tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post3385081346546807642..comments2023-12-30T23:28:29.192-05:00Comments on The Yllescas Family: Back in NebraskaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-19298321221088968912009-01-10T14:30:00.000-05:002009-01-10T14:30:00.000-05:00Dena, I am in Lincoln if you need anything.....Dena, I am in Lincoln if you need anything.....Rachelle Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15724965902279649268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-21434160322294769052008-12-19T22:51:00.000-05:002008-12-19T22:51:00.000-05:00Hearing that roll call would be so, so difficult. ...Hearing that roll call would be so, so difficult. I would break down. Just reading about it broke my heart.<BR/><BR/>I'm praying for you and your girls, that you feel God's arms and peace wrapped around you as you continue on without Rob.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-314997910003411882008-12-16T22:54:00.000-05:002008-12-16T22:54:00.000-05:00Dena, we're still praying for all of you. Hang in...Dena, we're still praying for all of you. Hang in there - God bless!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-68330529446399425062008-12-16T22:32:00.000-05:002008-12-16T22:32:00.000-05:00Hello Dena, I am Linda Garcia's husband. We are b...Hello Dena, I am Linda Garcia's husband. We are both friends of Rob's Mom and were in Oseola for the service last week. I attended my share of memorial services while doing time 'in country', back in 67. It seems that this military ritual, which when I was in the Army, begins every soldier's day, roll-call, is now part of present day memorial services. <BR/><BR/> In my way of thinking, each and every civilian who resides in the United States, should be made to stand at a roll call and be challenged to feel the loss, the emptiness, the abject pain of losing a member of one's Company. <BR/><BR/> I walked away from my military career after almost 3 years of service and for the past 40 years relied on professionals like Rob Yllescas, to maintain our freedom and engage in battle against our enemies. My scab was torn open when Linda and I had to stand by and watch our oldest son Che, leave to go into the war zone that continues to be Iraq. Recently, my God-child, Ronee, also answered the call of her Country. They both returned physically intact. Yet you can sense the pain that they both carry with them.<BR/><BR/>Dena, the way is clear to watch your girls grow up. To return to Oseola and resume your life. In the Spring, when this awful winter is over with, we will have all the women of the Yllescas Clan over our house for enchiladas!<BR/><BR/>This is a man's letter, from the perspective of a soldier, a father, a citizen. Soon, this stage of your life will become the fabric of your experience and will be able to use this fabric to weave a relevant, full and rich life in a Country that continues to rely on the sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.<BR/><BR/>Jose F. GarciaSouth Side Hombrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09883589917175307408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-34632211782256497562008-12-16T16:36:00.000-05:002008-12-16T16:36:00.000-05:00Dena, Joe and I are constantly thinking of you. M...Dena, Joe and I are constantly thinking of you. Miles separate us but you are never far from our hearts. We pray the house sells quickly and you and the girls can adjust to life back home.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11145060935857935243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-12157686968299139772008-12-16T14:43:00.000-05:002008-12-16T14:43:00.000-05:00My condolences to you and your family for your los...My condolences to you and your family for your loss. My prayers best wishes go out to you.<BR/><BR/>LTC Kevin Paul<BR/>University of Nebraska Class of 1989Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-22207382385739525702008-12-16T14:04:00.000-05:002008-12-16T14:04:00.000-05:00Hi Dena, we have never met either...I also have be...Hi Dena, we have never met either...I also have been following your blogs....I am so sorry ....your walk with Jesus encourages me.....thank you ...nancynacotacohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00169269449005204640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-78819578671422178002008-12-15T23:13:00.000-05:002008-12-15T23:13:00.000-05:00Dena, How hard it must have been to walk in to the...Dena, <BR/>How hard it must have been to walk in to the house in Texas. I remember when my uncle died, hearing my aunt crying in the closet holding on to some clothes of his. It will be tough when you go to pack up the house when you move. I remember something from the funeral or blogs that Rob liked to spend time on the boat. Do you own a boat? One way you could remember Rob is to take a family trip on your anniversary with your family and take the boat out on the water. I know holidays, birthdays, and other important days that you and Rob shared will be tough (they are still tough for some in my family after 15 years). Just use those days not as sad days, but