Josh Tatro

 

My grandson Josh who is in the Army leaves Friday for Iraq.  He and his pregnant wife Megan (expecting my great-grandson in December) came to visit me in Florida and stayed a wonderful ten days with me.  We had such a wonderful family time together.  We went over to Don and Lisa's house and had dinner one night, and then the next night went out for a grand chinese dinner at Yin Yin's (the best chinese restaurant in Winter Springs).  Josh loves sushi and it was so fun watching him try the different kinds of sushi that the chef had prepared.  Laughter flowed like fine wine as family gathered around Josh and his wife. 

I gave Josh a beautiful sterling silver medal dog tag that had the engraved army insignia on the front with the saying "With God's help I serve in Harms Way in Iraq"

On the back was a beautiful engraving of the Patron Saint Michael.  I gave Josh and Megan each one and I told Josh that St Michael and his grandfather Michael would be watching over him to bring him home safely.   I gave Megan hers and said..."You too are serving your time with Josh in Iraq...and this medal is to watch over you and my grandson to be until Josh comes home. 

Don took Josh and Megan along with my grandchildren Alec and Katie to the football game on Saturday and sat in the stadium and box seats to watch the fame.  Josh spent wonderful family time with his uncle and I know it will be a memory that all of us will cherish.

We took a shopping trip during the week to Babies R Us and I bought baby gifts for my new Great Grandson that Josh and Megan needed...a jogging stroller and matching car seat, a  baby swing and an infant seat, baby bottles, nipples and bag, and a  baby blanket. Aunt Lisa had given them a beautiful woven basket full of baby clothes and wash cloths and outfits and blankets and we presented our gifts to Megan and Josh who were thrilled to receive them.  I have been crocheting a baby blanket for little Dakoda James (name of my little Great-Grandson to be) but it isn't quite finished however I did show it to Megan and Josh so that they could see the blanket in progress.

Josh received a phone call from his cousin Jordan and his Aunt Debby as well as a phone call from my sister Geraldine while he was here and I could see by his face that it brought him happiness to feel the family support for him.

Before Josh left on Sunday we walked outside to the tree in my yard and we tied a yellow ribbon around the tree.  I told Josh that the yellow ribbon would stay on the tree until he comes home to us.  Josh loves Florida and I know he hated to leave as much as I hated him to go...but I packed all of the love I have in my heart sweetly inside of his heart and watched him drive away with joyful memories of the time spent here with me and his Uncle and Aunt and cousins.

 

I am proud of my grandson and love him beyond any words that I can write here.  I am a Grandmother and all I want is for our soldiers to come home from Iraq and return to their families.  My heart aches as Josh leaves for his tour of duty of 15 months in Iraq.  He is a security gunner.  He will sit on the back of a Hummer with a large gun and his vehicle will lead the convoy into areas of Iraq.  I have no illusions about his job and what he has to do.  Josh's grandfather Mike did three tours in Viet Nam.  I know more than I wish I knew about war.  And so as a Grandmother who loves her grandson...I do what only I can do....love him and say prayers for his safety daily.  Those of you who read this, please keep Josh and all of the soldiers who are serving in the military in your prayers.

 

My thoughts have been flowing through my heart and mind swiftly and I have not been able to write them ...my words do not convey all that is in my heart and soul...I simply am at a loss ...

I can only think about one day at a time while Josh is in Iraq...pure and simple...I cannot allow negative thoughts to enter in...so I take it one day at a time with prayer ....

 

I love you Josh...you and Megan and baby Dakoda are forever in my heart. 

 

 

Fall has arrived

 

I have waited for the Autumn winds to arrive

As spiraling leaves of brown and gold...

float gracefully to the earth

From the majestic trees above

Painting the lawn with delight

Yes, Fall has arrived!

 

The cool breeze from the ocean flows inland

Caressing my skin by day

Cooling the earth by night...

Yes, Fall has arrived!

 

And with the arrival of Fall...

 My heart leaps within my breast

For this is the season

of Goblins and Witches

Pumpkins carved and waiting by the door...

The pungent odor of baked pumpkin pie

Fills the kitchen

Yes, Fall has arrived!