The Best Two Weeks

Spending the weekdays from my cell phone and facebook has caused me to conclude that I need to update my blog every week to keep all of you updated about my adventures at Oakcrest!!! So for those who are recently tuning into my life, I am officially a counselor at Oakcrest girl's camp. We are assigned a dozen girls or so per week to do activities with and teach the gospel to.

Last week was pre-camp week, which was spent with just the staff. Can you say BEST week of my life!? It was definitely hard and tiring in a lot of ways. But overall, I couldn't have asked for a better week. I love each staff member so deeply. They are the most thoughtful, caring, hilarious, and flat-out ridiculous group of women I have ever, and will ever meet. The week was spent training, training, and more never-ending training. With information about everything you could imagine being crammed down our throats, you can imagine we were a little exhausted and worried about the weeks to come. There were definitely tears, some of laughter, some of concern and frustration. There is far too much to tell you in paragraph form, so as usual here is a list of what the week was like:

• Waking up to Disney music being blasted over the intercom at 7 am
• Side-pony tail Tuesdays
• Snow outside on the first morning
• A dead mouse in the cabin
• Ticks. Everywhere.
• The most intense ash fight the world has ever seen
• Evidence of bears and moose in camp
• A neighbors dog miraculously saving us from some wild creature
• Singing, singing, more singing, and more never-ending singing
• Spontaneous dance parties
• Costume parade
• Cake fight-so epic!
• Cinnamon Roll hug
• Seeing everyone, including myself, struggle with Oak-Approp language and getting creative with alternatives
• First time shooting a bow and arrow
• Zipline and obstacle course training
• Spotting a moose on the hike
• Almost hitting the moose in the car on our way back to Salt Lake
• Fire extinguisher training-Oh yeeeeah!
• Feeling ridiculous on trek-where you're blind folded and have to wander up a trail while holding onto a rope
• Skit night-"The construction worker's view on Oakcrest"- by Jazzer and Guhnat
• A wonderful testimony meeting
• Friends and Family day-One of the best days ever!!
• Coming to truly love and understand our theme song, "Stand with the Savior"
• Realizing I have the BEST job in the whole entire world
• The tips for what to do if a bear comes: Cover your neck, so if it attacks you, it won't get your Jugular vein. Pray, and repent!!!
• Rain, rain, and more rain
• Spending free time with Buttercup, sharing stories about our lives. I love her!
• Spiders, crickets, mice, ticks, and any other bug that's creepy and crawly
• Meeting the previous Oakcrest staff and receiving letters with advice from them

During Pre-Camp week I was terrified, let's be honest. I was burdened by the expectations set for me and the responsibilities I was asked to carry throughout the summer. But through many wonderful lessons by the directorship, I learned that I was guided to Oakcrest for a very divine and sacred purpose. I now know for myself that I am at Oakcrest for a reason. A reason I don't fully understand yet, but that is there regardless. I learned that the gospel is one of Godly love. I have never felt so accepted and appreciated in my life! I love each staff member with all of my heart and they truly have become my very best friends. I look forward to each day I get to spend with them. 

Now, onto my actual first week of camp!!! We started on our way Sunday night. Unfortunately we had some vehicle problems and broke down for an hour or so until we could get another car to us. We finally made it to camp and received our cards with the information about our girls for the next week. Reality settled in fast. Much faster than expected!! It felt like opening a mission call, twelve times! Monday morning finally rolled around and I was SO incredibly nervous. We waiting in Aspen Grove. Soon enough, the amphitheatre was filled with 400 beautiful girls who I felt such love and compassion for.

The first couple of days were rough. Well, they were all rough. But the first day was especially hard. We had been so used to being around each other in all our craziness, that I forgot how oddly the outside world would respond. The first part of the week was spent rather uncomfortably. They stared. A lot!!! Everything we did was responded to with  a blank stare of shock and confusion. Within a few days, they finally warmed up and joined us in our weirdness and strange Oakcrest ways.

