Monday, December 10, 2007

"My Baby Boy" Leaves for Iraq on Wednesday


I never thought I would see the day when I would be saying that my son was in the service and going to help fight a war. No one in our family has ever served for our country. So when Brendan came to me and said, "Mom I'm joining the Army". To be honest I thought he was kidding. If you knew Brendan you would think the same thing. He's always joking and kidding around. That month when told me, he had just started his freshman year at a Community College. But it turned out that college wasn't his thing. Come to think of it, school was never his thing. At first I was a nervous wreck. I cried for weeks. Thinking horrible things. But as the days passed and he continued to encourage me that things were going to be O.k. I felt much better. As a parent we never wish for our children to be in harms way. I know this is important to Brendan. He is a very sweet man. He was always my little cuddlier. It's funny to me to say that he is a man. It seems like it was just yesterday when I brought him home from the hospital.

I am honored to say that my son is serving our country. I have gotten in the habit to not watch the news anymore. It is hard to hear about what our sons and daughters are going through over in Iraq.

Brendan! oh how I am going to miss you. Christmas will not be the same without you. I want to thank you "B" for your sacrifice. I know you will make me proud. Just remember we don't need a hero in the family. Just a safe and healthy trip back home to us. I love you! More!

20 comments:

Kristen Beason said...

Hi Kim~
First, I want to thank your son for his commitment and sacrifice. That shows huge maturity and courage on his part. Wishing him a safe and speedy return to his family. I can't imagine having a child in harm's way, so I wish you strength. Big hugs to you, I know this must be a tough time. Call me if you need to chat. ~Kristen

Emily said...

Dear Kim & Brendan,
We are all with you and pray for your safe return. All of our men and women serving at this moment are my heroes and I pray this war ends soon and you will all come home. My cousins are serving right now, and I know a little of how you're feeling.

Hugs to you all.

Carolee said...

Dear Brendan,
First, thank you for your service. I join Emily and so many others in sending prayers for a swift end to all this, and the safe return of the young men and women in harm's way. In this season of peace, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kim, I can't even imagine what you must be going through, and along with prayers for Brendan's safety, I will pray that you find strength to get through this, until he's home and safe.

Hugs,
~ Carolee

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Hi Kim & Brendan!

Brendan thanks SO much for supporting our country and making the personal sacrifice that you have for us/our country.

We all pray for a swift end to this war and better times ahead. Brendan, your commitment and service to our country will be part of the means to that end.

Take care & stand proud!

Happy Holidays to both son & family!

Take Care,
Chris :)

Melissa Valeriote said...

Kim, your journal today speaks to many of us of the sacred bond of a mother and her child. Know that our prayers are with you, Brendan and your extended family. It is my wish that his journey will bring peace to our troubled world that much sooner so that we can begin the healing process not only for our nation but for the human race. All my best! Melissa

Unknown said...

Brendan,
Be safe and come home quickly! ~ Lori

Kelly said...

Hey Brendan and Kim,

Wow you are all grown up. Nick, Madeline, and I want to tell you how proud we are of you. Your courage and commitment to protect our country is a true sign of selflessness. My thoughts of you make me smile, keep up the great work. We look forward to seeing you when you return home safe. Kim I love you and am thinking of you all the time. I cannot even imagine how hard this must be. I am here for you always.Your twin sister and best friend.

Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hey Kim,
I guess these are the times to fall back on the things you know you can count on, like family & friends.
No doubt, you're a nervous wreck for now --- that will subside as you find an inner strength that you probably haven't had to rely on for a while. Like so many of us, you may have less faith in that inner strength than those around you do (like another Oldham girl I know pretty well). Sooner or later, one way or another, it comes out. Your sister's has (partly because you were there for her in a time of need), and yours will, too. I'm certain of it.
Peace.

Brendan,
We've never met...I'm a friend of your mom's sister, Kelly. All I can say is "thanks, man."
I know you've heard it before: "Freedom isn't Free"...straight up, it's guys like you - boys who become men - who sacrifcie their time and sweat so the rest of us can live under the great umbrella of Freedom.
Like those who served before you, and those who will serve after, know that you guys make the ultimate difference...stay strong and stay smart. I'll see you when you get home.
Good luck & Godspeed
-Kyle

Anonymous said...

