Private Charles “Trey” Durand III

& wife,

PFC Cammie Sutton Durand

Misc and Zoo pics 061

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