Emily recieved RJ's called!!

Tonight (Sunday the 18th) I received a brief phone call from RJ. We talked about many things in our short 8 minutes!

We talked about:
My Family
His Family
The Blooms
Trip to Georgia
Getting Married
Rings
His week planned (he’s going on a 4 day ruck)
We talked about a few other things misc. things
Then we talked about Justin.. RJ told me that Justin will stay on base for a year while he completes physical therapy and if he recovers he will restart basic and if he doesn’t he will receive medical discharge. He also said that Justin will most likely get his cell phone and laptop back and will be able to do mostly normal things.

IF YOU GET A CALL FROM A 706 AREA CODE PICK IT UP!!!!!

RJ's two letters to Emily...

5-9-08 11:47pm Friday

I’m Alive!! Sorry this is the 1st letter I have written in a while. We have been so busy it’s crazy. I can’t wait to get to use the phone again, I know I can use it in 3 weeks and in 3 weeks I’ll send you my graduation present and you can’t say no to it. We are suppose to get a pass tomorrow (Saturday) but after what happened today I doubt we will. It sucks that you won’t be coming for family day. I have pictures tomorrow. I feel bad that I haven’t had time to write anybody. I got my marksmanship badge for rifle and I got a grenade pin, you will get to see them at graduation. I see you have been hanging out with Rod, Jill, & the kids. I miss them so much. I know they miss me too even though they replaced me with you (just kidding). My brother and my mom cant wait til we have kids.

5-11-08 11:57am Sunday

It sucks that I missed your prom and I’m going to miss your graduation. What else will I miss? I hope not much. 7 more weeks til I can come home. Anyway, are you excited to go to Ferris? We have 7 weeks to figure out what we’re going to do. We can talk a lot on my family pass. The dog tags will be mailed Monday. When is your next play date with Rod & Jill? What did the Army Spouse Handbook teach you? Are you still working on your sign language?

Emily: Yes I got dog tags in the mail on Wednesday. They have his name, SSN, religion and one other thing that I’m not sure what it is.

Recieved RJ's Letter: 5-15-08

Sorry, It's been so long since I was able to write a letter and I have to clean my rifle now. So yeah, I have been crazy busy. I haven't written letters in 4-5 days. I'm so far behind in letters. Happy Mother Day even though you getting this letter late. Seven more weeks till I graduate. I'm excited. I should be fining out were my duty stations is soon hopefully. Two or Three weeks, I have my mid training break, I am going to a friends house. He lives 2 hours from here and he is LDS which is awesome. Thank you for the envelops and stamps that will last me.
That's sucks what happened to Justin but I hope he can go to my graduation so what is the plan with that how are you getting here? You will get a phone call when I get my mid training break.

Seven more weeks, till I can see you..feels like so long away for me. Probably not to long for you. I hate this place more and more shoot 3 weeks seems a long time away and that's right around the corner. But this week, we do urban warfare and combative.

Eight/Nine/Tenth weeks: I don't know and not sure!

Week 11....FTX from what I hear one week straight rucking and war games and not much sleep that will be hardest for me.
Week 12 and 13... are cool down and we don't do much.
Week 14...is Drills and Ceremonies for graduation Day, we did 1000 crunches needless to say my ABS HURT!!!

But it felt good, too! I weighed 206 when I came in. I weight 183 now and I'm quite a big stronger in the ABS, arm and chest still a lots of work. I think, I tore my gad leg muscle it hurts so much. I hope It's not serious but I won't go to sick call till I barely can walk. I need to clean the bay. I'll finish later. Love you mom!

Ok, I cleaned and I need shower. The humidity here is like 140% 80*-100* with 140% humidity only going to get worse. This sucks! I hate the heat. I miss SNOW!!! I hope, I get st ached in ALASKA or for blog New York. I have to go to final formation. I love you! Happy Mother DAY! Sorry, no gift..I can't get anything and I can't write a check..no check book! MY ABS HURT!! I love you!

No Post and Comment?

Since, I am the only one so far did the post and have not seen any new post update or comment. Don't forget we still have RJ out there and still counting on Justin, too for the update news for him.

