Geeky Talks
My family. My Country.
This one is for my Brother-In-Law who was deployed on May 3rd. This is the only website he can get to for a piece of home. Apparently group websites like flickr, myspace, facebook and twitter are off limits but blogs about farting and being driven crazy by two small children are a-ok. Who knew?
A lot of people talk about supporting our troops but wish we’d spend less on our military. A lot of people say they love our country but vow to vote in someone who will take the last bits of what makes us unique away. A lot of people want to thank the people who fight to keep us the United States Of America but don’t know how.
Here’s your chance.
I thought I’d donate one dollar per comment here to their family to help offset the cost of living. My Brother-In-Law has a second job to help pay for his family of four, including his new 5 month old daughter. He works at two full time jobs, one for the Air Force and one for a movie theater. While he’s away, he suspends his work at his second job, forgoing that pay, to serve his country.
Are you teary yet? No?
The families of these men and women living on base, being a community together, working toward a common goal are heroes, people with children, people like you and me. Only better. I saw moms I could relate to but who had a much stronger spirit than I could hope to obtain. Moms whose children would watch their dads go off to war. Moms who would give baths alone. Moms who would read the bedtime stories, tuck in the children, make the lunches, and get up to feed the baby alone. They do it because they love their husbands and because they love their country and because they have a pride a lot of people can not fathom.
And I had a hard time not seeing my husband and baby boy for four days? I can not imagine four months.
So, to my brother-in-law, thank you so very much for taking care of us. For being an awesome Dad to my nieces, for standing by my sister, for serving our country, for having a pride that separates you from the crowd. Thank you for everything you do and know we’re all here loving and appreciating and admiring you.
And for every comment here, I’m giving one dollar to help the family. Here’s your chance to support our troops, y’all.
With much love and many more videos and photos to come:
Mrs. Flinger, your sister.
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I’ll play along! my husband is in the army reserves and has someone managed to avoid being deployed lo these 3 1/2 years. only 2 1/2 to go (insert superstitious practice here). with 6-18 month deployments, it’s a wonder *any* family survives having a parent gone for so long, let alone those who are short an income while mommy or daddy is away! we’re proud of you, too, brother-in-law and sister!
Super idea. I was going to say “Splendid idea” but that sounded nerdy, so I said “Super”...turns out that is dorky, too!!!
I hope you get hundreds of comments on this post!
Now I’m all inspired and in awe and weepy and what not.
You never cease to amaze.
What a great thing to do. I couldn’t image being away from my family for that long. Or missing my husband or dad for that long. It’s truly amazing what our soldiers endure to protect us.
My sister and her husband are both in the army. I could not do it, but am thankful for those who serve.
these people are my heroes(and not in that cheesy way it came out).
I cannot imagine having to be that strong.
I’ll be praying for your sis and brother-in-law. I can’t even imagine what it is like.
My cousin went to Iraq. He has been back about a year now…
Fabulous post!
Thanks to him for keeping me safe!
For the families, and for your awesome brother-in-law!
So can we only leave one comment?
Stories like this make me cry because I know first hand what each of these families feels (I am reminded of my own overwhelming emotions each time I see and hear these stories).
Take care “brother in law” of Mrs. Flinger and know that everyone is thinking of you and wishing you a quick and safe return.
I have many people I love who have deployed, so this just makes my heart (And eyes) full.
Tell him “thank you for his service” from me please!
My husband just returned home from a 13 month deployment. We got paid extra while he was gone..they don’t? I’m confused by that whole thing because usually you get family separation pay and hazardous duty pay..then there’s the per diem they get when they get home and so forth. I would think it’d make up for the money he wasn’t bringing in from his second job…but perhaps I’m wrong? Perhaps I’m wrong.
Count me in. This is awesome!
I am always astounded by the bravery of soldiers and their family. There is so much strength in making the choice to fight for your country. I am forever greatful.
Very Touching!
Fantastic post! And nothing like makin’ someone else pull a dollar out of their pocket for a good cause.
god bless your brother and his family. i hope they all know how much we the people truly appreciate what they do. a while back i put a care package together http://www.anysoldier.com/
i think it is time to do another one !!
My husband and I were both in the Army and he was deployed for 6 months when our first child was 2 weeks old. It was hard, to say the least. I know what your family is going through and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Brother-in-Law, I’m praying for your safe and speedy return home!
I think this is wonderful. They will be in my prayers!
