Realizations and Prayer Request

I haven't really been blogging much and the truth is besides being kidnapped by the Twilight Saga I've had a lot on my mind and not nearly enough time to sift through it all to determine exactly how I feel and what I should write. As you know from earlier blogs Dave's old unit 3rd Battalion 8th Marines is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Since January 1, 2009 they have experienced the death of 3 Marines. I didn't personally know any of these Marines, but I can empathize with their families and the Marines left to carry on without them in a land far from home. Losing someone you love when you are at least within your comfort zone is one thing, but losing someone in a war zone can be completely different. Please pray for the 3/8 Marines. Pray for their physical safety and pray for their emotional well being. Pray for the families left behind-both those who have recently lost someone and those who haven't...but are left wondering if their Marine might be next and there isn't a thing they can do about it but pray. Pray for the Marines who have taken or will be taking those deceased Marines to their final resting place, from the war zone all the way to their graves, because it weighs on them too...

I've been asking a lot of questions in the last 6 months...Why are we here in Al? Why haven't jobs turned out quite the way we wanted? Should we have chosen a different path? Why didn't Dave just re-enlist while he was deployed last time? Why? Why? What if? It has taken some time...and I'm still feeling like I should be more put together at 27, but I realize why Dave isn't in the USMC at this particular moment. I realize the first deployment was a breeze compared to what the families are experiencing with this one. I realize the Marines biggest problem during their MEU deployment was a battle with boredom. This deployment they really are battling for their lives and struggling to ensure that the Marines to their right and left stay alive too. I'm feeling blessed that for now my Marine is home, but I'm also praying for those who aren't home....and those who have come home for the last time.