I had mostly grown used to Dustin’s here-this-week/deployed-the-next routine, but in 2011, he left for his longest deployment yet: 13 months. Our boys were 4, 9 and 11 years old, and by the time Dustin came back, he had missed seven family birthdays, two Thanksgivings, one Christmas, our anniversary, countless Little League games and our youngest son’s first day of kindergarten.
Read moreOwen Wilson Stole My Baby's Name!
When asked about the name Ford, Owen Wilson told E! Online: “Jade [Duell] and I just liked the name. Thought it was a good name, a very American-sounding name, and I don’t know a lot of kids named Ford so it seemed kind of original.” He’s right. According to Baby Name Wizard’s Laura Wattenberg (whose Name Voyager is a must-see), “the popularity of the name Ford peaked back in 1915, when it was ranked at #483, and it has been a rare bird for most of the time since.”
“Ford” ranked #608 for baby names in 1910 and slipped to #757 in the 1920s. By the 1930s, it was gone from the chart completely. (The Name Voyager doesn’t track names that didn’t reach a rank of at least 1,000 for that year.)
Read moreThe Changing Dynamics of Military Marriage
Historically, military marriages were a no-brainer. Young men in the service had dependable work and pay at a young age. They were heroic and masculine, and they were naturally bent toward protecting others.This fit well with America’s long held view of women: nurturing, dependent and dedicated to being someone’s supporting cast.
Read moreChild's Stuffed Animal Becomes Member of Family
When he first came to us four years ago, Lindiddy had fluffy fur and a mohawk of green on top of his head. Through the years, his fur has become mashed, the mohawk matted. His eyes are sewn in, but the eyelids are drooping. His yellow nose is crooked, like he flew into a window. He has long, orange legs that are bent at the knees and flopping wing-like arms that are too long for his body.
Read moreNew Military Widow's Words for Her Sons
Theresa has a new baby, Hunter, born in July, as well as a 6-year-old son, Anthony. Landon was supposed to be home a month ago, but his deployment was extended due to the situation in Syria. In other words, Theresa’s husband should have been home on Monday with his new son. Instead, he is dead.
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