Right after the last post (Good Friday to be exact) Jerry got a call at 0245 informing him that there were soldier issues up at work that he needed to deal with. After getting dressed and heading in to work, he got a call from forward that the battalion had suffered a great loss in Iraq just a few hours before. One of platoons that was out on patrol that day had been hit by a suicide bomber. Reports confirmed that the suicide bomber was actually aiming at a military police station and that the soldiers were merely caught up in the action. A dump truck loaded with thousands of pounds of explosives was detonated and five American soldiers, husbands, daddy's, sons, and brothers lost their lives while fighting to maintain our freedom. When I first heard the news, I had no idea the chain of events that would be set into motion when dealing with this many deaths at one time. The whole battalion was struggling with the losses as it came as a shock to everyone. As the battalion's rear detachment commander, Jerry, along with other Army personnel and volunteers, spent countless hours with the families as they dealt with the news of the loss of their loved one. I went to work with Jerry the next two days to help out with anything I could. I felt like I needed to be strong for everyone as the commander's wife, but when we got home that first night after midnight, Jerry held me and the tears started to flow. I felt so selfish thinking it, but I was just so thankful that my husband was home and safe. I don't know what I would have done had I been one of those wives who answered the door that day to a uniformed Soldier informing me that my husband died a hero...

After a few days, funerals were scheduled and soldiers from the rear detachment were sent to each of them. We had the post wide memorial service for all five soldiers about 8 weeks ago and again, I couldn't hold back the tears. Watching my friends, those young mamas stand there husband-less, with their young children who had no understanding of what was going on... watching sisters and brothers of other soldiers weep over the loss of their big brother... watching loving mothers sob uncontrollably knowing that they would never see their son again... it was almost too much to bear. I don't know how they do it. Please continue to pray for each of the family members of the soldiers that died that day. The rippling effects of the loss of their lives are still being felt today.

Moving on... while dealing with this loss to our battalion, we found out that my mom was re-diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of you already know this but for those that don't, she had breast cancer 13 years ago and it has come back. The medical care available on the island where they live is not all that extensive, so she and Dad decided to have further testing and treatment done stateside. While she was in the states visiting her parents in Dallas, she had more tests done and set up numerous appointments with multiple doctors. I flew down to be with her for some of them and was so glad to see her. I knew she was going to be fine, but I was anxious to give my mama a hug! She was given permission by her doctors to be able to go back out to the island for a week or two so she could wrap up the school year with the kids and pack up and prepare for treatment and chemo back in the states. C.J. finished his semester at the University of Guam and when the family arrived in the states, they had a high-school graduation and 18th birthday party for him. After prayerfully considering where to live during Mom's treatment, the family set up a temporary residence at my grandparent’s home in Dallas.

Mom successfully had her surgery on May 20th so thank you to all of you who prayed her through that. I was able to fly down for the week and be there while she was in the hospital. I was doing fine until I saw her come out of surgery... something about all of the tubes and oxygen hooked up to her made the tears flow. I was 12 when she went through surgery the first time and I don't really remember that much. But like I said, she did great and has had a good recovery so far. She went to a follow up appointment the other day and received good reports! One fabulous piece of news is that her tumor was .5 centimeter short of her having to have radiation after chemo... we are all thanking the Lord for that! She received her first round of chemo yesterday, so please be in prayer as she begins that long journey.

 In order to help out my folks some, Jerry and I have taken my three younger siblings for the summer:) Several days after Mom's surgery, I flew back to Colorado with them (and all 13 of our bags!) and they are set up to stay with us for several months. Our days have been full but fun and I'm learning so much about parenting! My mom keeps reminding me that most people get kids one at a time and they start out small... Jerry and I are getting them at 10, 8, and 5! We are all adjusting to being together and getting settled into somewhat of a routine. I keep reminding myself too that these kids have been through so much and are really doing fabulous in a new home and environment without their parents:) Jerry and I love them so much and are glad that we are able to help out. I could not do this without my hubby... he has been so supportive every step of the way and I love and appreciate so much his willingness to do this with me!