Most of the lessons I had to teach (Scripture study, Unit Prayer, Solo time, FHE) were on the spot, since preparation time is very minimal. One of the joys of Oakcrest-you KNOW you are doing Heavenly Father's work and therefore He is of great assistance in filling your heart with what to teach. Despite the fact that every time we sang, the girl's would pick a song they didn't know and I was forced to sing a solo in front of them, the lessons went surprisingly well. So once again, there are WAY too many things about this week to write about. So enjoy another list :)

• Standing on a table, dancing to High School Musical in front of 400 girls
• Learning just how often 13 year-olds have to go to the bathroom. Its A LOT!!!
• Praying, praying, and more praying. I couldn't get enough of it!
• Dance party and karaoke!!
• Being called every 10 minutes to come kill a spider or cricket
• Many late night/early morning knocks on the door from girls who had to go to the bathroom
• Continuous questions about what time it was, what we were doing next, and when dinner was
• Scattering Sunshine :) and answering prayers in the process
• Learning to love each and every girl there
• Promptings by the Spirit to teach different lessons than what was planned, and completely winging it
• Many wonderful and sweet notes from the girls on my birthday
• Having 400 girls sing happy birthday to me!
• Being presented "The Scribbles Rock" from Pippin and her girls
• Birthday cake!!!
• Staff Serenade- where we carry around torches and sing to the girls
• Cherie Call concert!
• Foam slide in the pouring rain
• Watching 24 girls be blind-folded and try to walk up a trail-such a touching experience, but completely hilarious at times
• Many homesick girls with faked illnesses
• Typical teenage drama made easier through prayer
• Learning what it really means to trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
• Missing the Oakcrest staff more than I ever dreamed I would!
• Tucking in my girls and reading them bedtime stories
• Dreams about Oakley talking to a cougar....
• Being late. To everything.
• A very humbling testimony meeting
• The most hilarious skits I could have ever seen
• Watching Poppy's and Uncle Jolly's reactions to the skits. Completely opposite, and so entertaining

This last week was honestly one of the hardest things I've ever done. With minimal free time, I was running around like crazy, listening to girls whine, forgetting things, having to go to the bathroom, and wanting to do something other than what we were doing. I had several homesick girls or girls who didnt fit in. But all of these problems were made easier through the help of prayer. I cant count how many prayers I said this week, but I know that every single one of them was answered. I felt God's arms wrap around me and comfort me on a daily basis. This week was hard. But worth it in more ways than I can count. Despite their teenage ways, I love each and every one of those girls so wholly and completely. They have touched me in ways I never dreamed they would.  

Before I close, I want to share my favorite Oakcrest miracle of the week. I had prepared a lesson for the unit prayer and was ready to teach it. Right before my free time was up, I felt like I shouldnt teach what I had prepared. I quickly flipped through some books to find something to teach. I briefly prepared a lesson on Heavenly Father's love and understanding our potential. Throughout the day I kept seeing reasons why I should teach the first lesson, which was on gratitude. I kept changing my mind the entire day. After many prayers asking which lesson to teach, I concluded to teach the second one. As soon as I started the lesson, I was overwhelmed with the reassurance that it was indeed what I needed to teach. I don't even remember what I said, but I could feel the Spirit so strongly. That night, as I tucked the girls into bed, one of them told me, "Scribbles, the lesson you taught today was for me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you". Although camp is hard, it's those little miracles like this one that happen every single day that make it all worth it! I have come to feel what pure joy comes from teaching the gospel. I love Oakcrest from the bottom of my heart and cannot wait to spend my entire summer there :) I know that it is Heavenly Father's camp and is exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

Small Town Lovin'

For as long as I can remember, I have had this internal conflict as to whether or not I was really a small-town, country lover or a city girl. I grew up with a family that hated country music and found most of Sevier County to be quite ridiculous, despite our love for small towns and being outdoors. I found myself convinced that I would love to live in the city, considering how much I adored visiting. Once I moved to college, I was surrounded by folks from the city; some who loved living in the small town of Ephraim, others who despised it. It took me a little time being around both to come to my conclusion. Although I still hate country music and going to the rodeo isn't on my list of top 10 favorite things to do (or 50, or possibly even 100), I can't deny who I truly am. Yup, I'm a country girl!