as days of celebration that God brought Rob into your lives and gave you two very beautiful girls. The roll call thing sucks and I know they do that type of thing for firemen too. I am not looking forward to the day when they do that for my husband when his time has come. If you ever need to talk to someone who has been through what you are, just let me know and I will get you in contact with my aunt. sara.noble@hotmail.com<BR/><BR/>Sara(Everingham)Noble<BR/>StromsburgSara(Everingham)Noblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15931710263247706412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-78067371539038314512008-12-15T21:32:00.000-05:002008-12-15T21:32:00.000-05:00Dena, I agree with you about the roll call. I thin...Dena, I agree with you about the roll call. I think it is cruel for the family to have to sit through but it is tradition and you know how the military is about it's traditions. You have every right to feel anger. It is part of the grieving process. Don't be afraid to ask for a shoulder to cry on or help. You do not have to be strong 24/7. Just remember you have loads of friends out here. Call us and we will be there anytime,any place. Hugs,Cindy N.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-69383057978542303382008-12-15T21:24:00.000-05:002008-12-15T21:24:00.000-05:00Dear, dear Dena,You so honestly and sincerely open...Dear, dear Dena,<BR/>You so honestly and sincerely open up your heart. Your pain is raw and like none the rest of us can imagine. We say prayers to God to carry you through the moments, days, weeks, months, and years ahead. <BR/><BR/>When our son lost a friend through his service in the military, it was the other military families, especially the military wives, that gathered around Garrison's wife and protected and supported her. They are a strong and noble bunch, and I thank God for the sacrifices they, and their loved ones, are making on our behalf. <BR/><BR/>Allow yourself to feel your pain and as you so poignantly write, continue to breathe your faith, journal your feelings, and love the Father of us all who helps us through the valley of the shadow of death.<BR/><BR/>God's peace and as always, hugs and prayers,<BR/>Mitch and VickiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-59368661044382300172008-12-15T20:29:00.000-05:002008-12-15T20:29:00.000-05:00Hi Dena - I saw your link on Nancy's site. I ...Hi Dena - I saw your link on Nancy's site. I read your story and my heart goes out to you. I think its great you are using your situation as a witness to others by telling the world that you get your strength from God! I pray God will comfort you during this time, and just from reading your blog I have no doubt you will raise your girls to be Godly Christian women and that you will make sure Rob is honored & remembered. God Bless!<BR/>Kimberly TenkleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-76444080997962396222008-12-15T15:58:00.000-05:002008-12-15T15:58:00.000-05:00Dena,Hello my name is SSG Matthew Kinney. I am one...Dena,<BR/><BR/>Hello my name is SSG Matthew Kinney. I am one of two flight medics that helped stablize your husband at the FST in order for him to make the flight to JAF, where he was flown with SGT Connaughton (the 2nd flight medic)to restablize him by the FST there. I was not there for the flight after he was stablized far forward on the way to JAF my crew followed close behind as we pulled the guts out of the aircraft in enroute to JAF. Then on he went to BAF to their FST. Your husband fought a good fight and he was a very strong man. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish and pray for you and your family that you will have only the best. You are a very strong woman and you will do well for your children. When things get tough just think keep putting one foot in front of the other. I know it might not seem like much but I use it. I am supposed to be asleep getting rest to pull 2nd up tomorrow pulling MEDEVAC Mission but Mrs. MaryAnn at Angels for Soldiers Germany got ahold of me and started talking about some patients and some of the news post or even blogs from Bella, Wanat, and others and then later she mentioned your husband and you. She even sent me the link to your blog. I can say it made me cry. You wont get that much out of me but I can tell you truely loved your husband and any man would hope to have a wife as strong and loving as you. I see the same qualities in my wife but she has not had to endure the burden that you have faced and still do. I thank your husband for serving his country because he felt it was his duty. Thank you for the support you showed him and your family, and thank you for sharing it with the world. I am sure it has and will help others who will go through the same things in the future. Take good care of your girls and yourself as Rob would want you to. May God bless you and keep you and your family safe and well taken care of. If you have any questions you can email me if you want. matthewkinney@yahoo.com <BR/><BR/>VR<BR/><BR/>SSG Matthew KinneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-27749970778237263872008-12-15T14:42:00.000-05:002008-12-15T14:42:00.000-05:00Hi