Speaking of my Precious... we just celebrated our 4th anniversary on May 28th! It's hard to believe it's already been four years... it seems as it has gone by so fast. With 4 moves, 2 deployments to Iraq, multiple weeks in the field training the last several years, and career progression related job changes, I guess it's easy to pass the time quickly. I just want to say though, that in the midst of our busy and crazy army life, the last four years have been incredible! I am so thankful for the man that I married and for the life we have made together. He seems to have a way about him, with his adorable smile, contagious laugh, and big "Jer-Bear hugs" (as my family has affectionately dubbed them:) that makes me love my life and look forward to every day with him! He is a man of God, a leader, a provider and protector. He is so sensitive to my needs and takes my wants and desires into consideration without fail. I thank Jesus for him and don’t take for granted the extra time we have been given while the rest of the battalion has been deployed. Thank you Darlin for your love and complete devotion to me, and me alone. Happy Anniversary! I love you forever!

Without boring any of you any further, here are some pictures of Jerry and I with the kids over the last couple days… hopefully I’ll get better about making regular updates…

 With love to you all, Jerry & Erin

Thank you all for checking back! Yes, it is true, my Soldier is home to stay! I can hardly believe it. Tuesday of this week was the 15 day mark for us, indicating that had Jerry only been able to come home for the original R&R, he would have already boarded a plane to head back for Iraq to serve the remaining 5+ months of his tour. Instead, the Lord has blessed us incredibly and answered a prayer of mine in allowing Jerry to not have to re-deploy to Iraq for this rotation. Thank you Jesus!

On March 4th at approximately 0500, I was sleeping soundly in my room out in Guam. The plan was for me to stay out there until around March 10 when I would head back to Texas to begin making preparations for Jerry's return, work ahead on school, take exams, etc. Jerry was scheduled to fly to Texas (DFW Airport) for R&R (a total of 15 days of leave) around the latter part of March and I was going to pick him up in Dallas, then drive back to Houston, get all of our things and we were going to drive back to Colorado together. It was going to be a whirlwind of activity but we were BOTH looking forward to it! I was counting the days and minutes!

But like I said, everything changed on that Wednesday morning. I got a call from a number that popped up on my caller ID as a Colorado number and I answered it with great trepidation thinking that something was wrong. I wasn't sure who it was calling at that hour, but come to find out it was a very stressed and tired sounding JERRY! After the usual "Hi! How are You?" he got right down to why he called. He says, "Are you awake?" I respond, "Yes, of course!" Then he says, "No, are you really awake?" Slightly puzzled, I said, "Yes, Babe, I'm awake!" Then a third time, "Because I really need you to be awake so I can talk to you." First annoyed, then frustrated, then scared, I responded a little frightened, "What's wrong?" (With the 7 hour time difference between Guam and Iraq I was known to drift slowly to sleep while talking to Jerry in the early morning hours... his voice was always so calming and reassuring...I know, I know! I was terrible! Anyway... now you know why he asked so many times!) He says to me, "You need to get on a plane TODAY and head back to Texas. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm taking leave sooner. That is all I can tell you right now." I was shocked. I was scared like I said, wondering what was going on... Jerry never talked like this and I could tell something was wrong. After reassuring me that everything was ok he said he needed to go.

So, I got out of bed and started packing. I began throwing things together, all the while trying not to cry or worry wondering what in the world was going on. Why the sudden change? Why couldn't he tell me what was going on? Why the rush? An hour or so later my family started to surface and gathered for their usual morning Bible study and wisdom search. I was already showered and ready for the day at this point, my room in complete disarray still, and I went out to talk to my dad about what was going on. He too was concerned and went to get on the computer to see if there were any flights available for me to fly out that afternoon. God had his hand in everything the whole step of the way. Dad had already been looking at the loads for me for the following week when I was going to fly out and even 8-9 days out they were filling up fast... like 1-2 seats left on some flights and in some cases already oversold. However, when he checked that morning, there were seats on ALL THREE planes and all at the right times for me to make the connects!!! Just amazing. The Lord knew... it all caught me completely off guard, but He had his hand in everything.

