We were just informed that good friends of the family have their oldest son now serving with the Marines in Fallujah. It's funny, we knew Ryan was becoming a Marine and are awfully proud of him and for his family, we knew he'd likely end up over there...but hearing it...just stopped my heart for a sec. This family became friends as they have kids all the same ages as my oldest 3...Ryan and my Kate are almost 20, Shawn is best friends with our 15 year old Luke and their daughter Whitley is my 13 year old daughter Beth very good friend. We sort of intertwined for years now as the kids did stuff together through school and sports.

I remember Ryan as a gawky pre-teen, then a good looking young man on the wrestling team, making puppy dog eyes at my Kate. It's just surreal to think as I sit here and type that Ryan, the kid from down the street, is in Fallujah now. A man and a Marine, facing things I can't even begin to imagine. Apparently two of the young Marines he went into training with have already given the ultimate sacrifice.

Please put Ryan in your thoughts and prayers. I know his parents must be worried sick. Please remember all those who stand for us over there and pray they come home soon, safe, whole, to those that love them most.

Right now folks, as I just got off the phone with my eldest Kate and had to break the news to her that Ryan's over there....well a fuss on a forum doesn't mean so very much to me. I'm not dismissing anything here but what a wakeup call this was to remember what really, really matters.