As I've lived at home for the past several weeks and prepared myself to move to the city for the summer and school next year, I couldn't help but realize all the reasons why I ADORE the Sevier Valley. And so, I'm here to share those reasons with you! I can't venture from my ridiculous list obsession, so here is a list of reasons why I LOVE my home town.

• Being surrounded by open fields
• The smell of alfalfa, wet dirt, freshly cut grass, and sagebrush
• Listening to tractors cutting the hay on a summer night
• Going down the canal
• Watching thunderstorms from the front porch
• Being able to see the entire night sky from your back step
• Living on a dirt road
• Waving to everyone, even when you don't know them
• Seeing cars left running in the Wal Mart parking lot
• Cow parades :)
• Going running next to the canal
• Late night walks by yourself without worrying about anything
• ALWAYS seeing someone you know at the grocery store
• The cute old ladies at church who tell you how beautiful and grown up you are
• Seeing yards that look like a constant yard sale and mechanic service station
• Cows. Period. (They smell MUCH better than turkeys...)
• Waking up to birds churping outside your window
• Not having to drive anywhere to go star gazing
• Fires and picnics up the canyon
• Four-wheeling :) 
• Riding in the back of the truck
• Knowing everyone at your high school (and their parents, siblings, and where they live)
• Constantly being surrounded by people who truly know you and who will ALWAYS care about you
• Getting stuck behind the two old men who are stopped in the middle of the road, yelling into the other's window
• Bike rides around town
• Seeing all the baby animals in the spring-time!
• Being able to wear a t-shirt and jeans every day and not caring about wearing the latest fashions
• The view of the valley from Jo-Town hill
• Holiday celebrations (especially the 4th and 24th of July)
• Parades filled with trucks, four wheelers, llamas, and old cars
• Having tractors, 4 wheelers, and rhinos be acceptable modes of transportation
• Not having sidewalks or street lights
• The sights and sounds of sprinklers in the fields
• Having deer in your back yard
• The county fair
• The fact that bunny-bashing is an acceptable activity for a date
• Having the rodeo and demolition derby be the biggest events of the year
• Riding in the truck with the windows down and baseball cap on
• The old men who ride around on their four wheelers doing everything they can for the town, because they just can't stand to sit around
• Having Wal Mart be the ultimate hang out location (and BEST white-trash spotting location)
• Yummy water!
• Always feeling safe
• Going to the carnival and seeing everyone you know there
• The most entertaining single's ward!
• Being able to walk outside in ridiculous clothes, because you know no one will see you
• You know where all the cops hang out and which places you can/cannot speed
• How everything is desolate on Sundays
• Getting stuck behind sheep, tractors, or old folks out for their Sunday drive
• Knowing which town someone is from by their last name
• Hearing cars referred to as "outfits" and other hick phrases

Sure, there are some things about small towns that I'm not so fond of. I still love to visit the city and look forward to living there very soon! But I have a love for this place deep in my heart that has remained despite my years of denial. Small towns certainly aren't for everyone, but they're definitely for me! Sevier County, this one's for you :) 

