.  She'll be 14.

Well, son, thanks again for the letters.  I'll be waiting by the phone for your call.  I'm not missing this one.  Til then, miss you, LOVE you!

Mom

Pssst.....

Yeah, I know, I just sent you an email, but hey, if you were home I'd be talking your ear off so whats the difference?

Its 11pm.  I need to go to bed.  I need someone to change the battery in my Anniversary clock.  Its chime is so warped its pathetic.  It can't even chime past 4.  It chimes 4 times no matter what time it is.  And I think its actually starting to run slower.  Make me a promise, if the battery hasn't been changed by the time you get back here, will you please change it for me?  Of course I could change it myself, but why?  Thats why I had all of you kids!

Okay, now I'm really going to bed.  Take care of yourself and your guys.  Wear your feathers with pride and respect.  The ones on the stick were blessed by Woogie Watchetaker shortly before he passed away, as were you.  Remember that and use that inner strength.

Missing you, loving you.

Mom

KUWAIT

Dear Gabe,

I got your message when I got in this afternoon.  Naturally I was disappointed to have missed your call, but it was still nice to hear your voice and comforting to know that you were safe in Kuwait for the time being.

I just got finished watching the Bronco game.  They beat Kansas City by 30-10.  It was a good game I think.  I was helping Rocky with her homework during part of the game, and dad turned the volumn down to keep her from getting distracted.  Then, towards the very end of the game I must have dozed off.  I thought it was just a quick blink but when I opened my eyes again they were already leaving the field for the locker rooms.  Yay Broncos!

I hope that you will continue to be able to get online in Iraq but I imagine that will be a real luxury.  Richard mentioned that a lot of the access has been cut off and someone else (globetrotter) mentioned that as well.  I'll continue to write in the hopes that you can get online, but phonecalls are even nicer.

Be safe.  Love you always,

Mom

VETERAN RAKKASAN

       

I just love this picture.  Its of a statue called The Three Servicemen and it stands near the Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.  I have a picture of me and you by this statue, I'll have to find it.

I found a really awesome poem online and wrote to the author of it.  He's a fellow Rakkasan named Kim Rowland.  I have his poem posted on We Support Our Troops.  He wrote that he is a veteran of Dong Ap Bia, what ever that is.  He said you would know. He was injured in Vietnam back in 1968 while serving with the 3/187th.  Once a Rakkasan, always a Rakkasan.  He is so proud of the new generation, just as much as I know you and your buddies are proud of him and the others who served before you.

Its hard sitting here in the livingroom, within the security of my home and country, knowing that you are now on hostile soil.  I hope that the people of Iraq can gain control of their country soon.  It would be so nice to have the troops back home, but not before the mission is complete.  We need to finish what we started this time.

Day 2, ? to go.

Miss you, Love you.

Mom

AND SO YOU'RE AWAY.

Thank you for the call this morning.  Yes, I was still awake when the phone rang.  It was so nice to hear your voice, even though I had just heard it a few hours earlier.  I really needed to tell you how much your dad and I love you once more before you left. 

I slept well.  And a little while ago I got your text message.  It made me smile, and then cry, and then smile, and now I'm smiling and crying.  How many more days until you come back home?

Miss you, Love you.

Mom

SILENT NIGHT

I suppose you're waiting to board your plane right about now.  I waited by the phone, I even took it with me when I went to the bathroom... but it didn't ring.  I didn't think it would, there would be too much to do, no time for phone calls.  I'm almost glad you didn't call.  I wouldn't have been able to end the call.  I'm avoiding bed because I know that when I wake up, you will already be on your way.  Childishly I try to stay awake to prolong the night.  But I cannot.  So God Bless and God Speed my son.  May the Great Spirit watch over and protect you, your unit and all you serve with. Do your mission, do it well and then come back home.  We'll be waiting.

Love you, as always,

Mom.

GUESS THIS IS IT...

