A B-52 crashed this week off the coast of Guam.

Bede Jr. has been back in the states for about 3 weeks, and we were able to spend a couple of weeks with him. He went with us to Idaho to visit relatives and then spent a few days here at home with us. I missed him the moment he left. He called us as soon as he heard about the crash. He knew we were aware that he was not flying, but he knew that I would want to hear his voice anyway. After he called to let us know he was fine, I thought of the 6 wives, mothers, children that were not getting calls from their loved ones to say all was well. I thought about them waiting, calling, panicking, fearing the worst.I prayed for them, for their lost loved ones. I pleaded with God to take them to heaven. To wrap them in his arms and fill them with his love. I prayed for the families left behind, that they be comforted and held in the loving arms of family and friends. I prayed for those left behind who served with these valiant men, that they find strength to carry on. I thanked God for these brave men and women who risk their lives for us and for the families who love and support them.
We received an email from Bede Jr today, this is a portion of it.....

In other news, I just went to the memorial service for the crew of Raider 21, and it turns out I knew 3 of the 6 crew members. I don't want you to worry (Mom!) as I'm still statistically safer in the jet than driving to work, but it brings into sharp contrast how dangerous our business can be. We still don't know what happened to the jet, and may never know (apparently we don't have a "black box"). There were a couple of crew members who where devout catholics, including the man who's desk now sits unoccupied in the squadron right next to mine, so I pray that they, and all the crew members, may enjoy eternal peace. As Miyamoto Musashi, the prominent Japanese Samuri in the 1700s said (as I believe St. Augustine did, as well), we should begin and end each day with the knowledge that it may be our last, and only then can we truly appreciate life. Even though I know you try not to show it, I know that both of you are not thrilled about me going to Iraq. Not that you are opposed to it in any way, but I know it must be difficult to have a child go off into harms way. I know that you will keep me in your prayers, and although there will be many things outside of my control, I can promise you that I will always be careful, never letting complacency increase the chances of anything happening to me. Please keep those who are no longer with us in your prayers, as well as their families.

I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks, thank you again for coming out. I love you both very much, and can't wait to see you again.

Vacation photos

Yellowstone was awesome. Grand Tetons were awesome. If you haven't been there...go,go,go, Now! Here are some pics.

Goodbyes....

This morning I said goodbye to Bede Jr. He has been home on leave and is heading back home to Barksdale AFB. I am always surprised at how hard it is to see him go. He has not lived at home since he was 18 and entered the Air Force Academy. You would think it would be easy for me, or at least easier. No! It breaks my heart every time. After I left him I went to join my co-workers to pray a rosary outside the abortion clinic. As we asked Mary to pray for us..."Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus"...I could feel her heart break at the loss of her son. I have not lost my son, he is just gone from me for a while, and I feel a profound emptiness. I can only imagine her grief. As I was praying and missing my son, a car drove into the abortion clinic driveway. A young woman sat in the passenger seat. As I watched her pass I could only wonder how can she do this? How can she freely allow her child to be killed.

My son is alive, well and wonderful, but because he is not with me, I am sad. How will this young mother feel for the rest of her life? Her child will never be alive, well and wonderful, and never be with her. I thought about Mary's grief at the loss of her son. I thought of her "heart pierced by a sword". I thought how her grief must be compounded as she sees babies lost everyday. I felt her sadness, I felt her loss...so many sons and daughters, so many broken hearts...so many tears.

"Mother of God, pray for us NOW, and at the hour of our death". Pray for these women, for their babies, pray for all of us. Amen

Back from Vacation

Just got back today from a great trip to Idaho. We went to visit Pete and Joleen for a few days while Pete is recuperating from surgery. We visited Craters of the Moon National Monument, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons on the way back to Nebraska.We had a wonderful visit with Pete and Joleen and got to see lots of the cousins as well. A group went white water rafting while Bede and I visited. Pete is doing better and we all noticed improvement while we were there. Please keep him in your prayers for a full and quick recovery. It was really great to be with family again. We just do not get together often enough. Shaun and Tina and their children were very generous, as usual, and we spent a couple of great evenings talking until late on their front porch.We all took lots and lots of pictures on the trip. Here are some from Payette.