Tuesday, July 04, 2006

A letter to my dad on my first 4th of July!!!


Hi Dad,

It's my very first Independence Day!!!! I know it must be a really special day because mom's putting out decorations in red, white and blue and she's making lots of good BBQ food. Mom's really funny dad, she's been singing patriotic songs to me for the past couple of days, but today she woke up singing "I'm Proud To Be An American"! We were dancing around the deck and having a grand ol' time but then her eyes got all filled up with tears. She whispered in my ear, "I sure do miss daddy today." I had to agree, I miss you today too dad.

I've been getting quite an education for the last couple of days. Mom's been telling me all about something called Freedom. She says that there are lots of people that sacrifice a lot of things so that we can be "Free". And guess what dad, you're one of those people. Mom told me all about how you are a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. WOW Dad, that's impressive. I know I'm only 5 1/2 months old, but I know that's a really big deal. You've worked really hard for the last 22 years to be where you are today. Mom says you've flown so many different airplanes while you've been in the Air Force and that you love each and every one. I think she said that you like the small ones best, like the T-38 that you were an instructor pilot on, because they go really fast and you can do something called aileron rolls. Mom says you love doing dare devil stuff like that for fun. Whee........maybe someday you can take me on a thrill ride!!!

I wanted to thank you so much dad for the sacrifices you make to allow us to be free. You have to go away a lot on your airplane and be away from home and I know that must be so hard for you. When you are gone on those long trips you fly your airplane into enemy territory sometimes and I know that you have seen a lot of scary stuff. You've struggled through extreme heat and slept in tents and barracks and gone to places that most people have never even heard of. Thanks for showing such incredible bravery dad, you are my hero!!! Mom tells me that you fly the big C-17 planes that deliver supplies, tanks, machinery and troops overseas. That's a big responsibility dad. I appreciate all that you do to make sure our troops are well fed, warm & clean and supplied with all the artillery that they need. Mom says you even get to pick up the troops and bring them back home to their families. That must be the funnest mission to fly because you know you're making them sooooo happy. I hear that you even get to support the President of the United States when he is over in places unknown. Mom says you even got to transport his limo one time!!! Hee Hee. I bet one of these days you might even get to meet our Commander in Chief!!! Mom told me also about the time you got to meet Dr. Condoleezza Rice. I think that's pretty impressive dad. I know it's not all about the people you meet, but these are people who are fighting for our freedom as well and you have had a chance to support their efforts. I just want it to go on the record that I think that's great.

Mom also tells me that you've seen a lot of things that make you sad. She told me about the time that you transported some fallen soldiers back to their home state with flags draped around them. There must be no greater honor for you than to salute those fallen solders in thanks for what they have done for all of us. Dad, I'm proud of you. You have chosen a most worthy career and I want you to know that I notice every single bit of pride that you have to be in the United States Air Force. As mom has been teaching me about freedom, the one thing she keeps saying over and over again is that "Freedom is not Free." We have to pay a high price to walk in confidence that we are free and she tells me that our military and their families pay the greatest price. I want you to know dad, that you reward in working so hard for our freedom is that I will grow up knowing what you have done for me and for our whole family. I can't wait to grow up and learn more about our presidents and our forefathers who have labored for hundreds of years to make sure that our great land is protected. Mom even says that we will take a family trip some day to see a lot of the historical places that are anchors of our freedom. That will be a fun adventure, dad. I can't wait.

I understand that I will be amazed later on tonight with something that mom calls fireworks. She says they're just beautiful and they light up the sky with shouts of jubilation. I hope I can stay awake long enough to see some of the spectacular colors. Perhaps Mom will even let me hold my first sparkler. I think she's planning on it, but we have to wait until dark to get good pictures.


On this 4th of July I want you to know that I appreciate you dad. Even today you are away serving with your squadron overseas. Please be safe and know that we are proud of you!! Thanks for serving our country, for serving God and for serving our family. I salute you, Dad!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to grow up in this great land we call the United States of America!!!!!

Happy Independence Day Dad. I love you as big as all those fireworks I'm gonna see tonight!!! Well, "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder......." Mom says that's your Air Force song!!! I like it!!

Lovebug Hugs,
Your Son, Connor

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautifully put! Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Randy, and to all the men and women who fight for our freedom! Lori, our prayers are with you and Connor today, as well. Have a wonderful day. Happy July 4th to all of you.

Joy Caldwell (Friend of Heather's, here in Skagit County)

Anonymous said...

Your so wonderful Lori, your an excellent wife and mom. Happy 4th of July!!! And you little bug this is your first 4th of July, HAPPY 4th!!! We hope it will be filled with fun and love and lots of fireworks in the sky for you to be amazed at!!! Love and Hugs Keith, Sheila, Monica, Chandler and big bug Sky

Anonymous said...

