Band of Brothers Image here

This afternoon we'll be spending time with Drosoula and her family. The boys are so excited to play with her children and I look forward to the wonderful chats that she and I always have. However you spend your holiday remember to say a prayer for the brave men and women who, while we take pleasure in our picnics with all the fixin's, are defending our freedoms.

Tonight we'll read the Akathist to Panagia Elevtherotria, the patron saint of war and childbirth (strange combination huh?). I was first introduced to this Panagia when I became pregnant with Lucky. The sisters at the monastery gave me an icon of her and a book containing the Akathists for safe childbearing and peace in times of war.

Growing up, there was a serviceman from almost every family on the block; American flags lined the streets, flying proud off every front porch on the street. We had several veterans and active servicemen in our family as well so I grew up with a great sense of patriotism.

During Desert Storm our sixth grade teacher asked for volunteers to write to some of the men and women overseas. I immediately signed up and began writing letters to my pen pal, Petty Officer Bill Balante. I remember praying for his safe return every night. Bill was so kind and in thanks for my letters would send me cool stuff like stickers of the F-14 fighter jets he flew, t-shirts, and coins from different lands. One evening while I was sitting on the couch reading the telephone rang. Imagine my surprise to hear his voice on the other line! He told me he was home on leave and wanted to visit my family! I was so excited! I begged him to come to school the following Friday for "Special Persons Day" which was a pretty big deal for a sixth grader. :) He agreed. It was a very memorable day in my life. I was interviewed by several local news stations and papers. It was pretty neat. I still talk with Bill periodically and he and his family are still in my prayers.

Here's one of the news clippings:

Yea that's a shoelace hair barret in my hair and I'm wearing a bubble necklace. I thought I looked pretty cool, lol. I had to dress up for the occasion after all. :)

I have a project to help out some of the brave soldiers overseas that I will be announcing soon! I am very excited about it-check back for details!

hint: It involves cookies! :)