Kathy-JRMsStryker Mom

EXTREMELY SAD HOMECOMING

2008-03-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Me --- VERY PROUD MOMMY, our HERO, and my Mom---VERY PROUD GRANDMA!

Picture taken the last day he was here...about 15 of us went to a lte breakfast before going to th airport.

Our hero has been here for his visit and now should be somewheere between here and Hell, as he so lovingly calls it. There were about 14 of us going to airport so we rented a limo bus. It got to the meeting place a half an hour late so he was hauling butt the whole way. It was alot of fun..except for my sister who hates not being the driver and hated even worse that he was flying down te freeway during rush hour. I think she was the only one who noticed the rough (but fun) ride...we were too busy laughing at her.

Joe didn't want a party while he was home and now we all know why. Apparently, only 6 months after he deployed to Iraq, his wife decided she didn't want to be married anymore. WHAT A WAY TO FIND OUT---over the phone or in a letter---IN THE MIDDLE OF A WAR! Needless to say, he is heartbroken. We are a vey close-knit family, and we are all in mourning for him. Because that's how it feels, as though someone we love has died. Joe won't be the same without her in his life. He does not deserve this.

It was extremely hard knowing how he was feeling while he was here...I was afraid to hover, but wanted to...gave him his space...but didn't want to...wanted to hold him and love him the entire time...but knew he wasn't in the mood. He spent every waking moment researching councelors on the internet, to see when they return to Washington...but she didn't want to go...she doesn't want to try to work it out. Hopefully, he will still seek professional help. I want mt baby back. I want him to feel better. We'll just continue to pray, now just for another reason added to our list.

A Tragic Loss

2008-03-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

SPRINGFIELD — A 14-year-old boy and his mother died in a fire here early Wednesday after the boy ran back into the burning home in an attempt to save her, state police said.
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Bobby Ferrell and his mother Michelle, 54, a Burlington County elections official, were found dead on the home's second floor. The fire, reported shortly after 4:30 a.m., engulfed the home in the 2400 block of Monmouth Road, said State Police Sgt. Stephen Jones.
Fire- fighters arrived to find flames throughout the first and second floor. At least one firefighter made his way to the second floor, Jones said, but was forced to evacuate after a "flashover."
"The temperature was that high in the upstairs of the house," Jones said. "Anything combustible just ignited."
The blaze quickly escalated to four alarms and about 150 firefighters from more than 15 fire companies helped battle it, Jones said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but preliminary evidence indicated it started in the rear of the home, "possibly in a clothes dryer," Jones said.
Ferrell's daughter, Emily McManus, smelled smoke in the home and yelled for people to leave the house, Jones said. Ferrell's son James climbed from a window and down a tree to escape. By the time the two made it outside, Bobby was already there, but when he realized his mother was inside, Jones said, he went back in.
The two were declared dead at the scene.
McManus, 23, and James Ferrell, 15, were treated for smoke inhalation at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly.
Michelle Ferrell, who had two other grown children, worked as Election Division supervisor for the Burlington County Clerk's Office. She had been employed there for 15 years, said Acting Burlington County Clerk Wade Hale, and pictures of her family were displayed on her desk Wednesday.
County officials said they were offering employees in Ferrell's office counseling service. Friends and co-workers described her as an "awesome mother" and "very caring."
"Although it is a cliche, she would have given the shirt off her back to everyone," said Abigail Cipriano, a clerk typist who worked for Ferrell. "Everyone came before her and she was a friend to all of us."
Ferrell, also the shop steward for Local 1034 of the Communications Workers of America union, had a "wealth of knowledge," Hale said.
"She was a neighbor and a friend that I'll personally miss," he said.

What a tragic end to the loss of 2 beautiful people.
Below is a blog entry from my 15 year old son, who went to school with, and played sports with this boy who died...a true hero.

February 28, 2008 - Thursday

R.I.P. Current mood: Mixed

Courage - the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Hero - a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
Someone who is full of courage will face any obstacle or any limitation and say, "I can rise above it. I am confident in myself and in my abilities to go forth with the task that is presented before me, and come out in a victorious manner, no matter what detriment it may put towards me. No matter what climate it puts me in, or any danger it puts me in. I can do this"acquaintance
How many people can honestly say they would run into a burning building, for anyone whether it be family, friend, acquaintance, neighbor, stranger or most of all, enemy? Bobby ran into an inferno of which he himself had already escaped in order to save his mother. Above are the definitions of Courage and Hero. Below are my defintions of Courage and Hero.

