Well it's another beautiful morning here in Barrington, Illinois and Keefe's day is almost over. Yesterday, I chatted with him briefly on FB and he has not adjusted to the time change. He's got his days and nights all mixed up. He's a Marine..he'll figure it out eventually. ;)
While attending mass yesterday I began to think about the past three weeks. Barry and I, along with Keefe, planned his short two week leave around fun and connecting with family and friends.
Keefe's Gimmie (88 yr old grandmother) came for a brief visit, then Keefe headed off to Dublin to attend the Loyola Academy/Dallas Jesuit Football Game and the Navy/Notre Dame Football Game. His brother, Liam, who lives in London met him in Dublin for a long weekend. The trip was a success in regards to excellent pub crawling but not so great of an outcome for either game. The bonus was getting to visit with his brother who he hadn't seen in 2 years. 
In addition, Keefe's flight to Dublin was loaded with a lot of LA Rambler fans including his HS Biology teacher, Fr. Peter Breslin, SJ. It was a great flight catching up on ole times and raising a few glasses.
When Keefe returned there was plenty to do in order for him to leave with his affairs in order including power of attorney documents, instructions about his home, exchange of phone numbers/contacts, and making sure all was in order so he could vote in November.
Barry and I hosted a pre-deployment party that many life long friends and family attended. It was great seeing some of Keefe's high school friends as well as Barrington area kids that he had grown up with. The event was even more special because of a few surprise guest:
Barry's Sister, Lyndia, and Brother-in-Law, Dick
Barry's Niece/Keefe's Godmother, Shea; along with her 3 year old son, Gavin and 4 week old daughter, Molly (yes 4 weeks old)
Courtney's dear college friend, Gary Fordham, who happened to be in town as well. :)
Tim Janowick, LA connection for my boys, brought along his trusty bagpipe and played a few patriotic songs for the crowd. It was a great treat and enjoyed by all. Thank you Tim!!
That same weekend Keefe, Barry and I attended 5:15pm mass. Fr. Jack Dewes was the presider. Jack has been part of our family gatherings for 20 plus years. The boys love him as if he was a great uncle. I had spoken to Jack over the summer about a blessing for Keefe before deployment. Well I thought it would be a simple private blessing but in true Jack style, after communion, he asked Keefe to come forward for a community blessing. It was wonderful and fitting as this is the church community that Keefe had been baptized and received his early religious formation. Of course there was not a dry eye in the place.
Most everyone is aware of the need for letters and care packages to show support to deployed soldiers. Yesterday, two church friends (one a Marine Mom and one of my choir friends) informed me that two area organizations, that regularly send care packages to the troops, would be sending care packages to Keefe's unit. One package is more general in nature. The other is a monthly shipment of cigars. Keefe will be especially happy to see those cigars on a regular basis. It was one of the items he specifically ask for. Thank you both for your kindness, generosity and support.
Well that's enough rambling for the day. Hugs and Kisses to all of you. May God bless each and everyone of you with his/her generosity.
Semper Fi!!!
Family Photo 20010: Keefe, Barry, Courtney, Rory and Liam
Photo below: Barry' Sons -- Sean, Keefe and Rory (Chris and Liam not pictured)
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