Deployment Ceremony

This is my niece, Sonia (the one with the biggest smile in the center, right behind the guy holding the flag...who is also turning 23 on 12/21) who will soon be shipped off to Iraq (12/27/09). I had the amazing opportunity to be there for her deployment ceremony (BTW...LOVE the Army and there short, sweet and to the point kind of style), not only with my girls, but I got to go up with my sister (Sonia's mommy). My sister and I have not done anything like that (the trip) in forever, so it was a major treat/memory for me and the girls.

It all kind of felt surreal until the ceremony began. That's when it all became "official"/real. Here I am listening to the Chaplin pray and the master of ceremonies go all over all the training that this group of men and women had to go through in order to prepare for......WAR. Wow...talk about hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean really...she was just for years old, like yesterday. Her and I playing dress up (or me playing with her like she was one of my dolls), then she was 9, sleeping in the dogs bed, then 16 and in full swing with every sport available, then 18 and off to Hofstra University.......and Now off to defend our country. As I stood watching her company and listening, I could not help but begin to weep. She's leaving us...this is really happening!

Sonia, if your big green eyes should stumble upon this page, I want you to know a few things. First and foremost, God absolutely adores you and sees you as a precious gem. He formed you, knows every hair on your head and has a GREAT plan for your life. He has never, nor will He ever forget you - NEVER. Seek Him my girl....seek Him with a passion!

I am Extremely Honored & Blessed to have been woven into your life, and I am VERY proud of you. I am seriously grateful for it ALL, Zone. The tears, disappointments, joy's, Starbucks runs, mall runs, laughing so hard we hurt, midnight talks and most of all, I'm grateful at how God used YOU to shower me with His love.

Thank you Zone....for being a part of my life....and for defending my freedom...Our freedom. I absolutely adore you baby girl.

God speed!!