The next few hours were quite busy and I don't remember much. It took everyone to get me packed and ready. I had been living out there nearly 3 months and to try and pack all of my school, clothes, etc. was quite an event. Dad and Mom listed me for flights, others did my laundry and packed things in my bags and the little ones brought me cards and letters to pack up and give to Jerry. There were quite a few tears, especially from me... I felt like my world had turned upside down and I was quite scattered. But the Lord and my family helped keep me in check and within 2 hours, I was heading to the airport to board a plane to go meet Jerry! As excited as I was, I was praying constantly for Jerry still not knowing what was going on and trying not to worry and cry too much. At the same time, I was sad to be leaving my family so abruptly. I like having a plan and everything mapped out in my mind, and this was not how I envisioned everything. I just hoped and prayed that Jerry was ok.

So as not to write a long novel (hah!) I'll just sum up what happened next: I arrived in Texas and stayed at the Roland's a couple days waiting for Jerry to arrive. He was able to fly right to Houston which was great, and I picked him up on Sunday evening, March 8th in baggage claim. As I saw him come off that escalator it was all I could do to not cry... I ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug and kiss! HE WAS HOME... I didn't want to let go... I wanted the moment to last forever! As I stood there hugging him and causing a small scene I'm sure, he pulled me away briefly and told me to look at his face... as I did he held me and shared the best news...that he wouldn't be going back to Iraq... that he was going to stay home! WHAT? HOW? WHAT'S GOING ON? IS EVERTHING OK? Come to find out, he is going to take command of the Rear Detachment for the remainder of the deployment. For various reasons regarding the prior staff, they were removed and Jerry was assigned as the commander. I'm still in shock! There are hundreds of wives in the battalion who all have husbands over in Iraq... and of all of them, MY husband gets to stay home. It was (IS!) quite amazing and humbling all at the same time.

The next day was spent with the Roland's and visiting with family. After that, we hit the road for Fort Carson. He had to get right back to the office and assume command immediately (this was the reason for the initial urgency as it was imperative that Jerry get home sooner than later) so we didn't get any "days off," but that's ok with me... I'm just thankful he gets to come home each night. So, here we are now at day 17 that he has been home and already it's been quite busy. Yesterday we attended a memorial service for a fallen soldier from the unit and that was hard. I know the next several months are going to be long (especially for Jerry) but we are both just so glad and thankful that he is home!

For all of you faithful prayer partners out there... THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! God indeed answered your prayers in allowing Jerry to stay safe while he was gone for 6+ months and He gave us an additional blessing by allowing Jerry to stay home. Thank you for rejoicing with us! We have received emails and phone calls already from many of you and they have blessed us both. Please continue to pray for all of the Soldiers still over there. They have several months to go and need your prayers.

So, here are a couple pictures of Jerry and family right after he came home. I didn't get a single one of us in the airport and I was so bummed! I had on a cute little dress and everything! Oh, well... here are some from the following day...

The Petty's came out to take some pictures for the whole Roland family that afternoon, so this is just a crop of Jerry and I. I'm hoping the others look a little better... we both have huge smiles in this one... I wonder why??!!

More Smiles...

Lots of Hugs...

Much Gratefulness...

Excitement from the little ones... (not sure what's with the glasses on Tim!)

An extra bonus was that Dean got to be home on leave at the same time... it was great seeing the "brothers" together!

Two proud Army wives with their Soldiers! It was a great day indeed!

I've got several more pictures to post, including more from Guam that I never had time to add. So, I'll write more again soon. Also, my dad and mom along with CJ and NellieMae are all in Israel right now on a 14 day trip with folks from their church. So, please be praying for them as they're getting to see all sorts of incredible things. The three younger kids are staying in Guam with other friends from church, so please be praying for them too as Mom and Dad are gone. Thank you all so much! Love and hugs, Erin and Jerry