Fabulous Army Life

Sweet baby Jacob at home in November 2001 Me with Jacob in November 2001 Ten years ago today, my Family was in turmoil.  We had just learned that my baby brother had been killed in a car accident, only weeks before his 21st birthday.  After receiving this horrific news, my husband and I immediately boarded a plane in Georgia with our infant son, bound for Texas to be with my mom and sister.  Just as the shock of his death was beginning to sink in, my baby sister went into premature labor at 29 weeks pregnant.  A little over 24 hours after my brother died, my sister gave birth to a tiny new baby boy.  He didn't have a name yet; that was still to be decided.  He was the teeniest thing, at 2.9 lbs. and 15 inches long.  He was rushed into the NICU upon birth and spent the next three months there, growing and getting stronger each day.  The day of his birth was monumental for us.  We were all still in shock over the loss o...

My sister with my nephew in his football jersey. It's no secret that football reigns as the most glorified sport in Texas.  I grew up in a small Texas town and was a cheerleader from 7th grade through my senior year in high school.  As such, I understand the basics of football.  It was as much a requirement as learning to read and write in our small school.  My sister and her family now live in our hometown and my nephew has been playing organized football there since the 1st grade.  He loves the sport, his momma loves to cheer for him, and his daddy loves to coach him.  My parents are full-time cheerleaders for him, too.  It's completely a community event and is a lot of fun to watch. The first time I went to see him play two years ago, I showed up at the football field and got into line with a zillion adoring parents and fans.  When I got to the entrance, I was given the fee for entrance and was sure I was in the wrong place....