HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUDPUPPY!!!

My heart is filled with gratitude, for a year ago I happened upon a blog titled, "Embrace the Suck". The owner of this blog; MudPuppy, is a soldier in the United States Army stationed at Ft. Bragg. He was writing of his days leading to deployment in Afghanistan. MudPuppy captured my attention with his creative writing style and wit. His honesty was refreshing and heart-breaking all in the same sentence. He questioned the support that Americans have for their soldiers. MudPuppy has inspired me to make certain that as many soldiers as I can touch, will know a piece of home through letters and packages.

During the past year, I have been a faithful reader of MudPuppy's blog. Once he deployed, I have been a prayer warrior for his safety and homecoming. Truly, I could not pray any harder if he were one of my own two sons. Thus, I call him my Soldier Son, my VirtuaSon. MudPuppy is a man and warrior of Velvet and Steel.

So, today is MudPuppy's birthday. He is about 7,000 miles from his mom. I have no doubt, he is only a heartbeat away.

What do we say? How do we say 'Happy Birthday' to a soldier who is serving our nation, so far from home? How do we say "Thanks for being there, even on this day of celebration"? How do we even begin to show our heart-felt appreciation for all that he sacrifices?

My hope is that MudPuppy has felt the prayers I have lifted for his strength, endurance and safe homecoming.

I did not carry MudPuppy under my heart, but I have carried him in my heart.

Happy Birthday, My Soldier Son!