Gift ideas for this coming holiday season.

We know our families love to see things from our travels and our service or related to our spouses’ service. Of course, it’s often nice to commemorate your grandfather’s years in the Navy or your great aunt’s letters home while she was corresponding from overseas in WWII. How can you turn those memories and treasures into gifts? Here’s just a small list of ideas for you this season:

Michaels: Proud to Serve Framing Collection
Heirloom Chest
Model of the CGC BARQUE EAGLE
Military Coin Display
Dalvey (my personal favorite. I LOVE Dalvey and the man in blue may be sporting one of these soon. Shhhh, he just doesn’t know.)

~~~

Some gifts handcrafted by fellow Coast Guard Spouses you may want to check out, not necessarily military specific:

Soaps
ODU Bags
Clay Ornaments
Jewelry
Hairbows/clips
Dog treats

When there are no words...

We pray. We think positive thoughts. We remain respectfully silent. We come together as a Coast Guard community to be there for each other, even if just in spirit when our family members are hurting.

Please keep the family members, friends, and shipmates of the missing crew members of the Coast Guard C-130 and the Marine Corps helicopter crew in mind when praying your intentions or sending positive vibes this week in whatever way you do or believe for our military members.

From CGBlog.org, I've borrowed the following, which was released by the AP:

Coast Guard identifies 9 missing in midair crash
By The Associated Press (AP)

The U.S. Coast Guard has identified nine people feared dead at sea following an air collision between a Coast Guard aircraft and a Marine Corps helicopter.

The missing crew members from the Coast Guard C-130 are all stationed in Sacramento, Calif., where their aircraft was based. You can read over at CGBlog.or for more:
http://www.cgblog.org/2009/10/31/prayer-request-for-the-following-families-and-their-comrades/

Supporting everyone on the homefront.

So, we here at Waiting for Ships are obviously proud of our men in blue. That doesn't mean we aren't quite proud of our women in blue as well. While we don't have a resident CG husband, we do support our brethren. We do recognize that not all Coast Guard spouses are women. In fact, a number of us have friends who are 'dependent' spouses of the male persuasion.

Okay, let me stop right there. We do have a contributing writer here who is part of a active duty duo. How she and her husband make it all work, amazes me. That being said, he probably would have some interesting insight on being married to a Coast Guards(wo)man. How the heck would one even write that? Am I just chauvinistic here? You'll have to excuse me, because I'd just as soon call everyone "Coast Guardsmen", regardless of gender, but I digress.

One of my husband's good friends and a friend of mine as well is a retired fellow. He now plays the role of spouse, if you will; supporting his diligently working active duty wife. In fact, we just had the pleasure of visiting them, and I continuously ribbed the guy about donning an apron and attending spouse luncheons. Truly though, that's not how it goes, but you knew that didn't you?

Just like us wives, the husbands live their lives. They support there loved ones in blue and maintain their own identity. Male or female, husband or wife, active duty or not, it all comes down to loving the one you are with and respecting their choices, careers, talents, dreams, and so on.

To all you guys out there who wonder where the blog or website is about you, it's right here. We may be a bunch of crazy, silly, witty (I hope) women, but we have the same concerns and plights as you. We deal with the issues about how to tame the yard while chasing a toddler and your spouse is underway. We battle over the t.v. remote when our spouse is in port. We even argue about which one of us is a better BBQ expert.

Yes, even we stylish and bon-bon eating, high-heel wearing girly-girls ;) can PCS cross-country solo; burp the alphabet at a beer-drinking contest at the All Hand's Club (come on I can name a few); conquer WOW; and even change a flat tire (as long as we don't mussy up the manicure). You see, it's not about being a girl or a guy, it's about being a Coast Guard spouse. We adapt and mature as the ebbs and flows of this life bring us through both tough and smooth waters.

More to come on that, and if anyone wants to pipe in on what you want to read about pertaining to male spouses, let us hear it. We want everyone to feel welcome here.

