Flying Calvary

It’s been a pretty emotional week for me. I’m having a meltdown, like a warm stick of butter. I packed too much into 7 days (and it’s only Thursday), without the emotional reserve or the physical strength to carry me through.

Tomorrow, Fly Boy and his unit are heading out to Iraq. I dreaded this day and now it’s here. He’s stressed, and we’re all stressed. Before Kerry (Fall Girl), he was chomping at the bit to go do what he’s trained to do and he was so envious of those in his division that already had their turn. Now, as a new husband, he’s heartsick over leaving Kerry behind; missing her already. I am hoping his tremendous love for her and us, will keep him safe and strong, so that he’ll return to us soon.

When Kerry’s mother came to visit them recently, she gave Kerry a present. It was a time worn, printed copy of the Prayer of St. Joseph that one of her customers gave her to take to Kerry, knowing that she’s serving in the Army. The tattered prayer had been carried by a soldier in Vietnam and returned to the woman who had made it her mission to send many of them to those fighting there. The soldier vowed he’d return it to the woman in person to give her his thanks, once he returned to the United States. That he did.

Now, as a gift from his new bride, Scott will carry it to Iraq. His buddies are receiving laminated copies of it as well, courtesy of Kerry.

I am praying that they’ll all return safely with that laminated prayer in their pocket, to give their thanks to that brave new bride.

God Speed 1-17 Flying Cavalry!

 

Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph, the Earthly Father of Jesus.

(Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, nor be burned in any fire, nor shall they be overpowered in battle.)

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt beforethe throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires.

O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. 

O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thy arms.  I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen.