Elizabeth is swamped in details. I can see now why each wife is assigned their own casualty officier, there is a lot to think about. What things should be included in the group of belongings that will be stored for a year, what 300-1000 pounds of goods will be shipped to 42 EAst Main, what does she want to bring in her suitcases on December 1, what needs to go with Kay and Maja when they leave on Thursday, how to get the car shipped home, the motorcycle to Wisconsin, the dogs and their crates with their passports and health certificates, her military orders to leave Italy, and a miriad of other concerns. She has received a 3 inch three ring binder fillled with details. She has filled out forms and papers and permissions etc. everyday. One group of men come to pack up her 30 day to delivery cargo, another crew will arrive to box and crate the long term storage belongs. Another group to crate and load the motorcycle. She is calling different agencies and offices to arrange stuff and I am amazed at how much she knows in her brief involvement with the military. Joel, her casualty officer, comes everyday. He is very sweet and efficient and caring. I really like and appreciate him. He stood quietly beside her the whole day last Thursday. He met us as we came onto base, was with her in the receiving room, behind her at the service and at her side for the hours that she was receiving people at the reception. He has become not only our guide but our friend.
The next few days will be packing. For days we have been organizing, sorting, grouping and discarding. Pray that everything gets done in a timely way and arrives where and when it should.
The memorial service in Racine will be on Saturday, December 8th. She will have a service in the Arlington area on December 11 in the evening and the internment on December 12 at 11:00am. The details of each is yet to be finalized but each is open to whomever would like to come. We love you all and want you to know that we appreciate you standing with us, praying for us and writing to us. The grace and peace of God is felt here in Italy.
"We love you all and want you to know that we appreciate you standing with us, praying for us and writing to us."
ReplyDeleteI think the prevalent feeling here is awe and a sense of wanting to help but knowing that there is so little any of us can do. Having said that, we are still teary eyed and praying marveling at God's grace for you to complete such challenging tasks. Helen Kinnen
Margaret, Thank you again for sharing in such wonderful detail the services, with your gift of writing, all that you have been going through. We have been there before for the military funerals and the packing, and our memories are fibrant through your writing. We know that Liz is strong like her mother and obviously doing all that needs to be done. I know I am late but, Happy Birthday Margaret and please travel safely back to the states when all is settled there. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Marti MacArthur
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing to pray that you have the strength and energy to get everything done as you need this week and can still be thankful as we all celebrate Thanksgiving this week.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you all, Mrs. Nordberg.
ReplyDeleteDaniel & Brietta
I continue to pray for all of you, faith filled that God is with you all, NONSTOP, and guiding every thought and movement. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Heather