Thankful for those who serve myself, my family, and my country!

I have always had a great respect for the U.S. Military. I was raised in a home that was very much patriotic. We were taught to have a love and respect for our country, our ancestors, and the military. Like most Americans, I felt like I had the utmost respect and couldn't get any stronger in my regards for the armed forces. However, I was wrong.

We had the opportunity a few weeks ago to have dinner with some friends, he happens to have serve in the military and did two tours in Iraq. She of course, lived without her husband during those times. I would have gone insane not knowing where my spouse was, I just couldn't believe the strength she had, and sat in awe of that strength. Then, there are his parents and siblings that lived without their brother. I don't want to go into detail because I know I will not do any justice to the things shared and it is their story to tell. However, after spending several hours with them, I walked away with a much deeper understanding, respect, appreciation, and pride in the men and woman who choose to serve our country. But, I also walked away just in awe of truly the sacrifice their spouses and families make for little old me, my family, my life, my rights, and our country.

When I arrived, I had already heard about spouses being without their loved one while they are off serving, injuries sustained both physically, emotionally, and mentally, and lives lost. However, seeing in person two people who gave so much for so many they do not know and may never meet, and actually seeing just the surface of the residual effects, I am in complete and utter awe! Since that visit, I have spent more than a few minutes just contemplating what was sacrifice during the time of actual performance of duty, and the effects that sacrifice will carry for the rest of their lives. I am so grateful that someone would do what has been done for me and our country!

I think truly as Americans as much as we say we support and appreciate them, we have no idea! I walked away feeling like my understanding and appreciation previous to this visit was superficial at best! I encourage everyone if you ever have an opportunity to spend time with someone who has served our great country to take that time, find out as much as you can about what they have done, how they feel, and how it is affecting them now. Obviously be respectful, but do what you can to truly gain an understanding. They make sacrifices at the time of their service and for the rest of their lives!
Photo taken from http://www.defendamerica.mil/images/photos/may2006/index/Hi-Res/062904-A-1559W-007.jpg


To all the men and women who serve our country and others, THANK YOU for sacrificing your time, your health, and your lives now and in the future!!! To your families, thank you for being willing to send your loved ones off and to live with the effects for the rest of your life. To our friends, thank you for opening your home, letting us in, sharing what you could, and just opening up my eyes! You are just two amazing people who I am grateful to know, and call friends. I don't know everything, I don't understand everything, but am in total awe and respect at what I do now understand a little better. I hope all Americans can get the glimpse I've gotten . . . I will never forget. I am so proud to be an American because of people like these friends, and their brothers, sisters, and families in arms!!

-sorry this is such a ramble, I just can't seem to put my feeling into words on this! It is just so much!