Randy
Happy 4th of July!!! Thank You for all you to keep this country safe, Thank You for the sacrifices you give up to do that.
You are in our thoughts and in our prayers! Keith, Sheila, Monica, Chandler and Skylar

Emery Six said...

Amen, Connor. Amen. Thanks Randy for everything you do for our country!

Anonymous said...

To the three of you,
Happy 4th of July, it is a great day for those of us who are Americans by choice and not birth.
Our thanks to all of you, Randy, Lori and Lil Bug for what you do for our freedom.
Love and Prayers to you all,
Mo's Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

Randy, Lori and Connor,

Happy 4th of July to the three of you. Randy, please know that we appreciate what you do for our country. All our love, Gary, Lynette, Zachary, Lucas and Savannah Maulin

Anonymous said...

Lori,

The pictures you put on the computer are absolutely adorable. Connor looks like he is really gaining weight since the last time I saw him. Hope to visit you this week.

p.s. Lucas did get your birthday message.

Lynette

Anonymous said...

Connor,

Happy 1st Fourth of July!!!

Connor, I bet your mommy has you all dressed up in your Red,White & Blue clothes today. And I know your looking soooo handsome.WE LOVE YOU!!!

Love from the Scevers

Anonymous said...

Lori,

Happy 4th of July, Thank you for sharing the letter to Randy from Connor, it brought tears my eyes. You are and wonderful Wife and Mother, Randy is blessed, and Connor is equally blessed. I was sharing with a friend last night of Connor journey. Another prayer partner! Enjoy you day!!!

Love from the Scevers

Anonymous said...

Lori,

Happy 4th of July, Thank you for sharing the letter to Randy from Connor, it brought tears my eyes. You are and wonderful Wife and Mother, Randy is blessed, and Connor is equally blessed. I was sharing with a friend last night of Connor journey. Another prayer partner! Enjoy you day!!!

Love from the Scevers

Anonymous said...

Lori,

Happy 4th of July!

Wow, What a beautiful letter of admiration & love from Connor! Thanks for sharing. It not only brought tears to my eye's I actually had leaky faucets!!!

Connor, You are touching so many, THank YOu!!! I love you & hope you have a memorable 4th of July. We are all blessed to have you in our lives.

Randy, You are so blessed with a wonderful wife & son. So glad you might make it home to be with them today/tonite?!! Come home safely & THANK YOU for sacrifing for our Freedom & Country. We are so fortunate to have great servicemen willing to serve us. God bless YOU!

Love & Prayers, Teresa

Anonymous said...

Randy,

Thank-you for serving our Country.

God be with you as you fly.Thank-you for protecting us and keeping our Country safe. You are a true blessing to all of us.

Happy 4th of July
Love from the Scevers

Anonymous said...

Lori,
Thanks for sharing this precious letter. Once again, you & your little family are touching our lives. Happy 4th! So glad you are home to enjoy it and we are praying for a safe trip home for Randy! Enjoy your day with family and you beautiful son!
Love,
Sue & family

Anonymous said...

Connor,

Have a happy 4th of July. I'm coming to see you soon. Connor and Lori and Randy I love you very much.

LOVE carly

Anonymous said...

Hi Baby Connor.

Happy 1st 4th of July. Maybe next year you can come up to my house and we can go to Blaine and watch the fireworks together. That would be fun!!! maybe our mom's would take us to Old Navy and get matching shirts that have flags on them, and we can have fun with those sparklers. Give your Mom & Dad a big hug from me.I Love You!!!

Love Haley

p.s. I pray for you every night.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely letter and wonderful tribute to all of the men and women who serve and have given their lives for our freedom.

God bless you Randy, Lori, and little bug and may all of your prayers be answered and your dreams come true for your little Connor.

Michelle said...

What a beautiful, touching letter this was! I could relate to a lot of what you wrote about too. My dad retired from the AF, as did my grandfather, and my father-in-law. My husband will too in a few (6!) more years. I also did a military-themed post today as well. Thanks for your service Randy. Happy 4th to you all!

Anonymous said...

DEAR CONNOR
HAPPY FIRST 4TH OF JULY!!!
I MISS YOU AND HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON I LOVE YOU TO THE mOON AND BACK 100 MILLION TIMES!!
LOVE COUSIN ERICA!!!

Anonymous said...

Connor,

Happy 4th of July! We want to come visit you soon. You must be getting bigger now. Love, Cousin Chloe!

Anonymous said...

Happy First 4th of July Little Bug!! I loved the letter to your Daddy! You are such an inspiration to all of us. God Bless America!!

Anonymous said...

Lori & Randy,

I miss you so so so much! I am doing swimming lessons & I jumped off the diving board in 10 feet. I love you.