What cutter is it ? - Worldess Wednesday

Any guess?

Ombudsman Program - Survey seeks your input!

An anonymous survey is currently being conducted through September 18, 2009, seeking to understand how Ombudsmen are being utilized. If you haven't done so already, please take the brief survey and share your experience and thoughts for this program. You may only complete the survey once.

SURVEY

A day in the life.

Waaaaahhhhhh!

smack! Wahhhhhh smack! Waaaah. (to myself, why won't this alarm shut off?) Oh, it's a child screaming, no wonder my 'snooze' isn't working.) *

Up and at 'em. It's a weekday morning in the life of a Coastie wife whose man in blue has ventured off for a bit. Wrestling youngin's out to the breakfast table is no easy feat. Heck, convincing them that wearing regular clothes to school in lieu of jammies, is even more trying. Give it a whirl sometime. Okay, maybe it is just my stubborn rugrats.

After a great deal of breakfast debates (despite my carefully planned out menu) and the rush to brush (teeth and hair), the clown car begins. All of us hustle out the door, lunch bags (check), backpacks (check), mom's purse (check), child 1, child 2, baby.....uh, where's the baby. Ah, yes, standing in the front lawn insisting to play with his lawnmower whilst you shush him (so he doesn't wake the neighborhood) and cajole him into the car.

Ah, the car. It's a beautiful hint of paradise on wheels. For, my friends, it is the minivan (cue heavenly chimes). I know, you envy me. I would too. With it's sprinkling of left over french fries embedded underneath the car seat you just cleaned and the speeding ticket you have to send in, the beauty on wheels is luxurious accommodations for any proud parent. Just enough headroom and enough room in the back that when the kids decide to chuck something at my head they can barely reach because they are not that good of a shot. *sigh* the joys of parenthood.

Calming them down from the frenzy of the out-the-door rush, we enjoy some happening kid tunes or some soothing tropical beats (thanks to Kenny Chesney), but that's more for me. :) They do their best to sing along until someone shouts Mom, she's singing too loud, I can't hear myself. Sweet, isn't it? Thankfully, the ride to school is but a mere five minutes.

Pop open the luxury van doors zoom, and scurry into the school dropping off paperwork, bags and children. Can't forget the children. 'Course they might be a hoot at the office. I'm sure they'd love to stir up some trouble there.

Back in the car--just me and Kenny. Down the highway, into morning bliss (eerrrrr....traffic). Commuters are so pleasant sometimes, aren't they? They really can brighten up your morning with the angst and crazy driving. Henry Ford must be rolling over in his grave with the sport and leisure of driving disgraced as it often is these days. In any event, I'm no angel, I'll admit, and I even have been known to pick up the phone when driving. Yikes!

Speaking of the phone while driving. Oftentimes, in port elsewhere or even at the base he's stationed at, the man in blue will often call me about this time of the morning.

Good morning beautiful, how's your morning? How were the kids?

Silly man. He gets the same story every day, yet, I humor him and tell just about the same story. You think somewhere along the way, I'd figure out how to cultivate a sense of a calm. I guess it's just not my nature.

We chat for a bit and then down the highway I continue, now full steam ahead. And, he continues on with his peaceful morning, that has been consistently childless (except of course, if he's dealing with...never mind).

Work = vacation

Alright, perhaps that is a bit drastic. Still, sometimes, it's my refuge. The place where I return to adulthood and recharge only to have demands put upon me by older individuals, well older than my children anyway. Somewhere, wherever he may be, my man in blue is still enjoying his childless day, probably without a worry in his head. See, I'm a worrier, I worry all day about him, the kids, what's for dinner, can I fit a workout in tonight, what to blog about (not really), and so much more.

