thedrifter
12-19-07, 08:08 AM
Mother Waits for Sons to Return from Iraq
Not all Michiana families will have a happy reunion this holiday.
One local mother has sent three sons over to Iraq. One is back home, but two others will be spending Christmas in harms way.
Now the family is preparing to celebrate the holidays without them this year.
Natalie Rhoda and her three little grandkids get to spend the holidays together, but there are two people they'll all miss.
Rhoda says, "I have two sons that are in Baghdad. They're within 15 miles of each other."
Normally the Army separates siblings, but the brothers' units are both stationed at Camp Liberty.
Natalie says she's very proud of them, but it doesn't make the holidays easier.
Rhoda says, "It's very hard and with the kids, the grandkids especially you know miss their dad.”
5-year-old Parker holds a picture taken the day his dad left.
His father, Specialist Kevin Bauman, is on his 2nd tour.
And there's one thing Parker wants him to know.
"I love you and I miss you" says Parker.
Rhoda says it's the little ones who make the situation easier to take.
She says, "That's what Kevin and Sean would want is to keep things going for the little ones so that's what we do.”
Stockings with Kevin and Sean's name hang empty in the living room, but there's one surprise that will make it home.
Rhoda says, "I actually have three boys that were over there, and my youngest one is now back home safely in North Carolina.”
Her son Aaron is in the Marines and will get to make it home for the holidays.
As for Kevin and Sean, Natalie can't wait until they can all reunite after more than 3 years.
Rhoda says, "I just want to tell Kevin and Sean that I love them very much, we're very proud of them, keep their head up, and stay safe.”
Specialist Kevin Bauman and Staff Sergeant Christopher Sean Bauman will hopefully be back by June.
Ellie
Not all Michiana families will have a happy reunion this holiday.
One local mother has sent three sons over to Iraq. One is back home, but two others will be spending Christmas in harms way.
Now the family is preparing to celebrate the holidays without them this year.
Natalie Rhoda and her three little grandkids get to spend the holidays together, but there are two people they'll all miss.
Rhoda says, "I have two sons that are in Baghdad. They're within 15 miles of each other."
Normally the Army separates siblings, but the brothers' units are both stationed at Camp Liberty.
Natalie says she's very proud of them, but it doesn't make the holidays easier.
Rhoda says, "It's very hard and with the kids, the grandkids especially you know miss their dad.”
5-year-old Parker holds a picture taken the day his dad left.
His father, Specialist Kevin Bauman, is on his 2nd tour.
And there's one thing Parker wants him to know.
"I love you and I miss you" says Parker.
Rhoda says it's the little ones who make the situation easier to take.
She says, "That's what Kevin and Sean would want is to keep things going for the little ones so that's what we do.”
Stockings with Kevin and Sean's name hang empty in the living room, but there's one surprise that will make it home.
Rhoda says, "I actually have three boys that were over there, and my youngest one is now back home safely in North Carolina.”
Her son Aaron is in the Marines and will get to make it home for the holidays.
As for Kevin and Sean, Natalie can't wait until they can all reunite after more than 3 years.
Rhoda says, "I just want to tell Kevin and Sean that I love them very much, we're very proud of them, keep their head up, and stay safe.”
Specialist Kevin Bauman and Staff Sergeant Christopher Sean Bauman will hopefully be back by June.
Ellie