Courage - Bobby Ferrel

Hero - Bobby Ferrel

But heroes may be forgotten, and legends go on and remain in the hearts and minds of everyone who was in some way touched by that person. In my eyes Bobby, you are not only a hero, but a legend. 2/27/08 R.I.P.

Kathy
Bobby...you are a true hero in every sense of the word. God put you and your Mom on this earth for a good reason...His plan was obtained and now God has two beautiful new angels in heaven to help Him do His work. May your family find comfort through God...May your love shine upon us all.

Spring Cleaning

2008-02-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Early Spring cleaning has come upon our home. I'm driving everyone nuts with cleaning and sorting and organizing. After all, can't have our soldier home for leave and have the house be dirty...NO WAY!!! Changing curtains, washing windows...all the dirt he's had to deal with for the past year...he won't find any here when he visits. He wants no parties or recognition for the things he's sacrificed...just wants to spend time with family. FINE BY ME!!!
Everyone can't wait to see him...he's the hero of our family, that's for sure! I just wonder how I'll muster up the strength to say goodbye again...knowing he's going back to the war. God will get us all through it until this war is over and brings all of our troops home.
My friends and family are probably...no, I know they're tired of hearing me go on and on about Joe and all he's been up to. I haven't forgotten about anyone...it's just that my priorities are elsewhere right now. Sorry...but when your kid is thrown into a world full of haters and sacrifices his life for others, you'd think of nothing else as well.
I pray everyday that his mind is still in tact. He's always been a good boy with a huge heart and I hope all is well for him.
Can't leave without saying how proud I am of my daughter...she made the dean's list again. Way to go Samantha!! We love you too. Yes, I know I have other children. Hopefully soon, the old "Me" will return. Lets just all keep praying right now for our military men and women.
Keep your bible close and read scripture everyday.
“And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” -Isaiah 30:21

"Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." -Ps 127:1

2007-12-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's been way too long since I've posted anything on my blog. Since my last post...my son in Iraq has become a Sargeant...way to go! I'm so proud. We never hear much about what's going on with his unit...I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. He conveys to me that he likes to work hard. he usually works his off hours to pass the time and he strives to be the best. Can you see my heart swelling with pride?
Even though he's not going to be here for the holidays, with all the packages sent, we tried to make it fun like Christmas---getting gifts. What do you get for a guy in the middle of a warzone? He'll have a new GPS to help him find the bad guys...DVDs, a portable DVD player, PSP & Nintendo DS games...power bars...muscle milk...and I promised him for the last time...CANDY. After this, he wants no more junk food. He'll go home in the Spring on leave and see his wife. He wants to look good for her. Then back to the sandbox he'll go until sometime during the summer when his deployment is over. All I know is that I just want him out of that place.
My husband, my son and I just got back from a very unexpected trip to Texas. Our best friend died and we went down for his funeral...27 hours driving and crying. It was very hard leaving his wife and kids behind. But I have a feeling they will do fine...in time. We all are still having a hard time believing he is gone.
My other Army Mom friend has both of her boys home now...lucky you, Jo!!! Enjoy every second with them and hug them often. As a matter of fact, hug them for me and tell them, "thank you."
I'm proud and thankful to all of our troops fighting this war. I don't like the war, but our troops will always have my support. God Bless them all and return them safely home.
"Blessed is he who regard for te weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes." Psalm 41:1-2.

My Son is a Simple Man

2007-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

My son is a simple man you see
Loves God, his wife, and his family
He’s grown very strong throughout the years
He stood up to his challenges and conquered his fears
He married his one and only true love
Who was given to him from our God up above
Wise and loving with a gentle heart
He told his wife that he must part
For places unknown and new in his life
This war has sent him away from his wife
To a land that is violent and wants things their way
They showed their uncaring on that September day
My son, your daughter, a little boy’s mom
Were taken away because of those bombs
While families back home pray, worry, and wait
To see if terrorists determine the fate
Of all who we love that were taken away
Because of the bombings on that tragic day
All day I sit here and pray for my son
And hope that soon freedom is won
For his comrades and friends that were chosen to be
In a far away place fighting for our liberty
We pray for them all without hesitation
And for God to guide them through every location
Our hearts feel heavy with worry and fear
As we sit by the phone and we’re waiting to hear
For good news or bad, it doesn’t much matter
As long as our loved one is willing to chatter
Let us know he’s okay and he hasn’t been hurt
But a comrade was shot and fell to the dirt
With blood all around and the deafening noises
We take cover so the enemy avoids us
It was really scary but Mom I am okay
I appreciate your support and I know that you pray
For me and my boys to come home and stay
But we’re doing our jobs here as ordered to do
The sun has been hot and naps have been few
So Mom, now I must go, it’s time for a mission
Its dark and we’ll be using our night time vision
Continue your prayers and all the packages sent
I’ll give you a call the next chance I get
I love you Mom, tell all to take care
We’re all fighting for your freedom there
As I hung up the phone blinded by tears
And think of the memories I hold dear
So please pray for him as you would your own
For him and his comrades to come safely home
My son is a simple man you see
He loves God, his wife and his family