The day ends. At this point, while the man in blue is away, I have to leave work early to be able to pick up the kids from preschool/after school care in time. See, normally, leaving early would be desirable, but there is nothing I hate more than rushing. After all, that is how my day starts. I hate when it ends like that. So, I zoom back up the highway. I arrive to screaming, wild and over stimulated children who are starving for dinner, which baffles me as they eat non-stop all day practically.

Dinner is pretty much a repeat of breakfast. We hope to hear from the man in blue and if we are lucky even get to video chat with him, depending on where he is. Still, sometimes this almost makes matters worse. As the night wears on and weary children grow sleepy, they start to miss daddy even more. An excuse to stay up? A serious missing of him? It's hard to tell. Once they are settled in bed, typically a hour after they were all first sent to bed, I scurry to get everything done, the bills, the cleaning, getting the clothes and lunches ready for morning. Last night I didn't sit down (literally) until 10:30 p.m. I even ate dinner standing while trying to do the laundry at the same time. I am super-stupid mom alright. Multi-tasking is such a ridiculous sport sometimes, but hey, I'm a glutton for punishment.

FINALLY.......after hours of non-stop everything, I hit the shower and then the rack. I say rack, because well the bed sometimes feels as uncomfortable as that when the man in blue is away. You know how you just can't quite get comfortable. You toss and turn and hear every little noise. Yeah, it's something like that. And, then, (barring any night terrors or other incidents during the night) we sleep and get up and do it all over again. That is if get any sleep, again. You think being as exhausted as I am I would just crash. You know how that goes though.

See, life does go on, when my Coastie's away, it's just in fast forward mode, trying to be both parents at once and saving the world one diaper, gummy snack and sheet of homework at a time.
So, honey if you are reading this, I might miss you a little bit. Oh, and rumor has it some shopping lists are out, come on home so we can chat about it and plan my 3-4 yr vacation in some tropical location. The kids can stay with family. ;)

And, if the rest of you folks are still reading this, you are nuts. :) Of course, maybe you can relate. Can you?

-----

*Disclaimer: No, I wasn't smacking a child. It was the alarm clock my dears.

The ship is in.

And, soon my man in blue flies to it. So, soon I will be awaiting his plane to come in some time around next....ah, you thought I was going to divulge that information.

Last night we had the perfect date night. Nothing says happily wedded bliss like a gift card for a fine dinner and a trusted babysitter to watch over the young ones. Our dinner was an early one. Think senior citizen early. The restaurant was posh beyond my wildest expectations--very 1930's swanky. The menu prices did shock me, but again, we had the gift certificate, which is so very appreciated. After all, when you are making an effort to feed and clothe a family of five a night out is to dinner and a movie is often a luxury we do not afford ourselves. Over the past year though, we have been making more of an attempt to do so, to reconnect and have more us time away from the family setting at home. Heck, we do not really want to see ourselves as empty-nesters trying to remember what we liked about each other in the first place. So, preventative maintenance in the way of continuing to court each other, if you will, and canoodling as much as possible, is what we do. But, I digress.

So, dinner was divine. We laughed. I drank wine. It was superb. It was Shiraz by Peter Lehmann. Mmmmm. Filet Mignon was my entree, though it was not as perfect as I would have dreamed up, the atmosphere and my husband's company made the dinner more than I could have hoped for. Oh, and to top it off, I convinced him to share a decadent molten chocolate cake for dessert. To make things better, this was far from the end of our evening. We were able to do a little shopping (for the children of course) and to catch a movie. Truthfully, this one night makes his upcoming trip tolerable. We had such a blast.

Upon returning home, we vegged on the couch, and somehow one of the little ones managed to end up in my arms for a bit. Still, we just enjoyed being together, in our home. I talk a good game about actually enjoying the deployments and that the separation is good for us, but deep down, I do miss the man in blue. After all, home would not really be much of a home without him. He drives me batty, as I do him. We have our spats and we certainly do not love to do everything to other does, but we love each other. Sometimes it takes a deployment or some sort of trip to put all of that in perspective.

