Luke off to Iraq

Our thoughts and prayers have been with our kids from the south, even more than usual today. We think of them often, with that sweet little boy down there, but especially on this day. It's the day that we haven't been looking forward too, but knew was coming. Luke leaving for Iraq.

His travels take him from Ft. Hood, to Maine, Germany, Kuwait, then into Iraq. He is going to prepare and set up a camp for the arrival of several platoons of ground troops. Luke's batalian, at least as far as I understand it, is ground support for the troops. He provides supply and service for all their vehicles and equipment. The above picture was taken on the family's last day before he left for his one year deployment.

Kristin and the family have big shoes to fill with "daddy" gone. Like Kristin has shown in her blogs, Luke and Brayden are, to use her words, "thick as theives".

We praying for protection for you Luke, as well as a year that goes by so fast your head spins. We look forward to your return, even though you have just left.

We're also praying for you Kristin, as you try and wear the hat of two parents for the next year. We'll help you check off days on the calendar.

We're also praying for Brayden, that your memories of the first year with your dad are lasting and deep. We're praying that pictures like these are ingrained deep in your mind, and when Luke comes home, you pick up right where you left off. Who wouldn't remember a dad like this one!

We're also praying for the Sanders side of the family. Our emotions are shared, although not equaled. Luke is the man for our daughter, the father of our grandson, and adopted by all of the Holcomb's. Thanks for the gift of your son to our family. You aren't walking through this alone.

We're also praying for both families as we work together to make life as easy as possible for Kristin and Brayden as their husband and dad are gone.

We love you Luke! See you soon.