Marcie's Flowered Curtains: I Left My Heart in Salt Lake City

Monday, September 22, 2008

I Left My Heart in Salt Lake City

John has been waiting for so long to finally leave for boot camp that it should not have been such a suprise when shortly after arriving at the hotel in SLC, he unexpectedly announced that he was checking in. "Goodbye," he said abruptly in a very matter-of-fact voice.

As we hugged, kissed and I expressed my love to him I felt his emotions begin to surface in his voice and mine exploding from within. I pulled back and watched as Paul and Peter embraced him as well. Heather returned to his arms for a second round of goodbyes. I had to turn away and as I did, I literally felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. I struggled to breathe, the emotions were so deep. A steady stream of tears seemed to engulf my face as we walked in silence toward the foodcourt in the mall for some comfort...food!

Goodbye for now, John. I am so proud of you.

A Military Mother’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

Give me the greatness of heart to see the difference between a Mother’s love and Duty to Country. Give me understanding that I may know when duty calls them, they must go. Please give me a task to do each day to fill my thoughts when they’re away. And Lord, when they are in a foreign land, keep them safe in your loving hand. And Lord, when duty is in the field, please protect them and be their shield. Lord, when deployment is so long, please give me the support to remain strong. Amen

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About Me

I was born in San Pedro, CA to a Greek immigrant father and a mother who was first generation Greek, American born. They are two of my greatest heroes, and I express gratitude to them for not only giving me life, but for the incredible sacrifices they made for their daughters. I am proud of my heritage, but I "am not a hyphenated anything!" I am an AMERICAN.

I grew up in Long Beach, CA and was a proud "jackrabbit" at Long Beach Poly High. (Skit, skat, how 'bout that!) I graduated with my Associates from Long Beach City College. My transcript was sent to Cal State Long Beach, but I married the summer before entering, and worked to help my husband finish his education after his return from deployment to Germany. We divorced and my biggest regret in life is not returning to finish mine.

I married Paul in 1980, and helped raise his daughters who are now married with children. From the girls, we have five grandsons and one great-grandson.

Together, we have two awesome miracle sons, a precious daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and an angel granddaughter.

I have four sisters that are part of my heart and soul, despite our differences: Mary, Irene, Nicoletta, and Angeline. From them, I have twelve wonderful nieces and nephews, and numerous (32 and counting) grand-nieces and nephews!

After leaving Long Beach, we lived in Fallbrook, CA for seventeen years before moving to Orem, UT. I love the mountains, but I dearly miss the ocean.

My church is my life. You will see it reflected in my writings, my testimony of the Gospel, and my deep love for my Heavenly Father, my Savior and the Holy Ghost.

A Tribute to Joni Mitchell and Days Gone By

Teenage years are often the best years of your life but they can often be tumultuous times as well. Loosing Dad at the onset of my junior year was bad enough but then Mom had to venture out and go to work. Angie, my youngest sister and I often comment on how when Dad died, we lost our mom as well. These were lonely and very reflective days. I often found solace in my sanctuary...my bedroom. I painted the walls of my room a bright and sunny yellow, purchased navy blue curtains with bright colorful flowers, and spent hours listening to the sounds of Joni Mitchell and others on my "turn-table". I was so proud that I purchased these items with my own, hard-earned money! Joni Mitchell's songs reached deep into my searching soul and I totally connected with many of her lyrics. When I discovered the song "Marcie" on a newly purchase album "Song to a Seagul", I was quite excited. Marcie was not a common name back then at all and the words, for many personal reasons, felt like they were written just for me. So therein lies my tribute to Joni Mitchell...and days gone by.