So far I heard from Joshua that Justin is out of hospital and he is back to base. He cannot go home till his stitches is out and I think the doctor will be taking it out by this friday. So far I know off that we may know what would happen by then. Unless if anyone in family know what going on...Please continue to post and don't let this stop you!

Since of thinking of RJ

I saw this in email from a freind and thought of RJ and plan to send this out to him with letter and I would like to share this with rest of you..

Deck of Cards

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't been heard.
The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.
Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?"
The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord."The sergeant said, "Looks to me like you're going to play cards." The soldier said, "No, sir. You see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards."
The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?" "You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God.

The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.
The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.
The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Five is for the five virgins there were ten but only five of them were glorified.
The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.
The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.
The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives -- the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.
The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.
The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.
The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.
The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary.
The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.

When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.
There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week - 52 weeks in a year.
The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each suit has

thirteen cards -- there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter. So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for." The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?" Please let this be a reminder and take time to pray for all of our soldiers who are being sent away, putting their lives on the line fighting.

Prayer for the Military.
Please keep the wheel rolling. It will only take a few seconds of your time, but it'll be worth it to read on.... Lord , hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them. Bless them and their families. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

On the MOTHER DAY: Justin called!

He wishes me a Happy Mother Day and we both know how it feels to be alone without family. We talked. The way he sound went good and perky. He have told me that he will be out of hospital tomorrow (Monday) back to the base. Unsure what really happening but as he said if he can stay for the Army. He will be coming home for 30 days (unknown when for him to come home) then go back to base but it will be different place and to do the Physical Therapy for a year or so. Then he can finish off the boot camp what left behind that he didn't finish. If he no longer in Army then everything change. Let hope that he can finish it after he heal.. so he can graduate! It a long term of healing for him.
Justin looking forward to see the blog from the beginning to end and he anxious to know. He will post it in UPDATE to see how he doing, what going on and many more with his own words.

Emily's word online:

She received RJ' letter either on Friday or Saturday and in letter said that he can get to come home with us to stay for 14 days in summer then go back on base by flight..I didn't know and Emily shocked so we need to find out what all going on. It's confusing. I might will have to write to him to find out.

Since Fred last post about Justin news!

I have called Justin twices after his surgery in his room and the next day after surgery.
He it all well taken care of and resting after surgery and he is on drugs to keep him in pain less. His leg are all numb so he doesn't feel a thing till next day he was into a lots pain and the pain killer continue as you know how that goes. He is pretty much in and out due of drugs but did pretty well talking on phone but sound sleepy. He doing alright and he did have plate metals with only 3 screws in it not 6! What it does, the screw are in thur is leg with cast on it I guess! Yes, it sound sick but it will help him to heal. He now happy that he have tv and phone that are available since he left Michigan. First things after surgery, he ate PIZZA!
Unknown what all happening yet with his plan situation of coming home which mean we don't know when he will for sure to come home as long he are able to move around to go with either flying or riding with his dad and Josh so pretty much sure maybe in car which is a long trip for him. Would be more easier if he fly down and get home fast enough to rest but I am sure things will be well taken care of by the family. I more wish I can be there right now because I am also his mother.

Since, Fred mention if you need more information by Fred to call him. You may not know his phone number or his address that you want to call or send something to Justin. We cannot put any phone number and address on this blog so if you know any of mine, Josh or Hope. We would help you out to give Fred's number and addresses and that where Justin will be at till he get home. We also do have Justin's room phone number if you like to talk to him. So you can contact us and we would be happy to give you his number. I appreicate for your concern and thoughtful of our son/brother!
Remember, do not give up on RJ as he is alone there and continue to support him. Many thanks!!

Now once we know that Justin is coming home, he will put himself to see the blog and read the rest from the beginning and I hope he can post to all of us with his picture in it and keep it update everytime. RIGHT JUSTIN? (WE LOVE YOU and WELCOME HOME SOON)

Letters from Justin and RJ...Received 5-5-08

After hearing all what happen to Justin since Saturday and I recieved his letter an same time gotten RJ's letter, too! ( I couldn't post it right away due of my depression with Justin so I am now getting back on it and get this done)

Justin's Letter: (This is so broken hearten to read about his plan and now that plan seem to be gone away...but if his dream want to continue and go back to Army and hope for his luck that he can so he can have his dream back! Only if Drill Sergernt say OK! Who knows what happening down in the line...)