For the past 3+ years, we have had the luxury of being able to take each other for granted. Sure, he has traveled here and there, but technically he is at a land unit. We know the likelihood of him going back to a cutter is imminent. We are realistic. At one point, we thought he was going to be in a position to never have to get underway again. Not surprisingly, that change did not take place, but as things tend to change in this military life, it turned out to be alright. The possibilities we are now looking at for the future of my husband's career are promising. We are excited and anxious and just thrilled to be sharing this time together.

Now, I just have to go out and pick up a bottle of that lovely Shiraz to enjoy upon our reunion when his plane comes in. Or, if things get really wacky (as Murphy's Law often requires), I can start enjoying it before he gets home.

Dog Days....making way for PCS 2010 craziness

The summer is still here, but with the rush of students to school and fall on the horizon, we are clinging on. Well, at least I am.

With excitement and anxiety, I know that this could be my last summer at our current location for awhile anyway. That's right folks, PCS 2010 is our year! Yikes! I should note that I have never done a household PCS. I have only done a small DITY move once upon a time pre-children/pre-marriage/pre-hubby. In his multiple tours thus far, DH and I have been fortunate to stay relatively close to the same area, that his orders didn't warrant your typical PCS move. I'll leave it at that so I don't have virtual eggs of jealousy thrown at me.

I have said "I want to go", "Let's see the world", "Travel is for me" so many times that it may finally become a reality. However, as we all know, hurry up and wait hasn't even set in yet. We will soon see cuts come down for rates. Following that or possibly simultaneously, shopping lists will be published for the members. Then, it will be crunch time for research and on one little piece of paper (or computer screen if you will) shall reside our top picks. Will we get what we want? Will priority hinder us? Will seniority or junior rank be an issue? What about schools for the kids? How about a job for me?

The most important question, what beach will I get to enjoy? :)

So, since this year is going to be a whirlwind for me, I'll try to update more often to share with you all of the ebb and flow excitement. Stay tuned...for my camrades are sure to poke fun at me. And, I promise I will try to laugh at myself and not pull all of my hair out. Key word: try.

Happy Coast Guard Day!

219 years ago, this elite seagoing service was established and has long withstood the sands of time. Surely, 219 is not ancient but one thing can be said for sure, there is still a need in our world today for the United States Coast Guard that would confirm the 1790 congressional decision to found an entity to protect us and enforce maritime rules and regulations. Of course, the way the USCG does things may have been modified overtime.

Happy Coast Guard day to you and your family-at-large. My husband and I will be enjoying a nice lunch together today in honor of Alexander Hamilton, well, okay, maybe it's mostly thanks to early liberty.

Click here for Coast Guard press release: Coast Guard Celebrates 219th Birthday

Standing Up for Military Families Struggling with Autism

Senator Gillibrand's (NY-Dem) proposed Amendment address cites a Coast Guard family.

Please support Taylor's family and all our other military families struggling with Autism by writing to your Senator to show your support and ask them to oppose budget cuts related to the Autism Budget.

Welcome to the Coast Guard Family Flo!

If you haven't heard the exciting news, let me share with you that our very own resident-Coastie-girlfriend, Flo, is now a Coastie wife-to-be. Congratulations to her and her beau!

Flo, I know I speak for so many of us, including all the contributing writers here at Waiting for Ships to Come In, when I say that I wish you all the happiness in the world. You have been around the CG long enough to know it is going to be quite a ride. Enjoy every minute of it!


Be sure to check out Flo's personal blog (hope she doesn't chastise me for linking this): Flo! for the amazing news and pictures.

Best wishes Flo!

A good marriage is one which allows for change and

growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love.
Pearl Buck

Happy Independence Day!

Have a wonderful Fourth of July everyone! Be sure to heed the rules of the road and partake in Operation Dry Water! Today is the busiest and historically deadliest day for boaters.