Shout Out to Snow College

Saturday I graduated Snow with my Associates of Science degree. Do I feel old? Yes! Although academic learning was a huge part of my two years at Snow College (I LOVE to learn), the most important things that came from those two years had nothing to do with school. There were so many wonderful things that came from Snow and I can't even begin to express them. But I'm going to give it a try!
-Snow helped me accept the small-town girl inside me that I always rejected. I learned to love mountains, sheep, fields, farmers, stars, fires, quiet, dirt roads, and creative entertainment because I was surrounded by people who a) grew up in small towns and appreciated that or b) grew up in the city and loved the things Sanpete brought into their lives.
-You DON'T have to go to a university to get a good education. I feel very well prepared to attend BYU. I had professors who I knew I could talk to about anything and they would genuinely care and listen. Not only that, but they provided opportunities I couldn't have experienced in a larger class. I loved that they got to know me personally and did everything they could to ensure my success.
-I learned to love people I never expected to. The boys downstairs helped me realize how judgemental I have been my entire life, and uptight. I have learned to accept differences in others, and then learn to love them for those differences. Friendships come where you least expect them, you just have to be open to them.
-Snow provided an environment where I was CONSTANTLY surrounded by incredible people. Everyone is so friendly and loving, even though they have no idea who you are. As Tucker said in his graduation speech, we're all here doing the same thing and therefore we do our best to lift each other up. Snow isn't a place to step on others to push yourself up, its a place where everyone is constantly trying to help each other. I feel like everyone there was constantly trying to better themselves, and bettered other people in the process. I felt the Spirit so strongly every day.
-I learned to listen to the promptings of the Spirit. I felt there were many times that I was guided to help someone or be in a certain place at a specific time in order to be an instrument in the Lord's hand. Not only that, but I learned to rely on the comfort of the  Holy Ghost more than the comfort of man. When I had a hard time, I knew that praying was what I needed to do first.
-I learned that although it is hard to be away from home and your family, there is such thing as having a second family. My roommates were the most wonderful girls in the whole world and I wouldn't trade any one of them for the world. They loved me wholly and completely, ALWAYS listened, greeted me with a smile and a hug, and were constantly doing everything they could to be a better person. I learned that you can never fully understand someone until you love them, and then you start realize who they really are. They helped me accept myself and realize my potential. I will never forget the lessons they taught me in every day life.


There are SO many more things that I could list, but those are the main points. Saying goodbye to Snow College and my friends was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But as I sat in graduation next to Sarah, I realized that Heavenly Father brought me to Snow for a very divine and inspired reason. We were able to learn and grow together and learn the lessons that were in store for us. Yes, I did cry the whole week and the entire way home. I still feel a huge emptiness inside me, like part of my heart is still in Ephraim. Nothing will ever be able to replace the things Snow brought into my life. But in the mean time, I plan to take those lessons and help others learn them as well. I'm sad to leave my very best friends behind, they mean the whole world to me. But I wouldn't be as sad if they hadn't meant so much to me.


It's a hard chapter to close, and right now I don't even know what to do with myself or how to feel. But I'm ready to start the next chapter. BYU will be a huge difference but I can't wait for the adventures ahead of me. Oakcrest this summer is going to be INCREDIBLE and I'm excited to see the plans Heavenly Father has in store for me. Thanks to all who made Snow College the best two years I could ever ask for. You have left hand prints on my heart that will never be replaced by anyone or anything.

The Day I Swore I'd Never Live

Who was I kidding, thinking I could sneak through two years at Snow College and never step foot at Western Swing!? From the day I stepped foot in Ephraim, I have heard every reason imaginable as to why I should go to Western Swing. I had many reasons for not going, none of which seemed to satisfy anyone. Working until 10:30, hating country music, not knowing the dances, being sick, tired, and hungry; none of them seemed to suffice. My roommates last year gave up quickly. My roommates this year? Not so much. Week after week, day after day, I have listened to bribes and nagging, begging and pleading. I got to where I loved Wednesday simply because I could come home and spend the evening alone, relaxing after 5 and a half hours of work. No matter how much I told Calliane, Steph, Sarah, Erica, and Jamie  I would NOT go to Western Swing, they continued to pout. 


Last night, an interesting situation came about. Stephanie had made oatmeal-raisin cookies and we were all enjoying them, with the exception of Calliane. She happens to hate raisins. No matter how many times we told her you couldn't taste the raisins, she refused to eat them. Finally, Steph decided to charge at her, sit on her, and attempt to shove cookies down her throat. When that failed, everyone just started yelling at her, telling her to eat the cookie. Suddenly, I had a brilliant idea!  (One that I obviously didn't think through very far). I told Calli that if she ate a cookie, I would go to Western Swing. After begging me to let her choose the cookie, she finally accepting the one I had selected. After staring at it for 20 minutes she finally ate it!!! TWENTY MINUTES! Sure enough, she couldn't even taste the raisins. And that's when my fate was decided. I was going to go to Western Swing and there was no way around it.