Until You Return

2007-08-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning son, just another day. A beautiful morning without much to say.
Except that I love you and miss you and I want to hear it everyday.
I can't imagine your mornings, your days and your nights, with only the suffering, it just isn't right.
This world that we live in, all of this violence is wrong. So many people are angry and can't get along.
We must settle this war they call Iraqi Freedom. We must bring our troops home so their loved ones can see them.
Although your reminded almost everyday, we're very proud of you and more so each day.
It's not that your special or unlike another. But you are my firstborn and the oldest of brothers.
You have a strong faith in God and a heart that's so true. God's blessings are what I'm asking for you.
Many people are praying, for you and your boys, for safety and quickness as your unit deploys.
Hurry now guys and get your job done, let them hear the bells of freedom ringing. And then maybe they'll understand the help you've been bringing.
We love you, we miss you, you all make us proud. Let your voices be heard and their meaning be loud.
************************************************************************************
Many emotions deep down inside, worry, fear and most of all pride.
People are falling around my son's feet, with his buddies surrounding and helping to beat. This anger of people in all of these nations, making them resort to these altercations.
Bombings and blasts and kidnapping strangers and putting their children in all of this danger.
Are the problems too many the reasons too vast, for the leaders to talk and put into the past.
Get out the documents and sign your name here and promise to God you'll cause no more fear.
Let our sons and our daughters come home, so that we may give back the love that they've shown. For their Flag and their Country and the people they love. But most of for our Heavenly God above.

2007-08-09T07:38:00.001-07:00

Congrats to my new Corporal!

2007-08-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Well...I spoke to my son from Iraq yesterday and it was wonderful. He told me his plan for re-enlistment and that he has a four day weekend coming up and he can't wait. Today my DIL sent me an email while Joe was on the phone, to let me know he's been promoted to Corporal and is a Vehicle Commander! Way to go, Joe. Congrats to his buddy...Mueller...for his promotion too. Prayers to you Miles, hoping you're feeling better soon...possibility of gallstones. These are the 3 J.M. boys in Iraq..kind of like the Three Muskateers. All for one and one for all! HOOAH!

Was a rough day today after talking to Joe yesterday...he can't wait for R&R to spend EVERY MINUTE OF IT WITH HIS WIFE ONLY. That hurt but I wasn't going to let him know that. I can understand him wanting to be only with his wife...sort of. She's in texas and I'm in New Jersey...it's not like I can just...'be in the neighborhood.' I'll get over it and I'm still as proud of my son as ever. Nothing could ever change that.

This picture is of The Three Muskateers (3 J.M.s) and my DIL, Sarah. This was taken in April when I went to Washington before deployment. We all went to dinner and back to the hotel and watched "Flushed Away." It was a great night that I'll treasure forever.

The two 2 year olds

2007-08-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Not a granny..here are pics of the babies. Aiden (blonde) is my grandson and he's 28 months. Donte will be 2 on August 2.

Baby Jameson's Baptism/Mom on top, his Aunt Jennifer (Godmother) below.

2007-08-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Prayers please

2007-08-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy beginning of the week for me. Of course, worrying about my soldier is always on the top of the list. Prayers for him and all of our troops are on the top of my prayer list everyday. I found out yesterday that my 5 month old great nephew is being tested today for Cystic Fybrosis. He's had bad asthma since birth and the docs think it's more. He doesn't look like your typical child with C.F. I know this because my aunt had 5 boys, 3 of which had C.F. They lived well into early adult years. As a little girl, I always remember them being very sickly and extremely skinny. Jameson...is a robust, happy and otherwise healthy baby. Prayers for you baby Jameson. Then...speaking with my mom this morning, she informed me that one of my other great nephews, Daryl...6, may have a siezure disorder and he is also having tests today. Prayers to you, Little Man. We also went to a viewing last night for my brother-in-law's mother-in-law. As far as viewings go...this was very easy. Theresa had been sick for many years and passed away peacefully, with her family by her side. Prayers for her and her family.
Now...I'm just wating to hear from my son who is suppose to call me sometime soon. Trying to keep my phone with me at all times is a definite challenge for me...not easy keeping it on me and AWAY from two 2 year olds.
How about Army Mom Times Three getting those generators repaired so quickly for the soldiers in Iraq. What an awesome person to have in your corner. I'd hate to have her as my enemy...ha ha..love ya, Jo.
Anyway...I just wanted to let you all know what was happening and to please keep these two precious children in your prayers. I'll keep you 'posted' --- no pun intended --- I'm such a dork!

