May 30, actual date for Memorial Day.

We remember those who have given their lives...

The following poem was written by Janet Aston Norwood

Proud Gold Star Mother of

Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood

KIA Fallujah, Iraq November 13, 2004

For Byron
Words I of't times heard before- that "Freedom isn't Free".

But that was long before I knew how they would impact me.
A baby boy I loved so much - I watched him learn and grow.

He grew into a strong young man, how brave - I did not know.
Little League and high school band, the trumpet, movies, friends

- things he enjoyed as years went by - I hoped it would not end.
But graduation time came near, now he was nineteen.

"I'm old enough. I'm ready, Mom, to become the best Marine!"
Then off to Boot Camp far away, and with the Crucible done

- His Eagle, Globe and Anchor, he had finally, proudly won.
Standing tall, his face a beam - a new United States Marine!
I knew that there were dangers. My fear I tried to hide,

but the sight of him in uniform filled my heart with pride.
A clear September morning as I saw the buildings fall,

my brave son was list'ning for his Nation's urgent call.

The world had changed in minutes, for now we were at war.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'm trained for this. It's what Marines are for."
He left his home and traveled to a desert far away.

On quiet nights, I'd close my eyes and I could almost hear him say -

"I love you, Mom, and miss you, but there's a job I have to do.

As a Marine, now it's my turn to be protecting you."
Sleepless nights of worry, anxiety and fears;

Praying for his safety and crying countless tears.

Afraid to even think the worst - the knock upon the door -

Knowing that had happened to other Moms before.
Oh, God, then it happened - the worst did come to pass -

In dark of night, the knock did come and through the front door's glass -

I see them there in coats of blue with buttons of bright brass.
I could not hear the words they spoke, I could only cry and scream -

"This can't be true, this isn't real. Please tell me it's a dream!"
As minutes turned to hours and the hours into days,

pain and sadness stretched ahead in such a foggy haze.
I close my eyes and, once again, I hear his gentle voice.

"I'm alright, Mom, and I'm still here. You know it was my choice.
My friends were hurt, I had to try to get them out of there.

It is the code of honor that we Marines all share."
I know he had to do it - He could not walk away.

I'm grateful for the courage that he displayed that day.
The sorrow's deep inside me - So much, it seems I've lost.

But he wants me to remember that Freedom has a cost.
There is no greater gift, they say, than to lay down one's life for friends.

I will keep his gift in memory until my life here ends.
I love you, Son, and thank you, for your special gift to me -

I will always know That Freedom isn't Free!

"He gave his life to defend Liberty at home and to give the gift of Liberty to the good people of Iraq. Byron, I love you and I will be forever proud and grateful for your sacrifice. Always, Mom"

Saturday was Amy & Ryan's wedding. It was really nice and they looked really happy. We drove down to Carlsbad on Friday afternoon to help with some of the set up. Megan coordinated and made the veil, Jeri did the flowers, Abby did the hair, and I made and decorated the cake. Now the happy couple are on their honeymoon cruise to Hawaii... and we all are back at work... but wait this is the week we begin "short Fridays"!! As always you can see more pics in the "Amy's Wedding" album here: http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/

Memorial Day Challenge for you...

Hi all!
Memorial Day is just a few days away. For many of us it simply means a three day weekend, picnics, big shopping day. However, I would like to challenge you this Memorial Day to remember the reason we even have this holiday. May 30 (actual day) is a day to remember the thousands of men and women who have served and fought and died for our country and our freedom.
My challenge to you this Memorial Day is to not only pray for the families who have lost loved ones, but also to please consider actively showing your support.
Instead of going out shopping this weekend won't you please consider giving those resources to one of the many organizations that help.
Any size gift would be greatly appreciated.
Here are some links that give you specific information on how to be involved:
http://reconnectamerica.com/giveback/
http://www.grunt.com/usmc-web/resources.asp
http://www.semperfifund.org/

Thanks for showing your support!
Remember to pray for our troops everyday!
Ruth
P.S. Please feel free to pass this info along =)

Happy Mother's Day! I have been truly blessed by the Lord in having such a wonderful mom. I always tell people "she taught me everything I know!"... She has been a wonderful example of what a godly woman, wife and mother should be. Thanks for all the things you have done through the years, Mom! I love you very much!

A relaxing day... Today was my first experience going to a day spa. Megan, Casey, Lisette, and I took Amy (who is getting married in a few weeks) for a relaxing day at Glen Ivy Spa in Corona. It was really crowded because of Mother's day weekend but it was still fun. I'll post the "mud " pics once I get them from Megan. Yes, that's right, mud! There was an area (Club Mud) were you go and rub this red clay mud all over.

Then we went to the "grotto" where were got all lathered in sea weed. After a nice hot shower our skin was feeling oh so smooth! So then we went over to the pool and hot springs and enjoyed the sunshine. After getting all cleaned up, we headed back to Brea and met Abby & Jeri for dinner wrapping up a wonderful and enjoyable time together. More pics here: http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/

Joni and I greeting the ladies at the Tea

Happy 5 /6 /7! It's a beautiful day today. Summer is in the air. I think I'll go to the beach after writing this. Yesterday was the annual Ladies Spring tea at church. I didn't host a table this year but nevertheless had a really nice time of fellowship and good food. Sue, our speaker, encouraged us to work on relationships with other ladies that the Lord bring into our lives and grow in the Lord together. I truly thank the Lord for some very special and awesome dear friends I have been blessed to have... Emily, Abby, Donna and Desiree. Each of them has had a huge influence and impact in my life. Thanks for your friendship!

Donna, Betsy & Laura at the tea

It's May already!
Time keeps flying by... less than a month to go before my Triathlon. Training has been long and hard but I have enjoyed it. (Well, everything except the "running"). That is the hardest challenge for me. Yesterday afternoon after finishing up my run, Abby and I went over to La Mirada park to check out this really fun "playground aparatus". I know...I know... but it was fun! We were like a couple of kids =) Sometimes it's good to laugh and enjoy things like a child again.