Private Charles “Trey” Durand III
& wife,
PFC Cammie Sutton Durand
Trey,
Since the moment I first met you, conversation with you has been easy, natural, meant to be. I remember giving you a hard time about a certain bracelet you wore. And learning about your life, your family. Lots of questions. That’s me! You picked up on that rather quickly. And you didn’t seem to mind.
Life has been moving in fast motion. I remember when you first decided to join the National Guard after that fateful day when you rode with Cammie to her Recruiter’s office. I remember how mad she was at first and how much she struggled. I’m sure it seemed a little contradictory seeing as how she is in the National Guard. But I knew then that she had strong feelings for you and wondered what would become of your relationship.
I remember the tears streaming down your face one Sunday morning when you were in church with us. I remember the texts you sent me asking me to take care of Cammie, that she was going to be very sad. You asked me what I thought about you. That was easy to answer. You let me grill you over a series of text messages. I remember asking you the one most important question in the world to me—do you have a relationship with Christ? You answered quickly and specifically. I remember smiling, praying that you and Cammie would grow together in Christ. Like a Pirate guarding treasure, I locked those text messages on my cell.
And then—the news of Cammie’s pregnancy. Days passed and more text messages came. You were so open with me about your emotions. God was doing an amazing work in both you and Cammie. Again, I locked those messages, read them over and over and cried. And then I got a new cell phone, but that’s another story.
Over the past months I’ve watched you closely, Trey. I’ve learned so much about you. Being the “Mama” that I am , I observe the differences in the relationships my girls have in hopes that I may be able to advise them. I’m learning a lot in this area about boundaries as a new mother-in-law and parenting an adult daughter and mother-to-be. Remember, this is new territory for me, too. You are the son I never had. You are family. Know that any time I have worried or fussed or asked about insurance on your car, it is because I love you. And again, I’m learning.
A lump is growing in my throat as I type. It’s hard to fathom watching another child leave for basic. Such a proud moment, yet bittersweet. I will be here supporting you with my love, prayers and letters I shall call The Trey Tribune (unless I come up with another “T” word). I’ll comfort my daughter and help prepare her for the birth of your son—my first grandson. Know that your circle of support has enlarged greatly!
Although I often joke with you and call you my Redneck Son-in-law, I’m so proud to call you “Son”. And I secretly love that you like to go “noodling” and use your fat friend as an anchor. I love that you laugh a lot. And I love that you are easy to talk to and teachable. I love that you willingly took my vacuum apart to troubleshoot it, checked the wiring in my bedroom and discovered the use of the extra switch on the wall. I love that you were a Volunteer Fireman and instructed me in kitchen safety after my near miss this weekend. YIKES! I love that—like a true Redneck—you can find good uses for duct tape. For example: the handle of Sophie’s baby doll stroller. I love who you are. And I love what God is doing in you! I love that you love my daughter!
Trey, draw close to Christ during this season of your life—not only because you will most certainly need Him—but because without Him, nothing else really matters. As you prepare for battle, I pray you will grow in Christ and prepare also for the Spiritual battles that we fight daily. As you take on so many new roles—husband, father, Soldier—remember to stay equipped and hide His Word in your heart.
And I will stand believing that by your God you shall run through a troop and by your God you shall leap over a wall. (from Psalm 18:29)
. . . “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10
I love you!
Mama Rena
rena,
This is beautiful. I always knew you would make a wonderful mom and you proved me correct even though I do not see you often except occaionally at walmart you are always in my heart and my prayers. congrats on everything
Beautiful Rena. As mom to three boys, I pray their mother-in-law’s would be this transparent, this authentic, this loving. Trey is blessed.
Sobbing! Rena, you have such a kind and gentle spirit! Your family is incredibly blessed to have a strong, praying, God fearing woman praying and calling out to Jesus for them! I will keep them lifted up in prayer as well.
Do you remember asking if I knew of any soldiermom blogs? I think you just paved the way! I know you are still learning but you are already a great example. Maybe your letters to Trey could be a separate blog that other moms of soliders could read and link back to this one? Anyway, good job!
Awe, that was sad.
Good luck Trey, but remember not to use duct tape in place of band-aids.
God Bless!
Boom de clap de clap
As the father of the soldier to be, father to be, and new Husband, I wish you tell you Rena that the true love and effection you have shown for my son has made my heart warm. I know that he will be a great husband to your daughter and as for a father to his child I have waited his whole life to see him be a father because he love for kids is like no other.
I am sadden that he will miss the birth but everything I am tells me in his heart he will be with her.
I will make sure that he see’s his brand new baby boy as soon as the Dr.’s will let him travel.
I love you and your family and hope that we always will be close and be a strong source of love and knowledge for our newly wed couple of kids.
Thank you for loving my son he is everything to me, my heart will not beat the same until he is safe back home with us.
Charles
Rena,
first thanks for visiting my blog. your kind words did my heart good.
second thanks to bth Cammie and Trey for their sacrifices for all of us and our country.
There is just something about a redneck country dad that melts my heart every time. C got to come home last night just a fly by visit really and left again this afternoon but seeing him hold our youngest and cuddle him to him and the disparity in the size and yet how gentle he looks holding the babe….and watching him tease with and tickle the older boys and guide them as they grow. They just make awesome dad’s.
Congrats on the grandson to be and enjoy every second of it.
Steff
Rena, This is awesome! I teared up as I was reading it on my i-phone to Damon. Trey is truly blessed to have you and your family. I will keep him in my prayers for a safe return. Cammie is also blessed to have you by her side to be there when Trey cannot be….Congratulatins on a brave family and a new grandbaby to come. –Holly
Sniff!! How sweet! He must be a very special addition to your family.
Congrats, good luck, and God bless Trey and Cams! Right back at you Gordo on the boom de clap de clap!
May God bless and bring Trey home safetly.