We rarely blog about Jessica and Tyler, Glenn’s children from his first marriage, as we want to wholly respect their privacy. Also, we have had our share of “blended family” challenges over the last several years, and those experiences are often just too raw and personal to share on a public forum. We did everything we could to openly discuss the challenges that could accompany Max’s addition to our family, and the entire family is assimilating better than we could have ever imagined. Our prayers in that regard have been answered.
Jessica is 20 years old, and she and her boyfriend Ryan were planning a large wedding to take place in January, 2009. But, Ryan’s naval reserve unit was notified of its imminent deployment to Iraq, so they moved their wedding up and had a very small, private, but beautiful ceremony a few weeks ago. We’ve struggled with their interest in being married at such young ages, but they are both wonderful young adults and they love each other dearly, and we are surrounding them with love and support.
Max loves his brother and sister, but he loves AND idolizes his brother-in-law Ryan. Undoubtedly, it started because Ryan carries the hippest coolest cell phone and he lets Max play with it. Max even figured out how to make it play videos! But, Max has come to truly just adore Ryan, even when he isn’t carrying around Ryan’s cool phone.
Ryan left yesterday morning for Mississippi, where he will join his unit for final preparations before deploying to Iraq. We woke Max up at 5 AM to ensure that he would be a part of Ryan’s loving send-off at the Cincinnati airport. Ryan and Max shared the tightest hugs ever. We are so sad that Jessica has had to say good-bye to her husband, just weeks into their newlywed bliss, but we are so proud of Ryan for his commitment to helping Iraq rebuild. (He will likely be constructing new infrastructure). Max is already preparing to send his first of what will be regular care packages and updates to his idol. Max also looks forward to spending lots of time with his big sister Jessica, hoping to bring a smile to her face even while she misses her husband terribly.
Godspeed, Ryan. Max misses you already, and we will be praying for your unit’s safe and speedy return.
10 comments:
First off, it's so nice to hear your family is blending so well. Secondly, congratulations Jessica and Ryan—although they're young in age, they sound mature and level headed.
And last, but not least, thank you Ryan for serving our country. I'm constantly amazed at the sacrifices our military and their families make. May God watch over Uncle Ryan and bring him home safely.
Bob was very young when he became a father the first time, so we too have adult children (and 5 grandkids). I came on the scene when Bob's youngest (Bobby) was a young teen. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with all three kids. The hardest thing is that we don't get to see them often enough.
I understand the difficulty of a deployment. We've been through two with Bobby (Air Force). The last time (he is back home now) was especially hard as Bobby left his new wife and little girl. Yes the sacrifices our military families make is very great. Please allow us to say thank you Ryan for your service to our country.
May Ryan's deployment be uneventful and the time he is away pass quickly.
How sweet the bond that they share. That is a great photo, too. I will keep Ryan and Jessica in my prayers. You are right, Max will truly bring a smile to her face when she needs one.
Safe travels and work to Ryan. Glad to hear all is going well! Miss you guys, wish you lived closer. And that I could have a pork chop from Pizza Blues, had no idea I'd miss them or Doner..or chiburecki or any of it... except that nasty apartment.
Ryan will be in our prayers every day. It feels as though Max came into your lives at just the right time - he will keep everyone entertained while Ryan is away. Hopefully the time will fly by. Max is beyond cute. Thanks for posting.
First of all that's an adorable picture of Max & Ryan together!
Congratulations to Jessica and Ryan!
Deployment can be difficult and I am thinking of Jessica. I recently had a pre-deployment brief about my husband soon to be going. I don't know if Jessica had something like that too? I received a packet with all sorts of information, who to call for help, for answers, how to deal with the deployment before, during and after he comes home. My husband will be leaving in November. I hope that time will fly for all of us - safely too!
Eileen
So happy to hear that everyone is blending so nicely into the family fold.
Congrats on the wedding of our daughter.
My prayers will be with your son- in-law for a safe deployment and a quick return to his family.
Continued blessings!
Darlene
Godspeed to Ryan and may he come back home soon safe and sound!
He is a cutie pie!!
Max is a smartie..figuring out the video on the cell phone.
sean figured that out early on mine too, way before I did.
Kids have a way of bringing eveyone together. I know Sean sure did! and Leeza will just add her own brand of charm I am sure.
thanks so much for your daily posts.
you make my day..thanks cheerleader!!!
xooxox
susan
Checking in! Miss you guys.
Send my thanks to Ryan for his dedication to our country--he will be in my prayers for a safe and speedy return.
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