When Brian deployed to Kuwait in 2004, Ainsley and I painted a pillowcase for him to sleep on each night. I had these wonderful visions of painting her hands and making a pillowcase filled with her cute, chubby 1 year old hands, but Ainsley had better plans for that paint and her hands. She PAINTED!! The paint was even glow in the dark so Daddy could even see our love in the middle of the night.
Well, that pillowcase made it through his first deployment and Daddy still sleeps with it on his pillow each night. Now, the other pillowcase that we made with iron-on pictures of Ainsley - that one didn't fair too well! He actually woke up the first morning in Kuwait after using the pillowcase with iron-on transfers STUCK TO HIS FACE!! Wish I had a picture of that morning!!
I knew I wanted to keep up with the tradition and make Daddy a new pillowcase to include Brogan. Yesterday, we bought the paint and pillowcases and tonight we PAINTED!! We made a pillowcase for Daddy, one for Sissy, and one for Brogan. We all had lots of fun decorating each other's pillowcase. I think they turned out pretty cute!!
So, for the next year, as we rest our heads each night on our painted pillowcases we can all remember the fun night we had TOGETHER as a FAMILY. We can remember cringing as Brogan decided to add a little more 'character' to each of our drawings, or laughing at Daddy who was grossed out painting his hands, or smiling at Ainsley and thinking about how much she's grown since the last time we painted pillowcases. Each night as we go to sleep on our pillowcases, we can once again, be together. We can meet each other . . . . in our dreams!
Tonight is our last night to be TOGETHER for a long-time. Brian and I have already talked about "not wanting the night to end", but we know time marches on and morning will be here at the same time tomorrow as it was today. So tonight and each night we are apart, we'll say a prayer to hold our family closer even though we have miles between us. We'll say prayers to keep each family member safe. We'll say a prayer to keep our family strong. We'll say a prayer to keep the 299 soldiers of the 778 HET Co. safe. And most importantly, we'll say a prayer to bring Brian HOME!!
Please keep Brian, our family, and the rest of the 299 soldiers and families of the 778 HET Transportation Co. in your prayers. May we all stay safe and strong.
Such a great way to keep each other close during his deployment. I just have tears streaming down my face now. The power of words and how you wrote this Stacey was perfect. Many many prayers will be said for you and your family. We miss you guys so much and we are so lucky to call you guys friends. May your days to come be filled with many laughs and great stories of your family. Stay strong and we will be here to keep you strong. Courtney Oviatt
ReplyDeleteThis was so beautiful - crying many tears for your family as I type. Praying for each of you! I had to smile, but also sigh with a tug at my heart last night when Ainsley & Brian rode by our house on their bikes. Such a beautiful evening for your special night together as a family!
ReplyDeleteStacy what a wonderful idea, painting the pillowcases. This is so good for the children but also a wonderful thing for Brian to take along with him. Safe travels Brian and prayers for your safe return as well as for your family that is here waiting for your safe return. God Bless you and your family for the dedication to our country.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams and peacefull nights to all of you as you sleep on your speacil pillowcases. We are always here for you. Stay safe Brian , see you when you come home. Mom & Dad ( Nana& Papa)
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