Back In The Woods, Again

The young woman had been missing since August. Her burned car had been found nearby, and on Thursday a tip had come in that she might be found in the vicinity of a park in southwest Atlanta. The call went out through the State Defense Force on Friday for searchers, and yesterday morning 67 soldiers reported for duty. As we waited in the morning chill, others came up the hill by the dozen to join the effort. People from all walks of life, all colors, shapes and sizes, came to search 50 wooded acres. Yuppies with L.L.Bean hiking poles were side by side with rough-looking members of motorcycle clubs. Nation of Islam members stood with folks from Doraville First Baptist Church. We received our instructions, and, united by a common purpose, started on our trek in the woods.

Shortly after entering the woods, an advisory came over the radio that a mentally-challenged man frequented these woods. Often armed with a knife, he was known to approach people looking for a fight. It didn't take long for me to locate two sturdy walking sticks for myself and the captain I was assigned to, and she was glad to have it as well. Our team of 15 searched at the end of the line of GSDF personnel over rugged terrain and through thick undergrowth. We had not progressed more than 50 yards when it was reported over the radio that a white Nike shoe had been found, matching the description of what the young woman was wearing. Then another team located a shotgun. Not long after, the call came in that skeletal remains had been found. We were ordered to continue the search. A pair of pants and a bone was located by our team, though that bone was likely not human. All finds were reported and marked so that police investigators could check them. Finally we were told to end our search and return. We were told of the finds and what was being done from this point on. Police wanted time to examine what had been found, but the search might resume at a later date.

The mother and grandmother of the missing girl were there, and were so gracious to everyone. I saw the mom off to one side as I was leaving and walked over to her. She hugged me and thanked me for what I had done, and I told her I'd remember her and her family in my prayers. How hard it must have been to think that the search for her daughter might have just ended with a few bones in the forest.

This morning the newspaper said that police are not sure that the remains belong to the missing girl, that we may have actually stumbled onto another homicide. It will be several weeks before DNA testing will confirm the identity.

It is good to think that I was a part of something that assisted a family in need. That is why I joined the GSDF nearly a year ago - so in ways big or small, I could help make a difference.

Don't Be A Goober

I spent over an hour last night on the phone with a family member. Throughout the whole conversation last night, I just wanted to say, "Don't be a goober!!!!"

The doctors tell you to take your medicine. A family member in the medical field tells you to take your medicine. Common sense tells you to take your medicine. So what do you do? Tell the doctor, "Forget you, buddy. I'm tired of pills. I realize you have years of medical school, but I'm just going to quit my meds cold turkey and try me some herbs instead. Yes I know I have heart disease, diabetes, neuropathy, and renal trouble, but herbs are going to cure all that. A friend of my neighbor's brother-in-law's mailman's church member's dog takes herbs and she looks great. She diagnosed my problem and sent me to the herb shop with my list. Does she have a medical degree? Well, no, but she looks great thanks to those herbs!"

This sort of thing must be going around. I heard something similar from someone on the other side of the family. Blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid removed due to cancer - hey, herbs can fix all my problems! I've decided I'm suddenly allergic to all kinds of things including every medicine known to mankind, but I can just go suck down some herbs with no adverse reaction. This one has moved out of apartments and houses and returned used cars because they just made her sick. If her allergies were so bad, you'd think she'd have to live in a bubble or wear a protective Hazmat suit to the grocery store, but them folks at the herb shop just have all the answers. Doctors are really out to kill you anyway.

Ok, I'll admit that herbs can do a lot. Many medicines are based on herbal remedies. I mean, the Native Americans knew to chew the inner bark of certain trees for headaches - which contain the same stuff as asprin. I use some vitamins and herbs for many minor conditions. Mama's drinking red tea for the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of it. But notice I said "minor conditions." To me, your heart is not something you can play with and self-diagnose. My dad dutifully took his medicines every day without complaint. He never said swallowing a handful of pills was just too much trouble. He tried to do everything right, and heart disease still took him from me. I'm not saying the medicines are an absolute answer, but why risk your life? It's kinda like skydiving without a parachute. "So-and-so at the herb shop said if I eat tofu and push this purple grass in my ears and think happy thoughts, I can fly and won't need a parachute."

For supper tonight we're all going out in the yard to chew on the shrubbery. The herb guy said it's good for us.

Sleeping in Weird Places Again

We have developed a couple of weird habits over the past year, such as wandering around in the woods at night and sleeping in weird places. This weekend I tried out sleeping in a top bunk underground in an EOC bunker. Yep, I was off with the Defense Force again, this time with the 3rd Battalion for their field training exercise. This was one of the most well-organized and well-planned missions I have participated in with the GSDF so far.

I reported to the National Guard Armory in Winder on Saturday morning, then drove in a convoy to Cornelia. That is where the Habersham County EOC bunker was located. We then spent the day learning about seach & rescue and helicopter operations. A short drive away was the Habersham Airport. I loaded three soldiers in the Jeep and headed off. I always goof around with the kids when I make a sharp turn and say, "We're all gonna die! We're all gonna die!" Well, I forgot and did that with these guys in the Jeep, and they didn't know what to think! I cracked up laughing and had to explain my joke.