I haven't much time lately to write so I'm kind of behind on replying, so I am going to write shorter letters till I get caught up. I can't remember the last things I wrote so if I repeat myself, I'm sorry.

I talked to DS about an interpreter and he said he would work on it. I know he forgot already though so I will bring it up again next week.

I got my first pass on Saturday it was 105 min. If we do good we will get another one on friday. I called dad on saturday so I could work out finances, so I will call you friday. If we get a pass. You won't get this till after friday though.

You asked some questions and wanted me to explain things. First was about family time after graduation. I have to go straight from graduation to Airborne School to sign in, then I get the weekend off. Airborne is also like a regular job so I will go till training is done for the day then I can do whatever. I also get weekends and the fourth off. Now, I have heard that Airbone School may not start untill the 7th but I am not counting on that, odds are it will start the first monday after graduate. So I will see you that weekend and most likely at night during the weekdays. I will probably be tired cause I have to wake up early every morning.


You also asked what I can have after graduation. After graduation, I can have whatever I want but I will still be going from school to school so I don't want a lots. I probably will have dad bring my jeep and my Ipod and a few other things. I want to buy a new laptop but I won't have enough money cause I am paying for a lot right now.

As for what a team leader does...As a team leader I am in charge of a team of soldiers called a Fired Team in training situations. On my team, I have a map person/rifleman, a pace counter/rifleman, a rocket launcher guy, a grenadier, a point man/scout, a guy with a big machine gun, and a guy with a medium machine gun. I tell them where to go, how to move, who to shoot, where to hide, ect. When I'm not in a battle type slenario. I'm just their boss. I tell them what to do and when to do it.


The pictures are good and yes the treats are ok to send. We ate them today and everyone loved them. They all said to tell you and everyone else that sent stuff thanks. Some of the guys saw your picture and said you were pretty. (UH OH)


As for RJ, I see him every sunday. He is doing better and gets lots of letters from Emily.


( I love this one~~~>)The other day we were climbing ropes and I flew up the rope so fast, everyone was surprised. I went right up the rope using only my arms, NO FEET. When I got down the DS said "OOM!, You better have a special forces contract!"


Which reminds me, you asked me what I do after training. I have tons of training if I pass the special forces selection course, which only 2% of people pass. IF I pass everything. because even fewer pass the training after selection, I will go on all the top secret missions that only a very few people ever know about.

Anyways, I have a ton of letters to write so I will finish of now.

(This is what I send him with letter)

P.S. Yes, I would definitely hang from a JET!

Now with my own word to post in this blog. This is what making me feel so sad to see him to go home from his injury. All this dream was gone but if only DS let him come back and if Justin want his dream to continue...Hope in God's hand that he would give his dream back! If it not, maybe there is something good news can appear for Justin's new dream so please let us pray for his support and need.

**********************************************************

RJ's Letter: Wrote 4-30-08 (I know I am hearing that RJ is getting better now and I hope he is. I would love to see him graduation so Justin can come with us to see him graduate so we can CLAP OUR HANDS to RJ!! So we can can be in FAMILY HUG!!)

Hey, How are you? I'm making $$$ a month but after taxes and insurance and paying for all my ACU Army Combat Uniform and my Class A's. I only get about what left $$$ a month. Yeah it sucks and that doesn't include the stuff I have to buy at the PX like my gene stuff, writing material, phone cards. But I have qualifications with my M16 on Saturday. I have 4 weeks of basic training left..YAY!! Everyday is a day closer that I get to see my family and I haven't been able to call Justin's company is low speed, low stress. Mine is High speed, High stress. Justin's company gets more benefits then mine like phone calls. I get one I think once a month.

Week 5 the week I am, we shot are M16.

Week 6..we throw hand grenades and do room clears.

