My son recently returned from a year deployment in Ramadi, Iraq. He volunteered to go, and served as a mortar man and a gunner with the Mountain Infantry Division. He was assigned to the Vermont Unit, as his Brewer unit had not yet been called up.

I would like to thank all the wonderful people who showed their concern, put him on the prayer list at their churches and offered a kind word without hesitation. Not a day went by that the great people I work with at the ED at EMMC did not ask how Ryan was doing and also, how I was doing. That meant more to me than any of them could ever possibly imagine.

The vast array of emotions changes daily, sometime hourly, even by the minute. Anyone who has had a family member stationed away can appreciate knowing that their loved ones are in people’s hearts and minds.

If you know of anyone who has a service member serving our country, just a simple question to that person is a kind way of showing that you are thinking of them. Regardless of your opinion of the war, we should support our troops and their families.

It may not seem like much, but just a kind thought and prayer helps us through one more day that our brave family members are defending our freedom.

Ellen Celli

Brewer