After dreading it all day, I finally came home from work, put on my plaid shirt, and left to enjoy the last 40 minutes of Western Swing. Despite my desire to hide in the corner and people-watch, I actually danced quite a few songs (with some kind gentlemen who were patient enough to endure my poor following). So what's the verdict? Well, even though I felt like my arms were going to get ripped out a time or two and feeling rather nauseous from all the spinning, I actually didn't mind it! It was, indeed, exactly as I expected. But despite the twang in the music and being surrounded by wranglers and cowboy boots, I survived. I dare say I even enjoyed myself! I would have enjoyed myself more if I had any idea as to what I was doing! If I actually knew the dances, I almost think I would go to Western Swing. So, I can now say I have lived the Snow College life to it's fullest! Have I accepted my inner small-town girl? Yes! Will I ever love country music? Definitely not. Tolerate it? Its debatable :) 

The Power of One

Well, I suppose this could be considered my first venting post (without a list!). I've been thinking so much today about the influence we each have on each other, no matter how ignorant we are of that. So many people claim that they "don't care what others think about them". It doesn't take much logic to realize that is quite impossible. Though it may not be first and foremost in our minds, there is no doubt that the opinions of others rule our lives. I, too, have always thought of myself as one of those people that does things because I want to. I've been very wrong.


My first example: When I was in 6th grade, we were forced to have planners where we wrote down our daily activities as well as short and long-term goals. This was when I decided I was going to attend BYU. Since I was twelve years old, there has been nothing I've wanted more than to go to BYU, and I have worked diligently since then to achieve that goal. After many sleepless nights of self-doubt and confusion, I was accepted to BYU-Provo!!! From the moment I read my acceptance letter, everything felt perfect-just as I had always dreamed. So many people have been so encouraging and congratulating, for whom I am incredibly grateful! Others, however, have been less than accepting. In fact, some of my closest friends expressed outright disappointment, disgust, and even anger towards my decision in attending BYU. As I listened about the stereotypes they had and the demeaning predictions of my future, I quickly questioned whether this was the decision I truly wanted to make. Despite my years of preparation and spiritual confirmation, I doubted myself and my choices. All because a few people had other goals for their lives, and apparently mine as well.


Example number two: Today as I looked for a missionary letter in my never-ending box of notes, I completely distracted myself with pictures and letters from many years past. There is not doubt that high school wasn't the most ideal experience. Each person represented a part of my life I couldn't live without-a support system that has shaped who I am today. Each note and picture brought back the reassurance that there are people around the world who love me and truly desire for my success and happiness. I picked up a note from my dearest Portia Suzanne. Each line was filled was such light and optimism, reassurance and support. Letter after letter, I felt more strength and power to face reality. She is, no doubt, a prime example how one person can change your life. She very well knew of my imperfections and shortcomings, yet she chose to focus on the positive. Most importantly, she expressed those feelings of love and concern.


As I've prepared myself to work at Oakcrest Girl's Camp this summer, I've reflected on the feelings I had as a 12 year old girl, so lost and unsure about life. The more I think about the trials of young women in this day and age, my heart breaks to think of the pressures of the world that are so heavily pressed upon them. I've recently been on a women's empowerment spree, I guess you could say. Each day passes with the realization of how little the world commends women for their magnificent service and character. More than anything I'm saddened to see all the girl's out there whose potential is inhibited by lack of understanding about their divine potential and beauty. My mind is stuck on thoughts of girls who throw themselves at guys, simply because society tells them that's how they should act. Even the simplest amount of self-confidence and outside reassurance would allow them to demand the respect they deserve. 


