Tuesday, July 7, 2009

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!

11 comments:

The Capricious Swine said...

Happy Birthday Mud Puppy, I hope you're safe and have a decent Birthday considering where you are.

Coffeypot said...

Happy Birthday, MP.

Be safe, be smart, be the baddest ass in the hood.

MightyMom said...

can I send him a virtual Happy Birthday cupcake??

and once he has returned I will do my traditional "Another Soldier's Safe" happy dance on the blog. :-)

Flag Gazer said...

Mudpuppy ~ Wishing you a wonderful year! Sending you gratitude for all you do for all of us... Happy Birthday!

Bag Blog said...

I followed Mudpuppy's post too, but when I tried to go to his blog recently, I could not. Tell him Happy Birthday.

lola said...

Pass along the my happy birthday message and gratitude! :)

Becky said...

happy birthday MP!

Julie D said...

Happy birthday, Mud Puppy! You are loved and respected, and I wish you the best day you can have there....

Anonymous said...

Happy B-Day Mudpuppy and wish you many more. Where do I find your blog again mine disappeared. When I clicked on it one day to read they said it was not there. Let me know where to look.

Grandpa-Old Soldier said...

Ok B-Day MD. All the best on your special day. Next one will be back in the world.

imbeingheldhostage said...

Mudpuppy you RAWK! Happy Birthday, thank you, and God Bless you!!!