My dad was in the Marine Corps for twenty years. Please give a dollar for me.
My father was in the Air Force my entire childhood so I understand what this situation is like for your sis’s kids. I appreciate your BIL for doing his job, your sister for supporting him and you for helping out in this way.
My husband was in the Army before we were married. I pray that your brother-in-law will return safely. They sacrifice so much and don’t get very much in return. Thanks to your BIL & his family.
I’ll play along too. This was a very sweet post. Good for you for doing such a cool thing!
A special thank-you to your brother-in-law for all that he does for our country.
Thanks to your sister and brother in law both for their sacrifice. I pray he returns safely and quickly.
What a wonderful idea! It’s so sweet of you to help in this way. Living in Colorado Springs where we’re surrounded by military bases (including the AF Academy), I have so many military mom friends and what they go through day after day. I can’t imagine how strong you have to be to watch your husband leave knowing he may not come home.
Okay, I am sobbing in my morning coffee. Your sister ROCKS, all of those military wives ROCK. All of our soldiers ROCK. AND I AM A BIG WEENIE for crying because my husband is working an hour late.
Amen to that. These people put their lives on the line for us every day. I can’t imagine the kind of strength and heart it takes to be them OR their spouses. I’m grateful that they stand up and defend us all, but sad that they have to do so.
Special prayers and good karma to all our troops… may you be home SAFE and SOON! (P.S. Oh and THANK YOU!)
I’m grateful for the U.S. soldiers too - they’re right alongside our guys. But it breaks my heart that they have families they’ve left at home. :(
I grew up in a civilian family living on military bases. Military families are awesome. I will never forget how it felt when all the other dads went to war and mine didn’t.
Great post, and thanks to your BIL. Lurker mom coming forward to add to the chorus…
Supporting the troops.
My boyfriend was in the Air Force and has since gotten out. All of my heart and prayers go out to your brother in law and also to all who serve to keep us safe. All my love and prayers.
Thanks for making me cry - you big meanie! I will keep your BIL in my prayers. My BIL just got back from Korea and is waiting to hear when he will be deployed again. I am with you - I don’t think I could be that strong.
Thank you so much to your brother-in-law and all the men and women who serve—and wait at home for those serving. It’s easy to forget that there is a higher purpose behind miltary action than what we selectively see on the news. Good for you for posting this, and helping. I’ll be thinking of everyone!
I can’t even begin to imagine, you guys. Thank you for all that you are ALL doing for the rest of us every day, from our hearts.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
What a darling family. All my best.
This post made me feel bad for fighting with my husband last night. Atleast he is here for me to do so.
Yeah, cause I really need to cry more!
Really though, this is a great post. I hope you get hundreds of comments!!!
What a beautiful family! Hope that your brother-in-law returns safely soon.
What a great tribute!
Great idea! I honestly can’t imagine having my husband in this position… it would kill me.
You are such a kind sister. Tell your sister and brother-in-law we appreciate their sacrifice.
Yeah, I can’t imagine how hard this is on your sister and the girls. Her sacrifice on the home-front is amazing. I hope the comments keep rolling in! Our military families rock!!!
What a great idea. It never ceases to amaze me how people can leave their families and put their lives on the line every day for us. It is a huge sacrifice. One I am so thankful that people are willing to make.
Please tell him and his wife “thank you”.
Survived hubby’s second Iraq deployment which was 15 months. Find lots of local support for that SIL and those gorgeous nieces!
Thank you Mrs. Flinger’s brother in law for sacrificing so much to keep our country safe!
Please pass my thanks, as well.
You had me at “This is for my brother-in-law who was deployed…”
Please express my sincere gratitude to him for his sacrifice, as well as all those serving our country. Thank you.
All teary eyed now! ::::::::keenex:::::::
The pictures are so sweet and that little girl….beautiful.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mrs. Flinger’s Brother-in-law. Thank you for being selfless and thank you for caring about my freedom and my home while you are away from yours. You and your family are in my prayers.
Okay, Flinger, I’m gonna have to stumble you again…
much love and hugs…..
mark travels a lot for work and those times are wicked hard (but getting easier). I can’t imagine how it would be for months to years. Growing up in a Navy town a lot of my friends families had one parent missing most of the time and it made me avoid the Navy boys like the plague… just can’t do it. I have the utmost respect for those who can handle it.
Only one comment?
Thanks Mrs. Flinger’s Brother-in-Law! Your efforts and sacrifices are truly appreciated.
