Tuesday, December 8, 2009

"I regard myself a soldier, though a soldier of PEACE." -Gandhi

yesterday was emotional for me and my family. we attended the deployment ceremony for my older brother Marco and his troop.

He's about to deploy to Iraq for another year for his THIRD tour. It doesn't seem right during the Christmas month.

My heart is heavy knowing in a week he will be in one of the most dangerous places on earth for a whole year. and though our family has had to do these twice- it does not get any easier.

We are so proud of him. SO VERY proud.


My friend Tony Guiterrez is the Chief Photog for one of the stations here. [He actually was my first photographer when i worked as a reporter.] He interviewed my brother for a story last night and since he didn't have a reporter with him, tony had me stand in and ask questions. It was a sweet moment shared with my brother. Tony put together the following video...





so as SAD as i am... as heavy as my heart is.... after watching that, how can you not be proud?
i am SO PROUD.

Fallon, if you're reading this, the Christmas present in my hands is the postcard pillow i bought for Marco. I chose this fabric for his pillow because i wanted him to be reminded of home. On the back, mine and twinkie's personal message was:

"Our Dearest Kuya (filipino for brother),

Keep this pillow with you each night & know your family is at home waiting for your safe return. You're our Hero. Our older brother who's always protected us. Now you get to do it in a bigger capacity.

Lava You,
the twinkies "

*lava you is our inside joke for love you.

Fallon, he texted me and marianne this morning to say he slept with his AWESOME pillow last night. He was so thankful.

Thank-you for rushing it out to me as fast as you did.

It was the perfect gift. xo

26 comments:

Marisa said...

this just made me tear up...

i know how hard it was for you bestie and what a perfect gift for him to keep close while he is away from you and your family

Marisa said...

ps... the way you are looking at him when you hand the present.
i want to give you a hug...

Jessica Coody said...

Oh, this made me cry! Tony did a great job- I love his work. I love the shot of your father coming up behind Marco and putting his arm around him. Such a genuine moment!
You aren't the only one proud of your brother, my dear!
He'll remain in my prayers~
XOXO

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

This is a heart touching post. My brother in law was injured in Iraq and so I am SO thankful for ALL soldiers. So thankful for your brother, he is my prayers!

Unknown said...

i am so grateful for your brother and all the troops who are deploying in the next few months. we just got word that my cousin will be leaving for his second tour (this time in Afghanistan) right after christmas. i am so unbelievably proud of him, as i know you are of your brother!

Micaela said...

thank you sweet girls. it means all the world to me. xoxo

M- i wished you could have hugged me! i know your brother in law is over there so i pray for him as well. love you!

Jenni said...

That video and this entire post brought me to tears. Yes, I'm sitting her crying as I type this post. Don't judge.

I am so proud of your brother. He is so brave and wonderful and I am so thankful and grateful for his devotion to the service. I couldn't even be sitting here typing this to you if it wasn't for him. When you talk to him again (hopefully closer to Christmas) tell him thanks from me.

I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers for the holiday season. Being away from the family at any time of the year is hard but over the holidays has to be the worst.

ps- that postcard pillow was such a great idea! Go you! :)
pss- you are adorable! Loved being able to see you in live action... haha

Jamie said...

Goodness, this made me cry. I'll be praying for him and your family!

Jamie said...

Goodness, this made me cry. I'll be praying for him and your family!

Anonymous said...

oh M, bless him, we're all praying he stays safe :)

Gabby said...

Okay, I can't stop the tears. I am sad for you and your family, but wow....your brother is an absolute hero! He'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

VanessasRunway said...

What a wonderful post! So beyond sweet and emotional! Great dedication for your courageous brother who is in all of our thoughts! :)

Chelsea Talks Smack said...

sending lots of love to your brother

Fallon said...

Oh miceala, I can't believe I got to watch a video of you handing the pillow to him. I'm so happy to have been a part of such a personal gift. You should be very PROUD of your brave brother. It's such a selfless thing he and others do for our country :) This video and story made my night ♥ God Bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful family.
Believe me, I could not be prouder and grateful for what your brother and the rest of those troops are doing for us.

And what a thoughtful gift! He'll think of his family every time before he falls asleep and know that you guys are just waiting for that year to be up and he can finally come home. :)
Stay strong, lady. :)

-Sandra

Petergaye S. Kisielewicz of Yahgie said...

It must be so hard. So sad. Sending all my blessing.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Your brother and your family are in my prayers. Thank him for all of us please!

Gracie said...

Ohh wow! You made me feel so teary and emotional. That is truly precious and I can see why you are so proud of your brother. I pray for your brother and your whole family.

Sending big hugs! xx

Belen said...

aw, i totally got some tears going!
your kuya will be in my thoughts and prayers!

man, micaela, it's gotta be this filipino thing cuz my family and i TOTALLY say "lava you" too!!! hahahaha.

also, i've definitely gotta that postcard pillow in mind. i MUST have one one day! :)

i heart choo big seester!

Sara Luxe said...

love this post . love to you all
http://pmp-oneinamillion.blogspot.com

Erin {pughs' news} said...

Oh my. I don't know what to say, Micaela. I'm thinking of you and your family and wishing your brother a safe time in such a dangerous place. I hope you will be celebrating Christmas together next year.

Anonymous said...

ohh I wish I could view this video from work but it doesn't look like it will let me! Tell your brother thank you! that is such a sweet gift idea!

Anonymous said...

beautiful.

you have such a gorgeous looking family! so jealous.

i wish the best of luck to your brother and my prayers are with his safety.

Rhianne said...

that pillow is a wonderful present and you, your brother and entire family are amazing, you are all in my thoughts x

Unknown said...

my exhusband was deployed twice.
it was the hardest and most confusing time of my life.

this war is for shit.
i have too many people i care about who have been affected directly or indirectly because of it.
i want it to end.

I still have friends who are currently serving.
your brother , along with all of our men and woman are in my thoughts daily.

Ill never forget the reunion day when they come off the plane/boat/bus/ and are greeted with open arms.

its an emotional rollercoaster. be strong ... i know we ride on their bravery. they're all heros

<3

Micaela said...

Gina, I was touched by your comment. THANK YOU for sharing. Big hugs your way sweet girl.

Sara Louise, thank you! and so nice to meet you. How dreamy is your blog? xo

THANK-YOU for all these precious comments. it means all the world.

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