Making A Difference

By our best estimates we have passed the 22 mile marker of our marathon. As I’ve said before, the last six are the toughest and we’ve got four more miles to go. But, we’re getting closer and we’ll gut it out to the finish line.

We talked with Brian this past week and from the sounds of it the Marines are staying very busy. As you know, we don’t talk about the details but he continues to sound good- much better since they got the air conditioner. They have had a few sandstorms to contend with and the brutal heat of the summer may be letting up just a little (maybe 110 degrees as a high). I’m sure they are ready to get out of there- we’re all ready for them to get out of there. They have done more than their share.

While this whole journey has been a challenge for Lu and I, Ethan’s arrival has made it a little easier. We still can’t get our heads around the whole “grandparents” thing (we will eventually) but we have really enjoyed watching him grow and watching Lindsey and Jason become the parents that they are. They have been sending Brian pictures of Ethan and I’ve tried to keep him updated with this blog. Lindsey made Ethan a book full of uncle-Brian pictures so even though he’s thousands of miles away right now- they have already been introduced in a very special way.

Lindsey, Ethan, and Jason joined us up north this past weekend and Ethan had his first real experience with the water. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.





A Very Big
Bathtub
July, 2010

Cool Shades

July, 2010

When I talked to Brian last week he said something to me on the phone that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. A couple weeks ago I posted some pictures of Brian with some of the Afghani kids. (I’m posting the high-five picture again because I think it’s pretty cool). He told me when he looked at that picture after he had returned to the base he realized something. He thought about the reasons he joined the Marines four years ago- (and there were several). One of the reasons was to share the blessings (my word) he felt he has received with those less fortunate than he. He told me that as he looked at the picture with that little boy he realized he “had accomplished one of his goals.” These children live in complete poverty and have to worry about being blown up every time they walk outside. That’s the reality of their life. Some will say “that’s the breaks” and it’s none of our business to be involved. I think Brian (and many of those serving with him) would say he was at least doing his part to make a little change in lives that could use a little changing- and perhaps saving lives along the way.


There is no doubt, the war is brutal. The politics behind the war (and everything else for that matter) is becoming brutal as well. As I thought about the lesson Brian taught me, I realized I can either sit on the sidelines and complain, or get involved and do my part to help change what needs changing. You don’t need to be 7,000 miles away in a war zone to have a positive impact on somebody’s life. You just need the heart and the passion to make it happen. I know it’s time I got off my ass to do my part as well.

Semper Fi