I was asked to add this article so others could read it. I was approached by someone at N4M's and asked if I would talk to a reporter from the Idaho Satesman about the blue candle lighting that would be taking place beginning Christmas Eve. Of course, I said yes. I was then asked if a photographer could come, to our home, Christmas morning and take a picture of me lighting the candle.
I had to find the article in the archives and there was no picture. Attached is a picture I took of the picture in the article! My wish for next Christmas is that there will be many more candles lit to honor those in the military.
A Day for Blue Candles
The Chaney family in Boise became part of a special tradition this year.
Cindy Chaney is active in a national online community, NAVYforMoms.com. Her son, Morgan, 20, leaves home Saturday for California, where he'll be stationed to train as a medic.
Cindy Chaney, like other members of the online group, lit a special blue candle Christmas morning.
The tradition started some time ago in Texas, with a woman who wanted to do something to honor her son who couldn't be home for the holiday.
"This is the last Christmas for sure we'll have Morgan home. We don't know what the future will bring," Chaney said.
Finding the Navy moms group has been a "lifesaver" for her she added.
"People who don't have kids in the military understand to a certain point what you're going through, but now you can get on the Internet and find hundreds, thousands of mothers who know exactly how you feel."
The online community became low-tech recently. A group of local Navy moms met in person for coffee and pie.
"It was like we knew each other already," Chaney said.
The Chaneys hit a small snag as they prepared for Christmas morning. They found it surprisingly hard to find a true, deep Navy blue candle.
Not to be deterred, Cindy Chaney got the wicks, and wax, and made her own.
Cindy ~ I'll ask you the same thing as I did to Michele...have you had your eyes checked recently! I so wanted to say something about Navy Dads. That's a phone talk, though. Do you really think we look that much alike? We've always been told Morgan takes after the Chaney side more than the Brewer side. You know what would've made our pie and coffee meeting the best? Having my Navy Mom friends from Navy Dads there, too.
Cindy said:
Cindy, love the picture how nice to have Morgan standing beside you.. Michele is right you to look the same age way to go girl friend...
Michele ~ Have you had your eyes checked recently! Thank you, that's sweet. I am very proud to be his mom. He wasn't going to be in the picture until the photographer and Martin encouraged him to do so. I received an email from his 6th grade teacher saying she had seen the article. She said I was famous...then changed it to Morgan being famous. I had to agreee with her. Had it not been for him entering the Navy, the blue candle would not have been lit. Had it not been for Morgan entering the Navy, I wouldn't have found you, Cindy, E.G., and the rest of Navy Dad's! That's been such a wonderful bonus and blessing! You rock!
Michele said:
How awesome is that!! Thank you for sharing :) . . . You know you and Morgan could pass for twins hehehe.
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Cindy said:
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