Whether you are barbecuing, boating, or going to see fireworks, remember that today marks a day a very important day in our collective history. We'd really rather know you are all safe and smiling and not laid up in a hospital bed. And, besides, our Coasties don't really want to be busting people for drunken boating. Be smart!

I'm off for a very long day with the family now. Pictures to follow. Enjoy your festivities, whatever they may be.

Stats, profile letters and “the list”, Oh My!

The Coast Guard community is buzzing with recent news of advancement information that has recently come out. Spouse forums, listservs, association meetings, and the like, are lit up with requests and questions such as “please send me an email with the stats”, and “what does my spouse’s placement on the list really mean?” You can feel the excitement and anxiety, just by reading various threads and listening to people talk. It reminds me so much of dreamsheet time, the timeframe when orders are cut, OCS list publication time, officer promotion lists, and Warrant Officer announcements. Still, what it all boils down to is hurry up and wait. You know the drill.

We get eager for what is about to come down the pike. We wait. We lose sleep over it. We stop eating. We binge eat. We run to calm our nerves. We chat about it. We research. We are consumed with it all. So much that is released in a single message or even over the telephone through a detailer dictates our lives. Sure, we may try to act nonchalant and pretend it does not matter. Some of us have a façade about going through the mundane of our day-to-day activities. Still, in the back of our minds, what the Coast Guard decides for our spouse greatly impacts us wife/husband; even if we are talking about a dual active duty couple. We are itching to know what comes next. We have to know.

Why do we have to know? Perhaps for you it means the upcoming cuts means a short-tour or maybe your neighbor know has PCS orders and should be researching elementary and high schools for their kids. For someone else, it means possibly having to relocate their civilian job or maybe even give their two weeks (or 6 months) notice. Deny it all you want, but the Coast Guard has us so spun up throughout the year, all because of what comes through to the masses in the way of messages.
I have to be honest; I routinely read internet published ALCOASTS. I swear—I try not to be that wife. I am just keenly interested in what is going on in the Coast Guard world, because despite the fact that I was not issued in the man in blue’s sea bag, it is my world too.

So, what has got you hopping up and down excited right now in the CG world? Or, maybe something has you biting your nails anxiously. Tell us about it!

CG FAMILIES NEED NOT BE DISCOURAGED – ASSISTANCE DOES EXIST FOR YOU TOO

You have probably heard the groans and complaints from some, or maybe even have made some yourself, about the now well-known Military One Source and how CG members are not able to benefit from the program. Look no further, services do exist and you do not need to go through Military OneSource for them. The CG is not forgotten or overlooked. You just have to know where to look.

Military OneSource explains that their benefits are solely intended for members of the DOD and their dependents. As Coast Guard members fall under the Department of Homeland Security, they are not eligible to use Military OneSource. However, CG members and their families should know that the CG does have programs in place to assist its members. These include EAP, WorkLife and your local education office, among many other benefits. Members may not be fully aware of the benefits immediately available to them and are encouraged to speak to their supervisors to find out more ways the CG helps take care of its own. Additionally, Tricare offers various programs for CG members including things like tobacco cessation and weight management programs. Additionally, CG legal is available to help in certain situations, but keep in mind that does not include all legal matters.

Another private corporation also exists for the benefit of CG members’ families, known as Coast Guard Family Organization, Inc. (“CGFO”). Currently, CGFO offers assistance in the areas of financial counseling, educational services, scholarships and grant programs as well as family outreach, including, but not limited to mentoring in fostering and adoption matters. CGFO is continuously looking for ways to improve and expand their services. Dependents may wish to contact CGFO to determine what service(s) best serve their needs. Professionals, various field experts, counselors and attorneys, social workers, etc. who wish to volunteer their time to benefit CG families and spouses through CGFO are invited to contact them. For more information on the organization, what they assist with, how to help or to donate, visit: www.coastguardfamily.org.

Additionally, there are other groups out there that exist for CG members and their families. If you have one you wish to share, please post it here in our comments to make our readers aware.