Over the past month, I've been questioning whether or not I've had the influence on others that I've always dreamed of having. Every human is so packed full of potential that only God can understand its capability.  As I listened to General Conference, I couldn't help but realize how little I've helped others in comparison to the ability I have to help them. Oh, how rarely we act upon those small feelings we have to lift up another! I suppose my purpose in writing this post is to provoke thoughts in all of you that I've had myself. Furthermore, I encourage everyone to more thoroughly analyse the impact of the words they say, both good and bad. Every vocalization influences someone in some way or another. Are we bringing about the change in others that we really want to see, or are we carried away with careless words that we don't think about? 


We each have the ability to literally change lives. Are we fully taking advantage of that capability? Are we telling others those little thoughts we have about them-of their influence on us and example to us? I guess you can consider this a call for all of you to join me in vocalizing our love and appreciation for all those in our lives who have influenced us and continue to help us as we face our daily challenges. Such simple reassurance can pick someone up and help them see their capability to make a difference in everyday lives. 


To my family: You have been the greatest source of light in my life. There is absolutely no doubt that I am the person I am today because of you. You have loved me regardless of my mistakes and have encouraged me to do what I love and to be myself. Thank you for your forgiveness, acceptance, and patience with me every day of my life. 


To my roommates (including last year): Never before have I felt so comfortable being myself. You have encouraged me to try my hardest and loved me, even when I've fallen short. I appreciate the great examples you are to me. I couldn't have been placed with more uplifting girls! Thank you for your support in all I do. I doesn't go unnoticed.


To the boys downstairs: You have taught me more about myself than I think I ever wanted to know. More than anything, you have shown me the power that comes from friendship. I never thought I could love a group of people so much! You have taught me a lot of humility and understanding of how other's think. You help me realize the areas I need to work on and what I can do to be a better person. Thank you for all the fun times and crazy adventures.


To all my friends from high school: You have directly shaped my life in every way possible. I can't even comprehend how blessed I have been to have such wonderful people in my life. I will never forget how much each of you have impacted me and the person I am. I am so grateful that I was able to grow up in an area with people who have the same values and priorities as I do. You have helped me learn what truly matters in life and how I can achieve that. Thank you for your never-ending love and continual concern for my well-being. 


I know this was super long but I just couldn't keep it in anymore! As always, thanks for reading :) Comments are always welcome

Letter to the Editor

Last semester I had to write a letter to the editor for my English 2010 class. I chose to write it on military support. I posted a link to it on facebook, but since my last post I've had several requests to put the letter on here as well. Here's a link, as well as a copy of what it said. Enjoy!

http://richfieldreaper.com/articles/2010/10/04/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/05.txt

It has now officially been three months since my older brother returned from Afghanistan where he served a yearlong deployment with the United States Marine Corps.

After having my own flesh and blood serve two honorable deployments, freedom means more to me than I ever imagined it could. Unfortunately, my brother's company lost two fine young men in the service of our country. I find it nearly impossible to hold back the tears during every national anthem, every parade, and every flag ceremony.

I recently attended a football game in which a beautiful arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed. My mind whirling with emotions, I reflected on the last year. What it was like to pray each night that somehow my brother would be spared.

I found myself reproducing images of those two humbling funerals, where miles of sidewalks were lined with Boy Scouts holding flags, two mothers grasping a flag that had been laid over their sons' caskets, and seven Marines firing their weapons in their honor followed by taps. Tears flowing down my face, I looked around at the crowd to find a sight that made my stomach turn and my knees shake.

I looked behind me to find a man talking on his cell phone, completely oblivious to what was around him. A girl to the right of me was texting. A young man stood in front of me who was looking in the complete opposite direction, his hand now sunk to his stomach from lack of attention.

A sight like this was heartbreaking. After seeing what others have sacrificed for us, I have concluded that this country really doesn't ask much of us. We have been blessed to have beautiful homes, places to worship whatever religion we please, and opportunities beyond that of any other nation. Is putting one's hand over their heart, looking at a flag, and reflecting on our freedom so much to ask for? Are we completely ignorant of the thousands who are fighting for us this very second?

