I can't go there in a Remos

Well I've been highlighting things to do in your Remos, but I've come across one trip that I can't make in the Remos.

Our youngest child, Justin, called today to let us know he made it safely to Iraq. Justin is an air traffic controller for the Missouri Air National Guard, and as cruel as this sounds, he left for his first overseas deployment on Mother's day. You can no doubt imagine how this past week went. Luckily for me, I've been putting a lot of hours in the air, keeping me pretty occupied, but Cheryl has been home constantly reminded that Justin is not here. Little things like too many groceries in the refrigerator, and not enough noise from the basement, make the house seem strangely large again.

Justin is tall, good looking, and well mannered, obviously getting all of these fine traits from his mother. He has also been undeterred in the pursuit of his objectives. Way back when, Justin decided he wanted to take up martial arts. We talked a lot about it, and agreed, but on the condition that he set a goal, and not quit till he achieved it. Lo and behold, several year later (and thousands of classes and tournaments) Justin was awarded his black belt. He has approached everything he does since then, the same way. His pilot's license, basic training, radar school, checkout at Rosecrans approach control, and now Iraq, he is single minded until he's successful. You probably don't know Justin, but he can be an example to each one of us. We don't have to go to Iraq, but when it seems you'll never solo, think of Justin. If it looks like you won't ever get your own Remos, think of Justin. Whatever challenges you face, you can make it through.

To just say we are proud of him, and are thankful for his service to his country, doesn't begin to tell the whole story. To say we'll miss him and worry about him while he's half a world away would be a gross understatement. To say that he's the right man for the job, right where he needs to be, and trust God to protect him, is how Cheryl and I are coping. Please keep Justin, as well as all our troops in your prayers.