Well, since your brother-in-law gets to read this, I just want to say “Thanks, ‘Brother-in-law,’ and all your buddies, for fighting for us. Your willingness to sacrifice your lives and say goodbye to your families for who knows how long, that makes you all heroes. We ordinary citizens can’t ever repay that debt, but I am so grateful to you. Please know that we pray for you every day.
God Bless your BIL, his family and all our troop. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Rock on.
Much love & support from The Carrolls.
No matter what “side” you are on, let’s hear it for everyone serving our country and making sacrifices that I, for one, cannot imagine. A big, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Well… What’s there to say? My husband is a former marine, and we’ve 2 friends about to come home, and 1 friend about to ship out. The brotherly love my husband has for these men, and the real plight their families left behind - there’s no words to describe it. My thoughts are with your family. We appreciate them. We honor them.
What a wonderful post! I have a cousin and an uncle over there right now. It is truly a blessing to the rest of us the sacrifices these men and women are making as well as the sacrifices their families are making. Your brother-on-law will be in my prayers.
I agree with every point you made! Thank God for those who fight for our country. What we have is worth fighting for…at least until the next presidential election (God help us!)
I would make a horrible military wife. I admire all the ones who do it. My dad served in the Navy for years, and didn’t meet me for the first time until after I turned a year old.
All the best to your sis and bro-in-law and their family. And a million thanks to them for serving!
Yep. Teary all right. That was very sweet. My nephew just joined the Air Force. <sigh> He comes over to my blog for a bit of home too.
Your brother is one of my heroes. Mrs. Flinger’s brother: Thank you so much for all you do for me an my family.
I am truly blessed to have men and women like you fighting for our safety.
You are in my prayers.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
What a beautiful, touching post. Love all the photos….
Here’s to all the service men and women and their families at home. Stay safe and come home well.
let’s hear it for the boys!
and the girls!
and the husbands
and the wives!
Thank you all so very much! We love you and man, do you look great in that uniform!
This is awesome. Thank you Armed Services Folks! Thank you Mrs. Flinger! Thank you commentors.
Delurking for this…good luck to your BIL and his family.
And one more makes 70. Lots of comments for a great cause! What a great idea; you are so giving and caring. I am sure they will appreciate it more than you know! Much support to your sis and BIL for the sacrifices they both make!
Well now you KNOW I have to comment if it means taking a buck from you. =)
OH MY GOSH…I havn’t cried like this since he left…thank you so much sis. This really does mean the world to me. THANK YOU.
Those moms are my heroes. My hubby travels to Ireland on business 50% of the time, and when he isn’t in Ireland he leaves the house at 7 am and returns home at 7 pm. Even though for two weeks of each month we only see him for 3 hours, I couldn’t imagine going months straight with out a partner to help with dinner, bath, bedtime stories and night-time parenting.
This is a fantastic idea. I have no idea how these mamas do it, but your sister is lucky to have you for support.
Here’s a shout out. I hope your brother comes home safely!
I can barely survive two nights without my husband. But brave men and women are caring for their families every day on their own while their spouses defend and protect our country. The sacrifices these families make are immense and we should always be aware of what they give up for all of us in the name of freedom. Thank you to all of those families!
What an awesome thing to do! Are we only allowed to comment once? I’m an Army wife of over 5 years… a unaccompanied tour in Korea, a 12 month deployment to Iraq, and he’s currently on a 16 month deployment to Iraq. Next month he comes home for his 18 days of leave. It’s the hardest thing I Have ever done, but it is also the most meaningful. Thanks.
To Mrs. F’s brother-in-law,
Thank you and prayers for God to bring you safely home to your family. Prayers for strength and support for your wife and daughters as well.
*stands up and cheers* Thank you for saying it, and for your efforts to help those families!!
And thank you to the troops that serve faithfully and their families with such strength. You are men and women I’m proud to say are defending our country and our way of life…even when we are ungrateful. You all deserve so much!!
You are so awesome- that story was so touching too. What a wonderful idea!
What a great thing you’re doing!
You rock!
Thank you brother-in-law and all our troops and families for all you do!!
This was an absolute beautiful tribute to my son. I thank you for your compassion for the job he has to do for all of us. I am so proud of him. Thanks for taking the time to share your feelings.
Prayers for your Brother in Law and his beautiful family and to all of our troops out there and their families!!!