Dear Gabe,

I knew this moment would come and I've had months to prepare.  When I spoke to you earlier I asked if you were ready.  You said that you were.  When you asked if I was ready I replied that yes, I was ready as I would ever be.  Besides, it wouldn't matter because ready or not, there you go.

Now, as I wait for the phone to ring, I know that I am not ready at all.  What do you say to your son during the last phone conversation you will have for a while?  What do you talk about when the reality of war looms threatening over head?  'I love you'? 'Take care'?  I wish I could say 'Don't go', but we both know I can't. 

Its hard not even being there to send you off, to give you one more hug.  Its hard not to cry.  Agh!  One day we will read back on this and I will be so embarassed for being so goofy, but hey, its what I do best so what is a mother to do?

Heres a list of things to do, keep them in mind.    Be strong for yourself, be strong for your buddies.  Be cautious and alert... always!  Learn to recognize your enemies quickly.  Remember that not all enemies walk on two feet.  There are other enemies that you will face: fear, fatigue, hunger, doubt, deceit.  They too must be fought off. Remember who you are, and keep sight of your humanity.  Pray, often.  Pray to God, and pray to the Great Spirit.  Look to the sky when you have nowhere else to look and know that even though you are on a distant land so far away, we still share the same sky.  When you see the moon above, listen to the message it sends down through the breeze from me.  I will always be with you.

Love Mom.

ps: don't forget to wear your fire-proof undies.

MORE LETTERS TO GABE:

Gabe, I posted your letter on my Dust Bunny journal so all of your well-wishers could read it and the reponse had me in tears.  I'm putting them all here so you don't miss them.  I hope that you get a chance to read this before you fly out so you have an idea just how much support you have here in the states from so many wonderful friends you didn't even know you had.  Love you son,

Mom.

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Gabe
    Be careful and call your Mom and Dad they will worry. Praying for you.

Deb
Comment from jckfrstross - 9/15/05 11:20 PM

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Hello.....You don't know me but I am a huge fan of your mom's journal. She is a sweet lady I must say. I wanted to write because I wanted you to know that I think of the troops every day. I pray that you and the other troops will be able to return home soon. I know that your mom misses you and wishes your quick return. I hope that you are doing well at least. Its hard to imagine you in some other part of the world and I am here at home with my loved ones. I watch the news and I wait for news on how the soldiers in Iraq are doing. Its nice to know that you are holding up......People like me will be happy to hear when the troops will be coming home for good I know that I will be waiting for that day. Gabe I just hope that ths note finds you and finds you well.......
Comment from southernmush - 9/15/05 9:57 PM
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Be safe, Gabe, we are supporting mom in our hearts and with our words every day!

Be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/
Poetry:
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/TouchofEmpathy/

Comment from princesssaurora - 9/17/05 11:06 AM

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 Hi Gabe.  My name is Celeste.  I am very new here.  You mom was the very first journal I visited...I adore her.  She is hilarious, intelligent, irreverent, and so many more things that I am sure you already know.  I have come here three times already to try to convey to you how proud She/I/We/Us are of you.  Every time I come though, I start to blubber like a baby.  Let me tell you why.  My youngest brother was a Marine for nine years...no we didn't lose him.  Unless you have either been in the military, or loved someone in the military, you've never experienced the undeniable beauty in military baring...I choke up just at those words it's that beautiful to see.  My little brother wouldn't bewho he is today had he not gone into the military...he was on a precarious path.  One of the most beautiful things I have seen so far in my life, was the day he graduated from basic.Because I am forty now, I will never measure up to the honor that you guys deserve...regardless of whether or not you go to war.  Yours is a sacrifice and a life long commitment that I was too cowardly to make.  Too cowardly in not thinking it through in time to join your ranks.  God Bless you and keep you safe.  Don't worry about mom...we've got her safe in our hearts. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies
Comment from gdireneoe - 9/16/05 6:17 PM

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Like I said Gabe, keep your head down and don't take any unnessary chances.  And do trust your rigger.  Grandpa had to dodge a few in the Korean War days and now here you are six wars later and still my kin has to go in harm's way.  Keep safe and see you when you get back.
The Hawaii Ohana
Comment from ambassadorsinte - 9/18/05 9:33 PM