The Coast Guard Compass

Coast Guard announces new blog, The Coast Guard Compass, hosted at: HTTP://COASTGUARD.DODLIVE.MIL.

From their about us page: "The Coast Guard Compass is the official report of the U.S. Coast Guard on its people and missions. The United States Coast Guard is a military, multimission, maritime service within the Department of Homeland Security and one of the nation’s five armed services. The Coast Guard provides unique benefits to the nation because of its distinctive blend of military, humanitarian, and civilian law-enforcement capabilities. Its core roles are Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, Maritime Mobility, National Defense and the Protection of Natural Resources."

One recent article that you all might enjoy is "Guardian of the Week: The Coast Guard Families". I was humbled and honored to see that our very blog is listed in this particular blog post and that they have included us on their blogroll--thanks Coast Guard Compass! We really do appreciate that.

On this day of observance for Memorial Day...

and every day, we at Waiting for Ships remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We personally remember our own loved ones, as well as the Coast Guardsmen who have died in the line of duty, and we also honor the memory of fallen servicemembers from all of our Nation's Armed Forces.

Soldier, rest!

Thy warfare o'er,

Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,

Dream of battled fields no more.

Days of danger, nights of waking.

-Sir Walter Scott

Separations - Just a Part of the Life

I hear folks time and again complaining about how their loved one has to travel or get underway. On the flip side, I also hear stories of families who are thrilled that the deployments give them a chance to appreciate each other more. Whatever the case may be in your family, it's your right to have an opinion. Be warned though, Coast Guard life is not always easy and as a family member you get to be there for the good, the bad and the sometimes annoying back and forth that comes with military hurry up and wait. If I can say two things, they are:

1) Don't be surprised if your loved one has to get on a ship and/or otherwise deploy. This, my friends, is the United States Coast Guard, an Armed Force that has worldwide presence and impact.

2) Don't feel that you are alone. You are certainly not. There is a widespread, welcoming Coast Guard community family here to support you and commiserate with. Reach out.

Sure, you may have just welcomed a new addition into your family, or you are about to do so. Separations, during, after, before or around such a momentous occasion can be downright frustrating. You may experience a slew of emotions. I know. I have been there and so have countless other Coastie spouses and family members. It is not easy. But, hey, look on the bright side, separations are temporary in the grand scheme of things.

The thing I'm not looking forward to is further deployments as the children get older. In their early days, kids are often oblivious to certain things. As they age, that changes drastically. I have talked about this before. My oldest is already having concerns for upcoming deployments. She cannot even fathom dad being gone for longer stints again-she barely tolerates his schedule now. In turn, this makes him sad. He seems to be feeling as though he's letting her down. I reassured him that this is normal and children will go through this. If it's not a deployment, it will be something else. He is worried though, and I appreciate that. I know that he misses the children terribly when he's away. He misses milestones, the making of friends, birthdays, etc.

On a slightly different note, I asked about overseas tour. I think he thought I wanted to get rid of him. In reality, I don't want him gone for a year at a time. Heck, two-six months at a time is tough enough. Still, you do what you have to do. This is bigger than us. That is what being a Coast Guard family member is all about. We make sacrifices too. All military family members do.

Sometimes I think it is harder for us when they go away (I'm sure I'm contradicting an earlier post by stating this). We have a life to keep living and the day to day activities to tend to, always forging ahead. For them, they have the job-an extremely important one at that! They are focused on that. We are focused on them coming home. They are thinking of the mission at hand. We wonder if it's all that crucial.

It is.

I don't want to be all preachy, but I know I can get that way. Forgive me.

Take this post for what you will. It is more of an out loud conversation with myself to reassure me that I can continue to live this life and that I can continue to support my spouse. Not only can I, but I will. I will because my husband signed on the dotted line and no one had to draft him. He chose this life (as did I when I married him). So many others have too. A lot of folks still take that for granted. They never contemplate what it would be like if no one made the choice. You and I know, the choice would be made for us. So, yes, my husband's job is important and temporary separations are just a small sacrifice that we family members can make to support that choice--to support our country.