Week 7...we do combative

Week 8...I don't know.

I heard you are extremely excited about me and Emily. Hope and Kurt say their really excited and that they are really supportive. (More things he said will not be put on blog). What Grandma and Grandpa Bloom say? SHOOT, what does the family think.

I know what Emily and I think. I love her and she is the one I want to be with for the rest of our lives. I know you excited probably because you want more grand kids. (<~~~Do I? OF COURSE but this time I need to live closer to my family so I can spend more time with Lillian and who know the next)

(There a lots things about his plan and ideas of his future that he trying to think after his graduation with his career and etc.)

I finally got pictures of Emily and Ben wrote me letter and send me a picture. I have so much mail to reply to and we didn't even get it all. Well, I hate to cut it short but I need to reply to 4 more people. I love you and good luck with your surgery. (My surgery will be May 8Th for my shoulder..I should join with Justin now)

My own word..now we know Justin is coming home and RJ is alone there not seeing Justin every sunday and he may now think of him more and worries. I am sure Justin talk him out of it but we need to do the same to make sure RJ forcus on his job training there and to graduation so we can celebrate for him. Let hope Justin can come along!

Justin

Justin is in the hospital and having surgery right now 1pm Monday May 5. (he called and they came to take him to the operating room when he was on the phone with me) Its a complete break with torn tendons, his ankle is sperated. He can't move his foot, he will have a steel plate and 6 screws inserted to hold his ankle together. He will be coming home for at least 30 days maybe longer.

Josh and I may need to go down to pick him up and bring him back. He will be coming to my house, he will need someone to take care of him. Thats dad's job.

Dont know if he will be discharged from the army or not at this point. I have a phone number that can be used to call him, starting tomorrow in the hospital. Contact me if you it.

Emily recieved RJ's and Justin Letters!

A few letters from RJ
Thursday 4-17-08
“I’m very happy that you have been talking to my family. If you keep learning sign language that would be awesome”….. “I mainly joined the military to protect my loved ones and the freedoms I enjoy everyday.”…… “Its so cool that your Google earthing Fort Benning. This place is massive. I’m on San Hill if that helps any.” ….. “It makes me sooo happy that your getting involved with my family.” ….. “I’m on fireguard right now. Its 3:04am and wake up is at 5:00am. We have 2 suicide watches. 4 guys per 1, and 7 hours of sleep and 14 fire guard every hour with 56 guys in the Bay..It equals NO SLEEP!!!”….. “I do wash my hands, all the time, every chance I get, I promise. Every time I wake up I wash them, every time I go to the bathroom too.” …… “So what are you and my mother talking about? And Jill….Are you taking Rod and Jill away from me?”…. “I’m so excited to see Justin on Sunday at church. I cant even believe I just said that. My dad writes me once a day to keep me up with things.”…. “the food here isn’t that bad but we only get 2 minutes to eat it. Thanks for eating some dessert for me. Hope you didn’t you get sick from it.” …… “I lost 6lbs since I have been here but I gained more muscle. I’m going to work harder at I but I just don’t get enough sleep. Imagine that I went from not needing sleep to needing sleep. “


Saturday 4-19-08
“Good news, I’m out of the red phase, now I’m in white phase. I doubt we’ll stay in the white phase long because people are childish.”…. “Sunday I go to church then we pretty much do nothing just like today (Saturday). Its okay bc it gives my body time to recuperate.”


Monday 4-21-08
“If you didn’t get my message I called you and left you a message. I almost started crying so I don’t really remember what I said. I’ll try next time whenever that will be. I heard you have been saying stuff on the blog.” …. “So about my awesome week. I shot a 50 caliber and mark (grenade launcher). I shoot the AT4 (rocker launcher), and next week its all about my M16!. I am almost ½ way done with basic training but then I have AIT.” …… “I told Justin and he said “so I have to start getting along with her?” and I said “absolutely” but he seemed happy none the less.”


Wednesday 4-23-08
“Letters seem to take forever to arrive. I hate it.” The rest of the letter is all replies to things that I had wrote him about my graduation and my college classes among a few other things.