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Gabe, I've followed your adventures thru your Mom's journals now for over a year... You are an amazing young man, and I just want to say Thank You! for serving your Country (and ours)! Take Care of yourself and your comrades in arms... and come home to us!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
Comment from astaryth - 9/16/05 10:17 PM

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Gabe, you are an amazing man! with an even more amazing mom!
Becky
Comment from mumma4evr - 9/16/05 12:23 PM

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We are praying for your safe return, Gabe.  Thank you for defending my freedom!
Dorn, I'll be thinking of you, and if you need anything, LMK.
Hugs,
xoxo
heather
Comment from heathyrxmarie - 9/16/05 7:59 AM

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Our prayers are with you and all the other men and women who serve and protect us. God speed!
Mary
http://journals.aol.com/gardenmantis/MidnightDiaries/
Comment from gardenmantis - 9/16/05 6:58 AM

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Jodi,

Well, danged, I'm crying and blushing at the same time, and now I feel like I have another son, which makes me incredibly happy.

Thanks so much for starting this journal for Gabe. We out here in J-Land appreciate it as much as Gabe does!

XOXO
Maryanne

Comment from globetrotter2u -9/16/05 6:54 AM

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Your son is so sweet to think of you like this. I hope he stays safe. My heart goes out to you both.

Ari
Comment from mechants - 9/16/05 6:45 AM

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ok, I'm already welling up with tears and i'ts only 6:36 a.m. where I am at......gonna be a weepy day for sure!  Gabe you are not only your Mothers Son.....your  America's Son and I thank you for your devotion to this country........ps.....that baby of  yours is adorable, but Zack has excellent genes doesn't he!  Ü And don't worry  too much about your Mother....she is among friends who love her from a distance!
Comment from demandnlilchit - 9/16/05 5:41 AM

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Gabe,We will keep your mom busy while your away.
Keep safe and thx for protecting us all.
Comment from swmpgrly - 9/16/05 4:35 AM

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Stay safe gabe:)

Deb
Comment from jckfrstross - 9/15/05 11:17 PM

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We love you Gabe! We want you good looking thing back safe and sound you hear? LOL!
God bless
Comment from redpoppy007 - 9/15/05 9:20 PM

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Dear Gabe:

We're gonna look after her, and she'll be just fine!  You concentrate on being safe, seeing the world, and getting your narrow behind home, all in one piece.  You are going to have such stories to tell!

Love and a Hug,
Andi
Comment from artloner - 9/15/05 9:15 PM

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Just adding my support.  Praying for your safety and your mom's sanity during this really rough time!
Traci
http://journals.aol.com/deshelestraci/MylifeasatransplantedYankee/
Comment from deshelestraci - 9/15/05 9:14 PM

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That is one special boy you have there... but you already knew that.  I am here for you!  

GO GABE!!!

Be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/
Poetry:
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/TouchofEmpathy/
Comment from princesssaurora - 9/15/05 9:08 PM

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We all wish you well Gabe, and of course we all care about your Mom too...be safe..Sandi
Comment from sdoscher458 - 9/15/05 9:05 PM

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Much Love and many prayers!!!!

Blessings!
Susan
http://journals.aol.com/rjet33/CountryLivingSouthernStyle
Comment from rjet33 - 9/15/05 9:03 PM

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Stay safe Gabe and thank you!!!!

and Dorn.. hang in there, you know we are all here for you and love you!
Luv,
Promise
Comment from promiseluv372 - 9/15/05 9:02 PM

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Awww Dorn, What a good kid. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies
Comment from gdireneoe - 9/15/05 9:02 PM

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Gabe, YOU ROCK MAN!!!
Comment from awen1122 - 9/15/05 9:01 PM

LETTER FROM GABE

Comment from: nativehopi  09/15/05

"hello to everyone that reads my moms journals and or mine. well as you all probaly know that im going to be leaving to a place were any sane person would be like "screw that" i just want to thank all of you for your support and to please help my mom threw probaly the hardest year of our lives. and to the globtrotter, no afence to the comrades things, cuz thats what we are to each other, brothers, family. thank you all for tha support once again. ill keep you all posted. laters

Love ya mom,
Gabriel"

FROM GLOBETROTTER2U

Dear Gabe,

You don't know me, but I sure know you! (Thanks to your very special mom.)