Out on the airfield we practiced loading and unloading casualties from the Huey. Once again I found myself strapped to a litter and being hoisted in the chopper by 4 soldiers. Then they started up the chopper, and it was an unreal feeling walking under those big blades as they beat the air. We learned how to safely maneuver around the chopper and communicate with the crew using handsignals. We also got to practice being ground guides to assist the choppers in landing and taking off. Back at the bunker, I gave the first aid and safety briefing before we all climbed into our bunks and went to sleep. This morning was cold and rainy. After a brief class on ropes and knots we packed up and headed to the airport. We were to do a search & rescue operation, and, if the weather held, more with some helicopters. A civilian life-flight chopper landed, and they taught us how to get into the chopper and shut it down in case of a crash. We also learned how to load and unload patients from it. The weather began to worsen, and the commander called off the rest of the exercise due to the cold and sleet we were beginning to get.

I headed home to my nice warm house with my nice warm husband, and a bed I wouldn't kill myself falling out of. It is fun being out with the soldiers of the GSDF, but there is no place like home!

Happier Campers

Well, Barry and I talked about the scout trip. I didn't feel I could trust them with Aaron without Barry along as well, and he had a funeral to attend on Saturday. The troop tends to focus on the older boys and leave the younger ones to their own devices. It really breaks my heart that all 7 of Barry's scouts earned their Arrow of Light and crossed over together, and now only 5 attend any meetings. (I worry about the ones moving up this year, as one is a precious special-needs child.) Of the younger scouts, only one besides Aaron was going on this trip. He has known the older boys for years, so he is kind of "one of the gang." Though it would have been a neat trip hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail, we decided to go our own way for the weekend.

What a beautiful weekend it was too! We went to the camper in Helen with Mama on Saturday evening. We played around Dahlonega on Sunday, and ended the day with a campfire and supper outside. The campground was pretty much empty, so it was nice and dark and quiet. A possum in the bushes scared us, so we scared him back with our flashlights. We didn't mean to! We were just making sure he wasn't a bigger, fuzzier critter out to eat us because our bratwurst and chicken smelled so good! We took our time heading home yesterday, enjoying our little family.

Tonight is, once again, Aaron's scout meeting. We'll see if anyone has remarks they'd like to make to him this week! I have no problem stepping outside with any one of them if they want to push it that far. Barry was small-built when he was a child, and his parents didn't involve themselves when he was bullied. As a result, he was beaten up frequently. Well, I am not that kind of parent. Nobody is going to harm my sons if I can do anything about it, and they sure don't want to tangle with Barry. I can't protect them forever, but I can do my darndest while they are young. They are gifts from God, and it is my job to take care of them until they are old enough to care for themselves.

We were happier campers being all together anyway!

Don't Get Me Started

As happens every now and then, somebody made me mad this evening. I can, and do, overlook a lot of idiocy, but not when you mess with my babies.

We went to Aaron's Boy Scout meeting this evening. They were discussing and making plans for their hike and overnighter this weekend. Aaron wasn't sure if he was going, or if we had some of the equipment they talked about, so he occasionally turned around and asked me. One of the older snots - er, scouts - chimed in and told Aaron, "Your mom's not always going to be around so you might want to do things yourself." You could see Aaron sink down in his chair. OHHHH that made me steam! How dare he think he is in a position to pass judgement on my son! I'm sure that he knows everything at 15 or 16, but he didn't always. Maybe he just doesn't respect his mother as much as my 12 year old does. I thought about it until the meeting ended, and then decided to follow him out in the parking lot. I told him in a nicer manner than I should have that I didn't appreciate what he had said. He had a "deer in the headlights" look when I approached him like he thought I was going to kick his behind - which is what I really would have liked to do! But I remembered that I'm a lady and a Christian.

I'll just bring Barry next week to glare at him and make him squirm!!!! HEE HEE HEE!

I Always Knew It

Well, the Army finally said what I knew all along . . . Barry is the top warrant officer in the state! He was nominated by his colonel for the William Few Leadership Award, which is presented to one junior officer and one WO1 or CW2 annually. Today the decision was made, and the two selected were Barry and 1LT Colin Thompson, who is a very deserving man as well. Their packets have now been sent to Washington to await the decision of the winners of the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. Keep praying for Barry, folks. If he is selected at that level, we'll be off to Washington DC to see the ceremony at the Pentagon!

I know I've gone on about Barry before, but I don't think in a million years I'd ever find another man that I love and admire like I do him. If you don't know him, you're missing out! I'm not saying he's a saint, or that he is perfect. As with anyone you're constantly with, we get on each other's last nerves occasionally. But I know in my heart every waking moment of my life that he loves me. In 14 years of marriage we have made a home and a life for ourselves, have two great sons, and generally have a blast! Our home is warm, there is food in the pantry, and clothes on our backs - and our children are happy. They, too, know in their hearts that they are gifts from God and that they are dearly loved.

Even if Barry doesn't win the MacArthur award (which oh please oh please oh please I pray he wins!!!!) he still is a winner to me.

And, yes, he does look good in that uniform!!!