Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Sometimes, It's True!

If you're anything like us, you get lots of junk email from friends that have cute sayings, stuff attributed to one star/celebrity or another, something telling you to write your representatives/politicians, something about global warming, and fun pictures that make you smile.

You can always tell when someone is new to the internet, because all the old stuff comes floating through, and you spend the next little while pretty much deleting what this person is sending until they get caught up with the times. We had this with my mother-in-law when she started getting onto the internet and reading emails.

Lately, I've begun to look at everything with suspicion. I've learned that alot of what comes through as fact, isn't. And so, I've gotten very familiar with looking up urban legends and hoaxes. My sister-in-law routinely sends us stuff that I have to check on and is generally off base. I usually send them back to her and tell her to check it out on Snopes.com. There used to be a better site, but I can't seem to find it anymore. I take Snopes with a grain of salt too, because they seem to have their own agenda with some items. Another site is Urban Legends, but sometimes it's hard to find the information you're looking for.

What is really impressive is when something comes through that you find is real. That you can believe in, and gives you a little hope. We had one come through about the man that put a full page add in the newspaper about Democrats vs Republicans (he's a republican) and the add cost him over $100,000. It was titled "What I am" and it was very inspiring. Unfortunately, while it was real, it was older -- 2004. I wish someone would do something large today.

I feel that our country is in sad straights, and it's hard to know what to do for it. I am thankful that I live here, I am thankful for my freedoms, I am thankful for my family and the home that keeps me safe. I am thankful for my husband's job and the ability we have to grow food. There is so many things to be grateful for.

I know this is kind of a rambling thing, but it's the thoughts going through my head today. My son entered basic today (official boot camp)and he called last night to let us know. He sounded strange. I can't decide if it was a combination of nerves and homesickness and worry, or if there was something wrong he wasn't going to tell me.

It's hard being 1100 miles away from him...I can only pray and hope things go well.

It's in the Lord's hands now.

6 comments:

Keeley said...

Oh wow, my heart is in my throat just THINKING about my son being in boot camp. May the Lord give you peace, and your son courage and wisdom.

Sandra said...

It's homesickness and worry. They really let them have it at first. The boys have to be totally broken down and then resocialized to the mentality of a soldier. It is scary- but effective. He'll be fine. Write him every single day. Don't worry when it takes longer for his letters to get to you. Sometimes you get none for a couple of days and then you get 4-5 the same day.
He will be busy, busy, busy and he will be fine. Where is he for boot camp again? My sons' bishops called me and talked to me. Even though my son was not supposed to talk to me, when my grandmother died, his bishop called again and talked to me while my son was standing there so it was sort of a conversation ;)
You will also get a letter from church headquarters. Cool, huh?

G. Parker said...

He said he ended up going to a nondemoniational meeting on Sunday with another kid that's LDS. He said he could definitely feel a difference in the spirit. They couldn't wait to get out of there. We were wondering about forwarding his records, but they said since he's only there a couple of months that it wasn't necessary. sigh. I've been fine until talking to him that last time and hearing that tone inhis voice. I would love to write him, but I don't have an address yet. Is there somewhere we can find those? You're a lifeline, you know that!!

Sandra said...

You will be sent an address in a couple days- a week maybe. My sons' bishop actually gave me their address when they called me. We didn't move their records, the bishop from his branch at MCRD did and then moved them back here. There should be a branch for your son to attend. The military provides for all denominations to have their own services. They will probably let him know soon. The first week is usually taken up with a lot of orientation and class work and they don't have a lot of time to write and get homesick. Just be patient and pray a lot ;)

Cindy Beck, author said...

Gaynell,
Thanks for posting the links so that people can check out email "myths" and see what's what. I wish more people would check before forwarding.

As for your son ... he's probably homesick, but he'll make it through. Keep your chin up and even though you don't have his address, write anyway. Then you can mail the letters once you get the address and he'll have fun getting a bunch all at once.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I mostly just throw it all away figuring that it is all junk mail.
I can't imagine having my son in boot camp. My parents went through that with 2 sons and a daughter. I think it would be real hard.

Wow... really??

so - I didn't realize it has been that long since my last post.  I think I kind of gave up on it, knowing I don't have many follower...