You are a hero already in my eyes, and I am crying as I type this because I can't believe how brave you are to go to Iraq with so much bad stuff going on over there these days.

I must confess that I don't support our President, and I am totally confused in spirit about the real reasons behind this war, but that does not diminish in the least the pride that myself and others like me feel about you and your comrades.

I hope it's okay that I used the word "comrades". I'm really not versed on military stuff, and don't want to give a bad imptression.

Please just take care, be yourself, and bring yourself home in one piece for crying out loud! My prayers are with you and your family.

With love and support,
Maryanne

THE BIRTHDAY CALL

You called, what a wonderful birthday present!  That just added the finishing touch to a perfect  day.  Thank you.  I hope you are able to enjoy the last few days here in country.  I'm sorry you won't be able to get up to see little Zachary.  He'll be walking and talking when you see him next.  Don't worry, I have no doubt he'll remember you.  Kids remember those who love them, even babies. I love this little picture of you.  You wanted to drive but you couldn't even see over the steering wheel.  That is about how big your son will be when you get back.  He'll be so much fun and you'll be just in time for it.

Thanks again for the call, it meant so much to me.  Miss you, love you.

Mom

NEVER 'GOODBYE'

Gabe, I'm hoping I get to talk to you at least once more before you leave.  I also hope that you will be able to access the web on occasion while you are gone.  Modern technology is wonderful and I know the military and other private organizations have been making great efforts to keep the soldiers in communication with home so I will continue to write here in the hopes that you will be able to read it from time to time.  I shall be writing the old fashioned way as well.  The girls are already planning your first care package.  I sure hope you still like cookies!  Let me know if there are any soldiers who might benefit from an adopted family while you guys are out there, we have lots of love to go around... and you will probably have more chocolate chip cookies than you'll know what to do with!

Be safe my son, and when you get lonely, just look to the sky.  Its the same sun and moon from back home. I will be here looking at the sky and thinking of you.  And just maybe, when a breeze blows your way you'll feel the kisses I blow into the wind for you.

Love you,

Mom

A WISH AND A PRAYER, BE SAFE MY SON.

Well, I got the last of your fireproof man-panties in the mail, as well as some special animal spirits.  Keep your Bible handy as well son.  Remember its all one and the same.  I still can't believe I'm watching my son go off to war, a continuation of the war his father was sent to fight 14 years ago.  That picture of you and your brothers was taken the day your dad went back to the Gulf.  That was the first time you had ever seen a rifle that was intended for use against humans.  That was the day you decided you wanted to be a soldier like your dad.  That was the day I prayed, in vain, that you would never have to see the horrors of war first hand. 

So now I hope and pray that you remember and use all that you have learned over the years.  Take care of your buddies as you would your brothers and sisters.  Out there you are family.  Be cautious, be smart, and don't ever forget who or what you are.  May the Great Spirit, our Lord and Father, watch over you so that you may return home safely. 

But just in case, son, wear those fireproof man-panties...

Love you so much, trying hard not to worry... and failing miserably, but thats my job.  You do your job, do it well and then get back here, okay? 

Mom

WELCOME HOME PARTY

 

You and the Macys.  Mike, your mentor.. and Christopher, the daddy to be!

 

Christy, and Richard and Marilyn Stites.

 

Hope and Joey Jimenez.  They didn't get to bring your Godson Andrew over but I hope you got to see him before you left.  And your dad, smoking you for dropping his stetson.  You couldn't even do 10 pushups!

   

You discovered the gold Makers Mark bottle while doing inventory on the bar.  Becca baked this cake just for you and decorated it simply with the word 'yum'.