Dena,I am glad that you made it back to Nebrask...Hi Dena,<BR/>I am glad that you made it back to Nebraska safely. We have been thinking of you a lot lately and hope that you are doing well. My heart aches for you and your little girls. You are a great mommy and I know that you and the girls are going to make Rob proud. (Even prouder than he already was.) :-) I also wanted to wish you a happy birthday in just a few days. (It's your 30th, right?) Anyways, I just want you to know that we will continue to pray for you. Make sure you are taking good care of yourself, lean on the support of others. Julia and Eva are lucky to have such an awesome mommy. :-) Take Care. Love, Dan, Jaime, Ashley, Nicolas, and Mitchell<BR/>P.S. Tell Aunt Bev "thank you" for mailing me Mitchell's hat and gloves. He definately needs them in this freezing cold weather!!Jaime Pachtahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09273487110155675394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-66096676587097610122008-12-15T14:33:00.000-05:002008-12-15T14:33:00.000-05:00Oh Dena, my heart breaks for you now but I rest in...Oh Dena, my heart breaks for you now but I rest in the knowledge that God indeed carries you through...and it's an honor to be able to pray for you all.<BR/>AmyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-17674273237228613852008-12-15T09:53:00.000-05:002008-12-15T09:53:00.000-05:00I have been following your husband's story and wan...I have been following your husband's story and wanted to offer the condolences of my family. I am truly sorry for your loss. From what I have read, your husband was a wonderful man, husband and father.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-43145915453510029292008-12-15T07:08:00.000-05:002008-12-15T07:08:00.000-05:00Girl, you continue to be so much to sooo many, eve...Girl, you continue to be so much to sooo many, even strangers. You take your time and know that all of us will be here in the days, years to come for you, your girls, your families. The wrapping of love for all of you is World-wide! <BR/><BR/>I am sure many echo my entries of....anything, anytime, anywhere...<BR/><BR/>We love you,<BR/>Karen and CraigAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-25988771338722997792008-12-15T00:29:00.000-05:002008-12-15T00:29:00.000-05:00Dena,You are a STRONG woman and an AMAZING mommy. ...Dena,<BR/>You are a STRONG woman and an AMAZING mommy. Your girls will need you to show them the way and I know that you will lead them in the right path. Together you will all grow and keep Rob's memories alive. You dedication to your faith and your family is plainly obvious. <BR/>You have some many people praying for you. You remain in my thoughts on a daily basis. <BR/>Stay Strong, <BR/>StacyUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800052182559626658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-89770880799503675662008-12-15T00:18:00.000-05:002008-12-15T00:18:00.000-05:00Dena,I'm praying for you and the girls. I'...Dena,<BR/>I'm praying for you and the girls. I've not lost my husband or one of my sons but I remember when my mom died the emptiness felt after the people were all gone (except for family, of course). My church will be holding you up in prayer also. I am so sorry for your loss. Words seem so inadequate to let you know what a hero you are to so many of us. <BR/>In Christ,<BR/>Diana Johnson (friend & co-worker of Bev)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-73781628285261789192008-12-15T00:04:00.000-05:002008-12-15T00:04:00.000-05:00Hi Dena - I'm another follower of your blog from N...Hi Dena - I'm another follower of your blog from Nebraska and you and your family have been in my prayers since Rob's injury. You have been an inspiration to so many, and even though I don't know you, from your words on your blog I have no doubt that you will keep your head held high and focus on your two amazing daughters that you and Rob created. I wish there were words to help you through this most difficult time. Keep your faith in the Lord and keep your friends and family close as they will be the rock you need to keep you going at times when you can't take it all on on your own. Rob was truly an American Hero. RIP CPT Robert Yllescas. You and your daughters have the best guardian angel ever. <BR/><BR/>Also, if you have some of Rob's favorite things that you want to keep I would recommend this website to you. They make memorial shadow boxes and they do great work. They are out of Papillion, NE.<BR/>http://www.memoriesbi-design.com/gallery/memorials.html<BR/><BR/>God Bless ~ Jess from LincolnUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09048595665637578599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-71092981197708041602008-12-14T22:51:00.000-05:002008-12-14T22:51:00.000-05:00Dena,Please know that you continue to be in my tho...Dena,<BR/><BR/>Please know that you continue to be in my thougths and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Your faith in God and your strenght will get you through this. Thank you for your blog. It is good therapy for you and there are so many of us in Osceola that continue to pray for you.