Most of you are aware that our son Andy is in Afghanistan. We are able to Skype with him about once a week so when we did this on December 23rd we had him open the gifts we sent, so we could see him.
Since there isn't much we could send him gift wise, we gave him money in the form of paying toward his jeep. Then we got a bunch of crazy things that would make him laugh, and some food items and sent them in this huge stocking.
Here's some screen shots I took as he was opening things. Excuse the blurriness - our Skype from Afghanistan is never very clear!
Since there isn't much we could send him gift wise, we gave him money in the form of paying toward his jeep. Then we got a bunch of crazy things that would make him laugh, and some food items and sent them in this huge stocking.
Here's some screen shots I took as he was opening things. Excuse the blurriness - our Skype from Afghanistan is never very clear!
Here he is with the big stocking!
In typical Andy fashion, he started goofing off and put the stocking on his head.
More goofing off...
And a little more...
And one more...
Heather sent this little "Shoulder buddy". He attaches to your shirt with a magnet and sits on your shoulder. Andy got a good laugh from him.
This is an actual screenshot, which shows us in the corner, watching Andy unwrap gifts.Andy has been on the night shift since he got to Afghanistan. He says he usually gets breakfast at the D-fac on his way home from work and then sleeps. However - on holidays when they make a big meal, there are only donuts available to eat.
So:
This is the picture he sent on Christmas morning. The message with it was "thank you for the breakfast!"
And here's one last picture. I got this one from the army facebook group. Andy is the third on the right. They are enjoying their Christmas dinner.
It's always good to talk to him and see him this way - but it will be even better to see him in person! We don't know for sure when that will happen but probably in a few months!
How wonderful that you have the means to share with him like that, even though he is so very far away in distance. I pray next year he will be home with you.
ReplyDeleteYou have found a great way to connect with your son, and I can see he knows how to laugh. I pray he will celebrate next Christmas back home safe and sound with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat did we do before Skype? It's a wonderful tool to keep in touch with love ones...I use it all the time with my grandchildren....
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to see him on Christmas and I hope he will be home before long.....
Happy New Year friend
Thanks so much for visiting me, Mari. God bless your son and bring him home safely soon. I know the "breakfast" tasted good!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to following you.
Thank Andy for me for being willing to serve his country. I'm so glad there is Skype!! I pray that you will soon have him home safe and sound!!
ReplyDeleteI hope Andy comes home really soon, it breaks my heart when I think of the guys overseas during the holidays and having experienced having my own husband gone during that time, it's just so hard for everyone.
ReplyDeleteLoved all the pictures, he is such a sweetheart :)
Love the pics, no matter what the quality is! So glad you were at least able to skype to communicate! Praying for a safe return!
ReplyDeleteTho' I've never used Skype, I see the wonderful benefit when your son is so far away.
ReplyDeleteThanks him for us. We appreciate his sacrifice.
I'm so happy that there's a way to chat with Andy. Of course, being face to face is even better but that's gotta be thrilling to hear his voice and see his smile. That's good news that he will be home in a few months. Will this be temporary or will he be home for good?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, was it an Orego cookie for breakfast??
So glad you were able to watch him open his stocking gifts. He looks good. I know you can't wait to have him back home. Thank you God for heroes like Andy and his friends.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year sweet friend.
Hugs,
Kat
gonna be great to see him and have him home again (at least closer to home) :)
ReplyDeletewonderful post! glad to see him enjoying christmas dinner, and glad that you shared this. we ofen forget about the people who are not getting to have 'normal' christmas celebrations because they are serving our country. he has a great sense of humor and i am sure he brought smiles and laughter into your home that day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beautiful and funny moment.
ReplyDeleteAnd happy new year to you Mari. To you and your wonderful family.
What a difference it makes being able to share Christmas via Skype. Looks like you all had a good time.
ReplyDeleteContinued thanks to you and yours for what he continues to do for us and his country. I love peeps like him. They're pretty special people. :o)
ReplyDeleteAh Skype is a wonderful thing! How great to be able to see your son like that open his presents. Looks like he had a great Christmas too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you get to Skype with your son. That is probably the best gift any mother could receive besided having right by your side. Godspeed to you Andy! And thank you for your service.
ReplyDeleteYou have the sweetest kids! I'm so glad you were able to connect this way, what a blessing that must be!
ReplyDeleteThank him for Hal and I for his service and tell him we keep him and all the military covered in prayer!
Wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThis was so touching, Mari. I doubt that I can come close to imagining the myriad of feelings you have esp. as you are signing off each week. Special prayers winging his way.
ReplyDeleteI loved the stocking and his fun with it. That little shoulder thingy is a cute idea.
And there is nothing like a Mama's baking to put a smile on anyone's face.:>)
Here's to our boys coming home!
ReplyDeleteWhat precious pictures and memorable times. Your Andy is a great American hero as are all those who serve. I am so thankful for him and also grateful for the sacrifice made by your family. I know it's difficult at Christmas. May God bless you all in 2012! Oh and I need me a shoulder buddy!!!!
ReplyDelete