January 2007 rolled around. We had visited the hospital several times between Nate’s visit and this visit, but within this time period, we both had some changes in our lives. We now have a third person helping us. Deb has a family member who spent time as a patient at Bethesda on the same wing we visit. My son returned home with his wife and an honorable discharge after serving in the Corps for four years. And my dear friend, Janelle, had become a Gold Star Mom.

Corporal Justin James Watts will be forever in our hearts.



We will never forget the sacrifices our men and women have made
in their service to our country.
Whether they return home safely, or wounded, or as a Fallen Hero,
We will never forget.
And we will never forget the sacrifices made by
those who have served before them, in other wars.

Okay, sorry, I got a little side-tracked… couldn’t help myself… the Marine Momma came out in me…

Rain was forecast for this January day, but for some reason the sun shined down brightly on us. I think it was because a certain Marine Angel was smiling down on his Momma. The three of us met at the halfway point, loaded the SUV and the car up, and headed to the hospital.

We arrived at Bethesda a little ahead of schedule, found our escort, unloaded, and headed up to the ward. The Liaison office had posted flyers in the hallways with the time and place in advance to give everyone the heads up that there would be lunch for them this afternoon. Lunch was ham and turkey lunch meat with all the sandwich makings, potato salad, macaroni salad, assorted chips, cheese and crackers, olives and pickles, fresh fruit, Entenmanns’s pastries, and assorted juice drinks.

We also filled the pantry for the families. All of this was made possible by private donations and Operation Thank You. The patients and families are treated very well and want for nothing, but little touches of home are always nice. Marine Moms-Bethesda tries to bring those little touches of home to them.