<BR/>Love, Mrs. Anderson (Bryce & Deb)<BR/>P.S. I hope Beau, Beth, and Christain made it home safely :) We're thinking of them, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-66701800440093760692008-12-14T21:26:00.000-05:002008-12-14T21:26:00.000-05:00Dena,I have been thinking about you constantly thi...Dena,<BR/><BR/>I have been thinking about you constantly this week. I am still grieving for Rob and trying to cope with the finality of his passing, but I am much more torn when I think of you and all of the coping that you have ahead of you. You mentioned a strange feeling of not realy being in the military anymore, after 8 1/2 years. Dena, you will ALWAYS be part of our military family, no matter what. You have earned the open arms, caring and affection of all of your Army family through all of the love and support that you gave Rob throughout his career.<BR/><BR/>When the Army said "time to move,"<BR/>ou said "I'll pack my bags."<BR/><BR/>When the Army said "time to train,"<BR/>You said "I'll keep dinner warm."<BR/><BR/>When the Army said "time to deploy,"<BR/>You said "I'll be strong"<BR/><BR/>When Rob's injuries said that you would have to raise your girls without him,<BR/>You said "I'm strong and I'll carry on."<BR/><BR/>For that, Dena, you will always be a part of our family. You have earned your place as an Army wife forever for your devotion to Rob, and your continued devotion, support and sacrifice in raising Julia and Eva and carrying on with your family life. <BR/><BR/>As always, we're here, only a phone call and short road trip away. We love you very much!<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Kim DeckerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-39124624798768766792008-12-14T19:35:00.000-05:002008-12-14T19:35:00.000-05:00Dena, this is Nicole Sampson from Ft. Riley...I ju...Dena, this is Nicole Sampson from Ft. Riley...I just heard the news from Jackie 2 days ago and I've read your whole blog today. Words cannot express my grief for you and your girls right now. I have such fond memories of you and Julia from Riley and the days you opened your home to me before I deployed. If you remember, Rob was deployed at that time and I often think of the Nebraska room that you remodled for him and how sweet that was and how much you two love each other. Congratulations on your baby, I remember that you were looking forward to having another...I have a 7 month old girl myself now. I just want you to know that I will be praying for you and the girls each day, and want to contribute any way that I can. My heart is overflowing for you right now, I don't know what to say. God is great and I'm so glad that you have such a great support system. I know this time of year will be difficult especially. I know it's been a while but at any time you would like to keep in touch, my email is sampnr277@yahoo.com. I will be keeping up with your blog as well. Stay strong and God bless you, Dena.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-25545205375131296842008-12-14T19:05:00.000-05:002008-12-14T19:05:00.000-05:00Dena,Thanks for the update; I can only imagine how...Dena,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the update; I can only imagine how hard it was to walk into that house and then go to the memorial. Keep your faith and you will be fine. Continuing our prayers . . .<BR/><BR/>Julie & JamesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-25911597376737522092008-12-14T18:22:00.000-05:002008-12-14T18:22:00.000-05:00Dena,I am another one of the complete strangers th...Dena,<BR/>I am another one of the complete strangers that is following your blog. I have checked it every day since the end of October. I also pray for you and the girls every day and believe that God will give you strength, even when you don't think you can make it. You have written such heartfelt words and emotions that I feel I know you. You have also shared with all of us what it is like to be a military family and serve your country. You are an inspiration! God bless,<BR/>Nancy Barber<BR/>Binghamton, NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427914240818002464.post-90439614518535030872008-12-14T17:29:00.000-05:002008-12-14T17:29:00.000-05:00Hi Dena,So many emotions surfacing. You've been so...Hi Dena,<BR/><BR/>So many emotions surfacing. You've been so busy and now the realities set in. Please don't be in a hurry to part with a lot of Rob's things. Take your time. The bear idea is wonderful. I have one made from a grandmother's old quilt and it is a comfort. You've been such a rock through the past weeks. Take care of yourself and those beautiful girls. We continue to keep your family in our prayers. We didn't even know Rob before this blog, and find it difficult accepting he is gone. Can't imagine all you're dealing with. Lifting prayers for continued strength and fortification. May God hold you in his hands and his special angel Rob be watching over all of you always. <BR/>(((Hugs)))Long-time RNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00301386934882781722noreply@blogger.com