About Me

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Kansas City, MO
I am an old, has been football player that is in constant pain from the glory days. Yeah some glory, 6-48-1. One disc partially removed and many more needing removed. I love Jesus and try to serve Him daily. I would say my life is centered around Him and I try to always be a servant of His. He has influenced my life in the past and present. I am married and have two children. I don't sleep much and therefore I have a reason to be grumpy, on occasion. I love the outdoors and watching nature. If you don't know me very well, then you will soon find out by my pictures that I love to hunt, fish and take pictures. I especially enjoy taking my friends and family hunting.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Watching your son leave.

I know it is not even close, but when Brandon left on the plane Sunday for New Orleans, it made me think about a parent saying good bye to their son/daughter as they leave to go into the military. As many of you know, Brandon went to N. O. to help rebuild from the Katrina disaster. I am proud of him going and giving up a week of his summer break to help out. I have wanted to do this myself, but just never have.

I was doing fine until he looked over his shoulder for the last time as he entered to walkway to the plane. He disappeared looking over his shoulder and smiling. We made eye contact and then he was gone. (Those blue eyes. ) That was the time it hit me hard. Unlike a soldier leaving to protect us and putting himself in harms way, Brandon was going to help others and not be in a dangerous environment. To be a parent is wonderful but to see your son off to possible war has to be just totally emotionally tough. I want to thank all who read this that have served or has a son/daughter that has served. Without people like you, we wouldn't have the freedom we have now.

This event reminded me of when Brandon flew to Florida with his grandma Ross when he was only 4 or 5. Arlene and I watched the plane as it took off and we both cried. Well guess what..... I cried again Sunday. (No surprise to those who know me.) I waited about 10 minutes after his plane left the loading spot and finally saw his plane take off. I watched the plane until it disappeared from my eyes. It was then I remembered he was in GOD"S hands.

He has checked in with us several times and has been working on a roof. He said it was sad to see the condition of N. O. Please continue to pray for him and the group for safety.

Thanks Jim

2 comments:

Janet said...

Way to go Jim, make me cry too. Very well written. You missed your calling. See, you could be a writer and a photographer. I'm glad you have a blog and I'm so proud of you, out of 968 pictures there wasn't one picture of you in camouflage clothing (holding a turkey or deer) Thanks for that.

Jim Oehm said...

I wanted to stop and take a picture of the road kill but Arlene wouldn't let me. Kidding. I did get some pictures of live antelope.