Hello Sunday

First, I want to start by saying I love you. You deserve to hear it first, not last. Times are stranger than ever, BUT GOD. Resist the urge to panic. Panicking only causes destruction and further devastation. Remain calm but prepare for the worst while also planning for the best. I know it’s easier said than done, but it can be done.

At this moment, many of my fellow veterans are experiencing PTSD. We’ve been here before. Last night, I was explaining to my daughter everything I would have been doing at this moment as it related to her. Being stationed in Turkey was scary at times. While everyone was living it up stateside, without a care in the world, we were being careful about our every move on and off base. Anything could happen at any time. We knew this. We lived it daily.

When I first arrived in Turkey, within 30 days, I had to have an emergency evacuation plan for my daughter in case there was a possible attack. I was a 24-year-old single mom in a new country where I knew no one but my three year old. Within the first week, I had made friends with someone I trusted enough to accompany my baby girl back home to my mom or sister. I didn’t know her or her husband, but I had to trust God enough to trust them with my child. I was on edge with every threat of an attack. However, I did not live in constant fear of what could or may not have happened. Instead, I did what most military families are doing right now and that’s banding closer together. It was my military family who made stressful situations, calm.

Right now, I’m praying for our troops (all branches). God, please give them peace and calm their hearts. Let them know that You are with them. For all others, including us veterans, please do the same—calm our fears and give us a sense of peace.

That’s all I have for now. I’m about to get dressed and go love on my baby girl a little more before I head home. I’ve had a wonderful time with her. I feel so refreshed!

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TWO MORE DAYS!!🎉 And yes, I’m still excited about my upcoming birthday. God’s got me. He’s got us!♥️

I love you,

Shaun