To my cousin Connor,

You are very sweet & I love you very very very very very (she kept saying very but that's enough!) much. Love , Cousin Emma

Anonymous said...

To my little Buddy,

I like your pictures but I want to see you in person (poowson!). Your the best little buddy in the whole wide world!

I jumped off the diving board today in swimming lessons!

Love, Big buddy Jake (P.S. Jake said this himself!)

I want to play with you!

Anonymous said...

Grandpa & Grandma R.
Dear LilBug:
Happy 4th of July. Your First. What a great tribute you sent to your Daddy. (Shed a few tears while reading it). We are also so Thankful for all the servicemen , including your Daddy, serving our Country, so we can enjoy the freedom we have. Your Daddy & Mama are teaching you, while you are so young, about being patriotic. Way to go, Connor. Maybe next year you can come to Ferndale so we all can do fireworks in our front yard.
You are Blessed to have a Daddy & Mama who Love you so very much, as we ALL do.
May Jesus shine in your life and bring healing to your body. You are Jesus Little "LAMB" and He holds you close tohis heart.
Love & kisses XOXOXOXO
Grandpa & Grandma R
Hope to see you soon. Maybe Thursday when Marsha picks up Erica.

Anonymous said...

Grandpa & Grandma R.
Dear LilBug:
Happy 4th of July. Your First. What a great tribute you sent to your Daddy. (Shed a few tears while reading it). We are also so Thankful for all the servicemen , including your Daddy, serving our Country, so we can enjoy the freedom we have. Your Daddy & Mama are teaching you, while you are so young, about being patriotic. Way to go, Connor. Maybe next year you can come to Ferndale so we all can do fireworks in our front yard.
You are Blessed to have a Daddy & Mama who Love you so very much, as we ALL do.
May Jesus shine in your life and bring healing to your body. You are Jesus Little "LAMB" and He holds you close tohis heart.
Love & kisses XOXOXOXO
Grandpa & Grandma R
Hope to see you soon. Maybe Thursday when Marsha picks up Erica.

Anonymous said...

Randy, Lori, and Little Bug,

So beautiful....I'm sitting at my computer crying AGAIN. I want you to know Lori that I read that post to my own children and it really hit home to them why we celebrate the 4th of July. Fireworks and barbecues are fun, but it's because of families like yours that we get to clebrate! Thank you!!!

Thank you Randy for everything you do!

P.S. Connor, I loved all of your pictures......you sure are one handsome Little Bug.....

Anonymous said...

This is the third time I've tried to post a message today and it doesn't seem to stick so I hope you don't get it 3 times. I haven't been able to pull up the internet on my computer for several weeks now but a friend at work has been pulling the blog up for me and I get the updates at church, so we've been keeping up on the situation with Connor. We are so thrilled that he is back home and he looks great. You can see he's gaining weight. Yeah!!!
We all keep praying for continued progress with little bug. Being retired A.F. ourselves, we appreciated your July 4th message. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Randy, for your sevice and thank you, Lori, for your sacrifice of sharing Randy with our nation when duty calls. Sometimes it is hard to carry the load while our guys are seving and especially with the added load you've had to carry. Thankfully, Randy doesn't have to be gone for long periods (though I'm sure it seems very long to you) We have our house all decorated in Red, white and blue also with flags all over. (You can take the service people out of the military but you can't take the military out of them. That patriotic blood still courses through our veins.) All of you remain in our prayer. Love, Jo Ann & Rip

Anonymous said...

Hi Connor,
You don't know me, but I sure have learned alot about you! You are a beautiful little bugaboo!!! Lori, I feel as if I have already met your little one, by all the pictures and then actually hearing his voice on my computer, OH MY GOSh, I just wanted to cry. He is so beautiful, no wonder your so in love, what a precious gift from God!! I too thank Randy for his Mighty service!! GOd Bless you Randy and your wonderful family. THank you for all you do to keep us safe and secure, I truly appreciate you. GOd Bless, Darina Reynolds

Robin said...

Hi Connor- We enjoyed your pictures. You look so handosme in your 4th of July ensemble. Glad to see you are home. Are you loving your Papasan swing? I love mine! Funny story...I was taking my mroning nap yesterday when the batteries died. I woke up very upset & boy did I let Mama know it! You should have seen her running around the house looking for batteries. It was too funny. Note: Rechargable batteries are great but they fizzle out quicker. Thank goodness Mommy had some of the regular kind. She is getting a 2nd set of rechargables tomorrow. hee hee. Bet my naps won't get interrupted again. Give your Mommy a heads up. And hey, we'll have plenty of time to learn lots of things together. You just focus on getting big & strong and soak up all the love around you. You'll learn things in your own good time (just like all babies). Mommy keeps saying something about in a box or thinking "outside the box". Well, see you at our star.
Love bug hugs!