Since October of last year my wife and I had some house guests. Jessica and Addysson Janisch. My wife's nephew, Marine Sergeant Brian C Janisch, was ordered to Iraq for his second tour. They were a young couple living in California with a 14 month old daughter and a serviceman's pay. They are saving for a house and asked if Jess and the baby could stay here while he went to Iraq.  There was no way we were going to say no.

Sergeant Janisch came back home safe and sound this month. We went to dinner this week and he presented to me the United States flag that had flown over his base at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq on March 16th. I know that because it came with a signed certificate from the commanding officer.

Brian and I drove back to my house in my car while Addy and our wives went back in another. He expressed how much it meant to him to have me watching over his family while he went to war. I felt it was my duty and I was honored to do it.

Now the little girl that I grew to love will be going to Okinawa, Japan with her parents. I believe life has surprised me with a beautiful little bouquet of flowers.