Week 231

Positive post Sunday, June 25, 2021- Week 231.

Two more Family Summer Series Positive Posts to go.  This week I’m focusing on my son Jeff and his family and next week I’ll wrap up the series with a post on quality family time we spent with my parents Ken and Dana Rendler (Also affectionately known as Floyd and Louise) in San Diego this past week.

I was planning to share a positive post on Michele’s and my visit to see Jeff, his wife Laura, and two of our grandchildren, Andrew and Austin at their home in North Carolina, but as many of us have experienced, we have been unable to travel due to the pandemic.  We had plans in place, including plane tickets, and just days before our departure the pandemic hit with the insuring travel restrictions☹.  Needless to say, we were very disappointed.

However, rather than focus on our misfortune, after all this is a POSITIVE Post Sunday😊, I choose to focus on our previous and memorable visits where we spent quality family time with Jeff and his family in Georgia and North Carolina.

Our first visit was to Columbus, Georgia when Jeff graduated from the United States Army basic training at Ft. Benning several years ago.  This was the beginning of Jeff’s service to our country, and we couldn’t have been prouder (and worried since at that time we were at war).  The ceremony and demonstrations were impressive, memorable and emotional.  Seeing our son, and many other young men and women completing the first phase of their service to our country made all in attendance feel a deep sense of patriotism.  Our prayers were with all of them as we knew that some of them would go right to war and some of those would pay the ultimate price for our freedom and not return home safely.

Fast forward a few years, and after basic training, Jeff was stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina.  Michele and I visited Jeff, Laura, Andrew and Austin at their homes in Fayetteville and Raeford a few times (Kristy joined us on one visit).  Each trip was short but packed with quality family time.  We celebrated birthdays, went on post, visited historical sites, went to Myrtle Beach, ate teppanyaki at Samurai (and then ran and went to the gym to burn it off), and of course shopped.  But, most importantly, we went to church and gave thanks to the Lord for our family and all military families as well as for our freedom.  Michele and I will always cherish the times we spend with them and the memories we have made.  We look forward to visiting them again soon and making new memories.

We recognize and are humbled by the many sacrifices Jeff, Laura and the boys have made as part of their service to our county, including weathering multiple deployments to the middle east and elsewhere and missing many family celebrations and events.  We are hopeful that Jeff knows how proud we are of him and his beautiful family.  As an Army family, they have honorably served our country for well over a decade.  We’re grateful for their service and pray for their continued health and safety.  

Hooah!

Last week I shared my thoughts on “When you thought I wasn’t looking” for Alison, Pat, Liam and Juliana.  For Jeff, Laura, Andrew and Austin, below are my thoughts on, “Although I wasn’t there”.

Jeff, although I wasn’t there

• I was right by your side spiritually during all your deployments, and I learned the power of prayer when you returned home safely each time.

• I was looking at the pictures of you and your family in Myrtle Beach on Facebook, and saw how much you love your family.

• I was at home looking at the 3 photos of 4 generations of Rendlers, and I was praying that someday we will be able to take our first 5 generation photo with grandpa, me, you, Andrew and his future son.

• I watched you wrestling with the boys at your home on Duo, and I remembered when you and I did that when you were younger.

• I was looking at the photos of Andrew playing baseball, and I was remembering when I helped coach you when you played baseball.

• I wish I was there more often to support you, but please know that you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura, although I wasn’t there

• I know you were being both mother and father to my grandsons while Jeff was deployed, and I learned how resilient you are.

• I was cheering you on when you were earning your degree, which reminded me of my passion for education.

Andrew, although I wasn’t there

• I wish I was there when you promoted from elementary school. I’m so proud of how hard you have worked in school.

• I know how good of a big brother you have been to Austin, and it reminds me of how blessed we are to have brothers and sisters.

Austin, although I wasn’t there

• When I watched you open the presents we sent you on Duo, I realized how much I enjoy seeing you so happy, even if only electronically.

• When we were on Duo, I could see how much you love your brother and how much fun you have playing with him and it warmed my heart.

What is your example of “Although I wasn’t there”?  

How do you stay connected with your loved ones who live far away?