I miss Ericka more and more every day.  

I pray for her safe-keeping and pray that God keeps her safe from all harm.

Ericka is currently serving in the Marine Corps; she is currently in Iraq.  I worry about her safety; that is such a dangerous part of the world.  Every day you hear of people being killed: civilians, even soldiers and journalists who are only trying to keep people safe or to bring the war into our livingrooms, so we know what is going on.  Seems that the world has only gotten crazier and crazier ....

Ericka has been in the U.S. Marines for a little over a year.  She was at first stationed in California, but then the leader sent her and her platoon to Iraq.  When I heard that, I thought my heart was going to leap out of my throat or at least fall to my toes, but Ericka reassured me that all would be fine.  

How I wish I could believe that!

I pray nothing but God's sovereign mercy and His divine protection on not only my daughter, but her comrades.  If anything were to happen to her or to her comrades, I don't know if I could stand it.  I love Ericka too much!  She is such a bright, fun-loving young lady with a compassionate, giving spirit, and she has so much to live for!

When she told me that she was joining up with the Marines a little over a year ago, I tried to talk her out of it, but she was determined to make good on her promise, and she has done exactly that.  I am proud of all that she has accomplished in her military career; it shows that she is a capable, strong person who is not afraid to try new things.

When I first saw Ericka after she came home from basic training (12 weeks!), dressed in her uniform, both Don's heart and mine swelled with pride.  Our once-little girl was no more:  she was a grown woman about to embark on an incredible experience of a lifetime.  

She has done exceedingly well so far.  She sends us e-mails several times a week, letting us know what is going on (without divulging too much in the way of information; she has to be careful, or she could put all she loves and knows in grave danger), and she tells us not to worry: she is doing great!

I still pray for Ericka and her friends.  I have to.  I don't want any harm to befall her.  I know war is hell for all involved, but if anything would happen to her to where she was killed or mortally wounded, it would be a parent's worst nightmare come true .  I pray every day, every minute, no, every hour, for her safety and well-being.  If I didn't, I would go crazy!