What a great post! You should be very proud of your BIL, we all should!
I am coming out of lurkdom to comment because my heart truly goes out to the men and women who are serving and have served in war. I am truly amazed at how so many people can come together to help someone they don’t know help the family members of someone they know even less.
Mrs. F- you always find a way to make my heart melt.
Good luck and I’m spreading the word.
What a tremendous sacrifice on the part of your brother-in-law, his wife, and their children. Here is to him returning home safely and quickly.
How awesome are you? And seriously, how awesome is your BIL? And those questions are totally rhetorical because the answer is SO VERY AWESOME, but the editor in me insisted on the question marks.
Thank you, BIL.
Photos are way too cute. You rock.
Hi. I think that it is great that you are doing this. What a sweet thing to do for your sister. Your writing about the deployments etc., almost made me cry. My hubby is in the ARMY. He is serving a year long deployment to Korea. He is home visiting now after being gone for 8 1/2 months. Its a very hard lifestyle but when people do things like what you are doing, it makes it a little more tolerable. It is nice to know that somewhere out there, people respect us spouses too. Thank you for being so awesome!
Thank you Thank you, everyone!! My BIL emailed me. He can’t leave a comment here but he is overwhelmed by the wonderful encouragement from you all. He also wants to say thank you to the people who serve much longer and harder delpoyments than his and appreciates everyone’s sacrifice.
He’s amazing like that.
Thank you, tearfully, joyfully, and truly to everyone for their love for our service men and women. Seriously. I love you, Internet.
XOXO
*crying*
Your brother-in-law is a hero and so is your sister. It’s such a sacrifice and I thank God that there are people like him in our country.
*crying still*
Thank you for such a wonderful post about our armed forces. Your brother and his family will be in my prayers.
Anne
As an Army wife… all i can say is thank you… thank you for your real and honest and heartfelt support. We get much less of that than you can imagine, in the civilian world. The pride i feel in my husband and my Army and my country is something i could never describe, but you have managed to do that very well in fact. Again, thank you, my heart is full of gratitude right now.
Thank you Flinger BIL. Even though I may not agree with some of our government’s policies, I fully and completely support our troops who carry them out. Thank you for your work, your sacrifice, and for the work and sacrifice of your family. You, and all our troops and families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for supporting the military. It so nice to hear wonderful things about what these guys do to support families…my dh is active duty Air Force and we appreciate people like you talking about the things people don’t want to hear about!! Thank god for that 3% raise in Jan…every little bit helps!! Rock on…
Thank you, BIL. Will keep you in our thoughts.
Good luck to your sister’s family - I can’t imagine how hard it is for both your sister and your BIL.
Thanks to your BIL and to Sister Flinger. I can’t imagine how tough it is, esp with little ones… Many thoughts and prayers are going your way!
What an awesome post!
(you know me from BMG)
I’m late, as usual, in finding this, but it is amazing. You are amazing.
Your family is beyond words.
A big thank you to your brother in law from our family.
My kids and I send stuff to soldiers we choose from http://www.anysoldier.com Unti.l recently we hadn’t heard back from anyone which was totally fine with me, knowing we were doing a little to help is all we wanted. Just recently two soldiers wrote us back and told us how much it meant to them. Those letters made it real to my kids. They get it now that they are real people with families back home and the sacrifice they are making to keep us safe. I appreciate what your brother in law is doing. And now I appreciate what you are doing to bring awareness too. You rock!
My Sister-in-law leaves in a month. I shed tears everytime I think about it.
She’s leaving 2 kids and a hubby behind for over 6 months.
So, yeah, I feel the pain. I know the fear and I support the troops.
From a fellow airforce wife…plus I love you all so much
THANK YOU to your brother-in-law!!
soldiers are angels among us
Delurking to say thank you.
Mrs. Flinger you are awesome! What a great way to show support.
Thank you to your brother-in-law.
I’m so thankful and happy to have you all reading and commenting and helping me show support. Thank you to everyone. Some days I love the internet so effing much. XOXOXOX
His whole family deserves the biggest thank-you. Our men and women in the service inspire me.
Thanks to all of the people serving our country, especially your brother-in-law.
What a great idea! My husband just returned in February. Your sister is so lucky to have you to support her!
What a lovely idea.
My brother was in the first gulf war…I know all too well the feelings that go along with having someone you love be in a war zone.
Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice…I’ll be thinking of you all.
Much love,
Chris