Next time you see the American flag or hear the Pledge of Allegiance, I hope you reflect on these thoughts. Your very own neighbors are lying awake at night with the thought of their loved ones not returning. I know my brother's sacrifice was not in vain, but I hope that somewhere out there people are willing to display their gratitude.

Rebecca Chesley

Central Valley

In Loving Memory...



Lcpl. Carlos Aragon

Lcpl. Nigel Olsen





On March 1, 2010 Lcpl. Carlos Aragon of the United States Marine Corps was killed in combat serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Three days later, Lcpl. Nigel Olsen also gave his life for this country. These two Marines served with my brother during their deployment to Afghanistan. As today marks one year since their deaths, my heart is heavy with thoughts of their great sacrifice and courage. Attending the funerals of these two heroes was a life-altering and most humbling experience for myself and all who were in attendence. Throughout the day, my mind has been clouded with memories of last year and the great trials that come with not only having a family members deployed, but also witnessing the emotions that come with losing a loved one in such a respect.


To these two young men, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will forever remember the lessons I learned from you and the sacrifices you have made. To their families, the Marines, all of our armed forces, and their families. Thank you. Your service doesn't go unnoticed.


And to my beloved brother: you are my hero. I love you forever and always. Not a day goes by where I don't think of how grateful I am to still have you in my life and to have you home. Thank you for your service, I look up to you more than words will ever be able to express.



Here are a few of the things that have been on my mind today:

• Taking family pictures, wondering if it would be the last.
• Having Thanksgiving dinner two months early, pretending it would some how make up for the one to come.
• Jake saying "I love you, Bec. I'll see you soon ok? Don't worry."
• The day he left for Afghanistan. I cried every day for a week.
• Running away to the temple to pray that somehow things would be okay.
• Break downs triggered by words as simple as "America" or "Freedom"
• Watching military support videos to find some source of knowing someone understood.
• Being offended when people didn't include the military into every prayer.
• Having no patience for any kind of complaining knowing he was without a shower, safety, or sleep.
• Feeling so grateful that my roommates would include them in their prayers every night.
• The frustration of feeling that everyone was so ungrateful.
• My heart skipping a beat every time I saw he was on facebook.
• Talking to him on Christmas day, knowing he was miserable.
• Praying every single night that somehow he would just be spared.
• Watching "Taking Chance" and losing composure within the first five minutes.
• Attending two funerals of Marines only 2 years older than me.
• Driving to a church surrounded by The Patriot Guard and with hundred of flags.
• Stopping half a block away from the church, sobbing, and praying I would somehow survive the next few hours.
• Receiving hugs from the family members of these two great heroes as we solemnly passed by their caskets.
• Seeing miles and miles lined with Boy Scouts holding flags and saluting.
• Watching the 21 gun salute and hearing Taps, gaining a whole new insight on the rituals.
• Being enclosed in a circle formed by The Patriot Guard with a hundred other people who were now beginning to understand the real definition of "Hero".
• Watching two mothers receive the flags that had been draped over their son's graves.
• Realizing at this funeral that my family could have the same experience at any given moment.
• Associating with Marines who were home on injury leave that knew my brother.
• Gaining whole knew insights to the songs "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" and "Abide With Me;Tis Eventide".
• Not being able to even look at the Marines at the funeral without sobbing out of jealousy that they were home.
• Watching Marine homecoming videos two months before he came home.
• Going to the base to make signs for their homecoming with other Marine wives, mothers, and sisters.
• Watching him get off that bus, with the most complete feeling of peace and relief that one could ever experience.

Although going through two deployments has definitely opened my eyes to the world of patriotism and gratitude for our country, these experiences are not required to feel that gratitude. I hope that not an opportunity passes for you to thank our military, pay tribute to our flag, or thank Heavenly Father for our freedom and great land.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

-John Stuart Mill

Also, here is a link to the video that was put together for these two Marines: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-2sTYNSwDM