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I've mentioned before that this last year has been a hard one and amongst those hard things was the news that Josh Downs would be deploying to Afghanistan.
He left on Saturday with these surprise photos taped on the inside cover of his Bible...
If you're reading this Josh Downs, I miss you already.
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Thinking of your family Karen and thanking you all for the sacrifices you're making! I am forever grateful to you and all the other military families that that protect our freedom.
Posted by: Mary | August 01, 2011 at 04:12 AM
God bless Josh Downs...and your family! Please thank him for his service...you'll be in our prayers.
Posted by: Tami B. | August 01, 2011 at 04:24 AM
Praying for your family and a safe return for Josh.
Posted by: Leslie Murphy | August 01, 2011 at 04:27 AM
Josh and your family will have many prayers coming their way.
Posted by: Alison | August 01, 2011 at 04:53 AM
Thank you for your sacrifces for the protection of our freedom. May God Bless you during this time, with patience,love,and wisdom, while he watches over us, and your husband, for a safe return to all.
Posted by: Beth W | August 01, 2011 at 05:01 AM
Thinking of you and your family. We are currently enduring our first deployment right now, so I know first hand how tough the first couple days/weeks are. ((((HUGS))))
Posted by: denise m | August 01, 2011 at 05:03 AM
Oh I am so sorry for you...this is tough. I am grateful to men and women all over the country who serve so willingly and with love of country and people. I will pray for all of you: that he may be safe and you will weather through this quickly and with ease. my heart goes out to you.
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | August 01, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Karen, We are so grateful for Josh's duty to our country. I completely welled up when I read this. I don't even know you but can truly imagine how hard it would be to be apart. I pray for your strength and for his safety. You are already one day closer each day to seeing each other again. Sunny days are coming!
Posted by: live_love_scrap@yahoo.com | August 01, 2011 at 05:27 AM
Oh sweetheart, that must be so hard for you guys. Thinking of you!!!
Posted by: Manon Keir | August 01, 2011 at 05:32 AM
Oh, Karen, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of your entire family. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for all of you to be separated for such a long time. I pray that you will all be safe and that this time makes you an even stronger family.
Posted by: Heather Topich | August 01, 2011 at 05:33 AM
What great photos!
God bless your family!
Posted by: {vicki} | August 01, 2011 at 05:40 AM
Praying for you, Josh and your family! The pictures are wonderful, they made me all teary eyed (in the train, mind you). A big hug to you from across the pond, the Atlantic one.
Posted by: Edith | August 01, 2011 at 05:49 AM
Praying for all the family. Thank you to the entire family for your commitment to our freedom. May God bless
Posted by: Laura | August 01, 2011 at 06:04 AM
Karen, my heartfelt prayers for you, Josh, and the kids. Having just endured a year long deployment of my oldest son, I can identify with most of the feelings you are going through, although you have the added worries of children. I hope through prayer and support from your family and friends, be it in person or through your vast network of internet friends, that you all are able to cope. I also pray that Josh's time in Afghanistan passes quickly and uneventfully. Oh, that that he's close to tent full of computers and Skype! That really, really helps!
Posted by: Cathy K | August 01, 2011 at 06:11 AM
Ugh...I had no idea...tearing up looking at those pictures. Will pray for strength for you and a safe return for Josh Downs. Thanks to your family for the sacrifice for our country. You are the real heroes in this world!
Posted by: Kelliann | August 01, 2011 at 06:15 AM
Your photos are bringing tears to my eyes this morning. Praying for your family and most of all that Josh returns home soon, safe and sound. God bless you all for the sacrifices your family makes. I love your photos and stories. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kim | August 01, 2011 at 06:26 AM
I will keep you all in my prayers. Thank you for the sacrifices your family is making to keep our country safe. Loved the pictures, very sweet. Take care.
Posted by: susan lew | August 01, 2011 at 06:48 AM
Typing through tears...bless you, your family, and especially Josh! May he stay safe and come home soon!
Posted by: Diane knott | August 01, 2011 at 06:49 AM
Love and prayers being said and sent to ALL of you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful REAL life with us. Thank you Josh Downs for your sacrifices, your love for our Country and for your family. God is good and will take care of everything.
Posted by: stephanie ackerman | August 01, 2011 at 06:51 AM
Thank you Josh for your commitment to God and country. Thank you Karen for sharing the news so that we can lift you in prayer. Thank you Lord for this incredible family. Lord bless them indeed. You're all that they need. Expand their horizons beyond what they see. Put your hand upon them and keep them from evil. This is what I pray...
Thinking of you in California!
Posted by: ana roat | August 01, 2011 at 06:54 AM
Thanks to Josh, Karen and your wonderful family for your sacrifice for this country.
May God hold Josh and all the soldiers in his hand, until they can return safely.
Posted by: Julie | August 01, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Wow. God Bless all of you. Praying.
Posted by: Kelly Koesters | August 01, 2011 at 07:08 AM
And now, I'm crying... Your sacrifice is appreciated by so many, and even though it probably doesn't ease your pain, it, too, is felt by many...Return safe and sound, Josh Downs
Posted by: Mindy | August 01, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Dear, dear Karen and kids - You will never not be in my prayers. Love you all. Nancy
Posted by: nancy in ks | August 01, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Praying for your entire family.
Posted by: erinaaaa | August 01, 2011 at 07:44 AM