The Coast Guard is not a walk in the park. It's not the "easy branch". It's not puddle piracy, or whatever else you may have heard. The Coast Guard is so much larger and means so much more than meets the eye. Those of you already living this life know and appreciate that. Think of that next time the tough days get the best of you or someone complains about a 8 week patrol. If I start complaining, shove this post in my face and give me the reminder too.

Piracy in the 21st Century, what say you?

Today, I had the pleasure of hearing a flag officer speak and one of the subjects he touched upon was modern day piracy. I don't know about you all, but it's not something I'd ever really focused on as a concern. Sure, I've been educated in acts of terrorism, included piracy, and understand, but may not be personally fully prepared for (of course I don't sail), the risks of sailing the seas, but pirates?

I'll be honest with you, I didn't really follow the latest and greatest news on the piracy case. I only know bits and pieces. Sorry, I've been a tad preoccupied.

At any rate, the whole act seems so archaic or does it? Maybe that's why pirates are still successful. Folks underestimate the potential for pirates to overtake their vessel and/or take their lives and materials. Why is that the case?

I'd interested to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Also, be sure to check out Rear Admiral William Baumgartner's recent speech on the subject as he spoke on "International Piracy on the High Seas" before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation, Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, U. S. House of Reprsentatives on February 4, 2009.

Superhero Extraordinaire

My husband is amazing. He is a wonderful father and loving husband. He is a man's man, who keeps his word and lends a hand where needed. He does not wear a cape, but he can wear the heck out of a uniform and make a girl blush.

When we first met, my husband told me he would be getting out of the Coast Guard. He had his mind made up. He thought perhaps a police or fire department would be a better fit for him. Luckily for the Coast Guard he decided to reenlist. Now, he is at the point where getting out would seem silly to most. You know how that is, once you hit 10 years, it just makes sense to stay in.

What is so remarkable to me is the fact that not only did my man in blue opt to reenlist time and again, but he also revamped his career. His outlook has completely changed. He matured along the way and more than I think he even expected. His priorities changed, and he now sees the Coast Guard in a much different light. What once was a job is now an adventure, a career, a life. And, he is living it up, making a difference and impacting lives.

I am certainly biased. I would not have married the man, if I did not see promise and hope in him. Still, the accolades he receives for jobs well done; the reputation he has with his shipmates and other units; and even the assistance he gives to others when it's not his job, reminds me that he is extraordinary. He doesn't have to go above and beyond, but he does. He does so much more than he probably even saw himself doing years back within the Coast Guard and the community.

The Coast Guard has been a terrific vehicle for my love to come into his own. And, he certainly has. I know a number of folks would agree with me. In his line of work, he is a go-to-guy. His expertise is sought out frequently up and down the seaboard and even through some of the schools. Now, that is something to be proud of! Still, he does his job with the same work ethic each and every day and reaches out to assist those in need when he can. To him, that's all part of being a Coast Guardsman and good guy.

I just wanted to say a little something about this man that makes me so proud each and every day, doing what he loves. His unit has thanked him with recognition, and I just wanted to do the same. I am honored to be married to a superhero.

Tuggin' at the ole heartstrings.

One of my daughters was looking at some photos tonight, which featured my man in blue in uniform, a cutter he was once stationed on and other similar photos.

She broke out into a melancholy song and here are some of the words in as much order as I could capture:

You always go away but I still love you
Your the father that I can never forget
Because the only Coast Guard guy I know is my father
When he goes out on the boat, I always make him a welcome sign
I love you more then I love you the best

(Disclaimer, all teary eyes aside, she knows many more Coasties, and yes, that was all improvised, I couldn't catch it all, and I did giggle a bit. I was typing this as she serenaded her Daddy).