Monday 4-28-08
“I haven’t received mail from anyone in 10 days. Our drill sergeants aren’t handing out mail. I think the reason is BRM (basic rifle marksmanship). I don’t want to make you feel bad but its really tearing me apart.” ….. “I just need mail so please don’t anyone stop writing.”


Tuesday 4-29-08
“I just received one of your letters!!!! It’s the one that had the pictures in it! They still have a bunch of our mail and I know I have more from you but we’re still doing BRM and they want us to stay focused. My mom told me you cried.” …… “My whole family is excited, I feel them supporting me fully.” ….. “I don’t know how fast you want to get married but I wouldn’t mind going to the courthouse, getting married, then at a later date have a big wedding. Just a suggestion.” ….. “I heard about the care package you sent Justin.”

Letter from JUSTIN! No date.
“Thank you for the package! We all loved the baggies & I love the magazines. We really have no idea what goes on outside of boot camp so I was happy to see the magazines” I sent 2 News Weeks “I am going to start reading them tomorrow so I can write letters tonight. I’m sure RJ told you already but he told me the news on Sunday. Congratulations! I have a few questions for you so you are going to have to take some time away from writing RJ to write me. smiley face. First topic is the engagement. If I ask some questions that sound girlie its simply because I’m a romantic so I want know these thing & if you don’t want to answer you don’t have to. In your words how did he ask you and how did you feel about it? Have you thought about where you will live, go to RJ’s base station to stay near family? How do you feel about the family your marrying into? Bringing me to our next topic, us. Now don’t lie b/c RJ tells me a lot! How do you feel about me and being related to me?” Blah Blah Blah some stuff to stay in between him and I. “Next question, I cant remember, are you a Stat or Michigan fan? Be careful! There is a right and a wrong answer to that question! Another important question, do you like children and how many of my nieces and nephews will you be having? I love kids! How do you feel about RJ going to war?” at this point there’s a huge line down the center of the page and next to it it says “yeah I feel asleep” Its hilarious looking. “ Okay so we had a very long and hot day today and my platoon was really good so my DS gave us a 2 hour pass, I drank a huge energy drink and now I cant hold still! Wow, so last night was crazy. I don’t usually drink caffeine and yesterday for some reason I thought an energy drink would be a good idea. That’s probably the most hyper I’ve been in my whole life. I have a massive headache from it. I think I’m out of questions. I saw RJ this morning, that was cool. Anyway, write me and ask me questions if you want. Justin”

Bad News about Justin!

Justin gave us a sad and bad news which he been trying to get a hold of us in this family. He got a hold of me then to the rest of his family afterward whoever he contact! It been going around the circle to hear about Justin.

He have broken his foot this morning during the training by wrestling. Not sure how or what exact happen but it broke his ankle all the way. (No, he didn't get yelled by anyone..what a relief!) He end up in hospital since he told me that he might have surgery on the Monday or so. As he mention that he may have screw in his ankle which is doesn't sound good so it mean it pretty bad broken. We are very unsure what all happening but this is how far Justin know so far that he maybe have surgery on Monday then they will send him home for 30 days then back to basic for physical therapy for 6 month which I understand. He will not graduate in June as far as we know of which is very sad. He will know all the detail and will let us know what all happening. We need all your prayer for Justin and to support him to cheer him up. (My feeling I feel bad that he want his goal to graduate and over come this situation he is in) Well, the whole family knows except RJ so he gonna try to go to church to see RJ tomorrow and let him know what going on.

As for now, watch for more update post till we get all the answer so I would ask to please hold of writing letter to him till we know where he will be for sure and go from there (you can write but put aside till you know where he is and send it out quick!) All, we need to pray and support him that he would be OK as he mention that he into a lots of pain right now and the pill he taking is not strong enough. I hope, that he would call us tomorrow to let us know how he doing. It broke my heart so let us support his need!

From all the family,
Kimberlee-Fred-Joshua-Hope-Kurt-and Lillian

stamps and things

I sent
RJ a pad of paper, 50 envelops and 40 stamps today. He should be ok for a bit.