2007-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Although you see the world different than me. Sometimes I can touch upon the wonders that you see. All the new colors and pictures you've designed, Oh yes, sweet darling ,So glad you are a child of mine.
Child of mine, child of mine. Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.
You don't need direction, you know which way to go. And I don't want to hold you back, I just want to watch you grow. You're the one who taught me you don't have to look behind, Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.
Child of mine, child of mine. Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.
Nobody's gonna kill your dreams, Or tell you how to live your life. There'll always be people to make it hard for a while. But you'll change their heads when they see you smile.
The times you were born in may not have been the best. But you can make the times to come better than the rest. I know you will be honest if you can't, always be kind. Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.
Child of mine, child of mine, Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.
Child of mine, child of mine. Oh yes, sweet darling, So glad you are a child of mine.

Last time I saw Joe --- Good Friday 2007

2007-07-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

This picture is the last time I saw my soldier. The stupid elevator wouldn't work so that's why he's laughing. His wife is hiding behind him so we wouldn't see each other crying. He is in Yakima, WA in the "snow" picture.
I don't know how to stop missing him. If you knew this guy, you'd be in awe. He has done so much to better his life which included helping the poor and the homeless in Texas. Momma loves you!!!

I don't think I'm mean..

2007-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Liberal Army Wife & Sarge Charlie...I appreciate your comments. Just let me verify...I am not mean to my family. They are just not use to me expressing my negative feelings. I have always been the type of person that let EVERYTHING roll off my shoulders and I kept my opinions to myself. I've always been a PEACE-KEEPER...maybe even an enabler. Somehow, that's all changed and I THINK it has to do with my son being deployed...because I see the world differently now. If I see a problem...instead of fixing it myself and bottling up inside, the frustrations I feel because someone else doesn't recognize the problem. For instance...I take care of two 2 year olds all day---grandson and foster child---I work my butt off all day to meet their needs along with washing EVEYONE'S LAUNDRY (kids, hubby, 15 year old son & 23 old daughter--oh...mine too), cooking dinner, doing the dishes...all the house cleaning---if someone makes a mess, or doesn't know if leftovers are worth saving...don't complain about the mess...clean it yourself and make the decision to keep or throw away the food. Does it take a rocket scientist to figure out that my so called meaness is because everyone here can't see what needs to be done. So, instead of me not not saying anything---like I use to---I tell people, "hey! can't you pick that up?" or..."can't you make the decision about throwing out leftovers yourself?" My job is 24-7...it's with me constantly. It's always been that way and it will always be that way. I DO EVERYTHING for my family...because I love them...unconditionally without fail. I don't want RECOGNITION I just don't want to sit back and take all the crap anymore. I want to say how I feel without someone getting mad at me. Face it, I've changed...with my son in a war zone...my perspective on life has changed for the better. I look at what our soldiers are going through...all they have to see and hear and endure...and it makes life here a piece of cake. Everytime someone complains about the heat, Isay. "imagine the temp being 115 and your wearing full army gear. Then you can cry about the heat to me." WE ALL have the convenience of making our own decisions, our soldiers don't. They work for hours...days on end with little or no sleep...FOR US! The least we can do for our soldiers is to start seeing the world through their eyes and maybe then, we'll appreciate what we have. That's all I'm trying to get across to my family.

My first blog

2007-07-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband said I was becoming a mean person. ME??? The person who saves face and tries to keep peace within the family unit ??? If a nice person goes bad, shouldn't people close to them be concerned and maybe ask if there's a problem? That's what I'd do....and did with my hubby a few weeks back. I told him he complained too much --- about EVERYTHING ---and that he needed to choose his battles. So, I guess now I've turned into him. Or..maybe it's because .... my oldest son was recently deployed to Iraq...and I'm having a hard time dealing with it. Does anyone ever ask me how I'm feeling during all of this? NO! OK...so maybe everyone has to walk on eggshells around me for the next 12 months or so...and maybe I've morphed from a nice, sweet, person...to one that has other things on her mind and doesn't feel like being nice at this particular point in time. I don't want to be classified as a MEAN person...just a crabby one who has alot on her plate and wants her son to come home safe.