Time to go

Well... What to say. As everyone knows, my brother-in-law and sister are leaving. We had a "going away" party for them this weekend with all of the family and friends. I was asked by one of my friends (in a joking manner) "why have a party celebrating them leaving? Does your family care that trisha is following him to another country?". I just shook my head and shrugged it off, but the question did still stir in my head... "why were we having a party to celebrate my only sister and big brother leaving." It was only at the party that I realized the answer to this... We weren't celebrating them leaving, we were celebrating them opening a new chapter in their lives. We were there to show them that we loved them and we were there for them no matter how far away they may be from us. We were celebrating Mike's incredible opportunities and my sister's undying love for him. As this realization hit, I understood the second part of my friends question... Trisha isn't following, she never would, she is walking beside him... Hand in hand to wherever their lives lead them. Sure, I give Mike trouble about "taking my sister away", but I only say it in fun. I truly hope he realizes that I wouldn't want her to walk through life with any other man. So, as we draw inevitably closer to the day you both walk onto that plane, we shouldn't be sad or upset, we should rejoice. The shy young girl with so many dreams and aspirations has grow into a beautiful women. A women who is eager to explore a new world and start a new life with a man of great fortitude, strength, and the undying dedication to achieve his dreams. I want you both to leave knowing a few things...
We all love you. Our love is complete and unwavering and will be with you always.
Don't be afraid of the un-know... Many great things were un-know at one time and as long and you go hand in hand there will be familiarity in any situation.
Kiss each other every night before bed and every morning when you wake up... This will show each other that your love is just as strong as it was the day you were married.
Last, but not least, don't think of us as an ocean apart... Because we're not. We're there with you every step of the way and a simple phone call is all that separates us.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
and, Until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

GOD has blessed both of your lives. We all love you and will see you soon.

September 11th

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting there in my 12th grade senior comp class. Everyday we watched c-span in that class to get "inspiration" for our writtings. All of a sudden something happened that got our attention. Instead of the dull and boring talk that we were acustomed to, the news caster talked as if she was out of breath as she said "A plane has just hit one of the twin towers..." I thought to myself "WHAT??" (as most of the rest of the world did) and as if she had asked herself the same question she repeated it "A plane has just hit one of the twin towers, reports are starting to come in but are still sketchy." I though then that it was a horrible accident and even mentioned "how could a pilot make that mistake?" I soon learned how naive I was. I beleived that human beings weren't capable of this, regaurdless of the ideals of the god. I was wrong. As the second plane hit the other tower my heart plunged and anger and saddness took over. I had the horrible experience of being a 17 year old kid that helplessly watched his countrymen die for things that they didn't do and for what the terrorists called a "war" that our country never started. I still can't get the images out of my head of the people plumitting out of the buildings knowing that the fall is far better than the death of smoke or fire. As the towers fell so did the hearts of a nation... We lost over 3000 of our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and friends. Regardless if you knew anyone, you were touched by the loss and morned it. For once in the history I remember we were a country united. The entire city of New York poured out to help. On this day we should morn our country's loss and the loss of the families directly effected... but we should also celebrate our triumph over evil. We united, we overcame, and we triumphed in doing so. God bless our brave men and women who were there that day and helped, may they get relief from their health problems attributed with that day, God bless our fallen brothers and sisters, may they greet us in heaven, and god bless america.
We love you all,
James and Stacey

The End of Summer

As everyone knows this weekend marks the end of summer... This means more people on the road (young hormone enraged people), shorter days, and endless clouds. BUT, this also means one more excuse to go camping! So, as a time honored Fues family tradition, Stacey, the dog, and I are going camping with the rest of the family. This will be our inaugural camping trip with all of our new camping stuff. But with the good comes the bad... As you all know, my sister and brother in law will soon be leaving for Scotland. I think this will be tough because she's only been gone for about 3 months before. Well, at least we get one more party of it.
Oh yea Steve, when you back up things come from behind you. Just a FYI


this is our loveable, but naughty, dog Shelby.