Brendan,

I want you to know that i love you more than i could have ever expressed to you in the past. I know we've never truly seen eye to eye and fought more than seemed humanly possible. But there have been those great times between the two of us in the past that surpass all of that fighting. I am so proud of you and talk about you all the time. It's weird to say that my baby brother is going to Iraq and will be fighting for our country. I think about you everyday and the sacrafices you will be making. I will be praying for your safe return, along with all of the girls here at the gam house. We love you B. Know that you truly are doing great things with your life and that this entire family is proud of you. You are my hero and i can't wait to see you again! Please come home soon! :)

Kim Hardt Originals said...

To My Son,

B, As I sit down to write this note I think back to when you were a young boy playing baseball, soccer, and numerous other sports. At that time I thought, with your passion for these things, you would some day be in professional sports. As you grew older I saw some of those interests and passions drawn toward other things.
You were changing, growing into the man you are today. The young man we know and love. You always had a way with people, making new friends and wanting to help all of them in some way. Today you are setting off to help many, giving up some of your freedoms to protect ours. There are a thousand things to say but just remember this. I am, have, and always will be proud of you. We all love you, please be safe and God bless you.
Chuck

Random York said...

BRENDAN,
Thank you for the choice you have made to protect us and represent America as one of its finest! I will be praying for your Success , for your Safety and for your Swift return when your work is done. We will encourage Kim and keep her busy on EHAG while you are away and we'll look forward to whatever news she can pass on from you.
God bless you!
John York

Sandra Evertson said...

Love your work!
Seasons Greetings!
Sandra Evertson

Anonymous said...

Dear Brendan and Kim,
My heart felt prayers go out to you both. I want you to get home safe and sound Brendan- so be ever so careful. Thank you for your service and courage.
Blessings.

Leah

Cindy said...

Kim and Brendan....
Pops and I want to tell you how proud we are of your commitment to serve and protect our country. There are so few who make this level of commitment in life, how proud we are that you have chosen this path.

Please pray with me... Dear Lord, we ask that you keep Brendan safe, strong, clear headed, healthy and restful. Please keep him out of harm's way. May Your angels stay with him at all times surrounding him with Your protection. Stay in Brendan's heart so he knows he always has a soft and safe place to lay his head. We ask this in your son, Jesus Christ's Holy name.
Amen

Papa, Mimi, Pops, Grandma Cindy and Kasey all send their love to your both.

Kim, I pray that God will give you comfort and a peaceful mind. May you find comfort through Jesus' promise that He will never leave us alone, call on Him to help you through those tough times.

All our love to you both,
Grandma Cindy

LYNDY WARD said...

Dear Kim, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful son. I will pray along with your family that Brendan stays out of harms way! Like I said a while back please let him know how appreciated he & his troops are.

Tons of Hugs to You & Yours!

Also Kim, what a beautiful Blogsite you have created. I mean it, it's absolutely gorgeous! You put a lot of work into this & it really truly shows.

Happy Holidays With Blessings Always, Lyndy

Flea Market Queen said...

Brendan...
Thank You!
Stay Safe & God Bless...
Priscilla

vintagepaletteart said...

Brendan, thanks you so much for what you are about to do. There are never enough "Thank You's" for the men and women serving our country!!

Kim, we're here for you whenever you need to talk.

Bigs hugs to you both! =o)

*Lori

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Hi Kim,

I second all that has been said here. Hang in there!

Sending well wishes and prayers for Brendan's safe return home from service.

You should be VERY proud of your son, it is the ultimate sacrifice for ALL of us to have a better life here in the USA!!!

XOXO
Chris :)

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Thanks for all your beautiful posts everyones. You don't know how much it means to me. I told Brendan to check them out. But he told me the other day that, "Mom I just can't have that stuff in my head right now". I understand. I'm sure he wants to be tough and be a strong man over there. I know when he is ready he will read them. But I am thanking all of you for him. Thank you, Thank You, and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Kim, we understand & you are welcome! :)

BIG HUGS,
Chris