Remembering...

It's Memorial Day, for a few more minutes, at least. Today I made more of an effort than usual to remember those who sacrificed so much (and still do) for the wonderful country in which we live. I am simply overcome with thoughts and feelings of gratitude, appreciation, obligation and love; so much so, that I just ache inside. I don't think I'll be able to communicate my feelings adequately, so there is a good chance I'll just end up rambling on with disjointed thoughts... I apologize in advance.

I spent the evening with my Dad, watching Flags of our Fathers and a WWII special on the military channel. He filled me in on various facts and gave the background to what we were watching--teaching me things about WWII that I had not heard before. I am so grateful for my father's example of patriotism--showing me that learning about and honoring our fore-bearers is an essential part of being an American citizen. We honor them by living in daily thanksgiving for all our country can offer us; mainly a safe environment in which we can enjoy life, liberty and be free to pursue happiness.

I am so grateful for the feeling of safety we do enjoy and almost always take for granted in this country. In my life, I have never had to wonder if a sounding plane belonged to an enemy. I never worry about the possibility of foreign soldiers over-taking my city and forcing me into captivity. Why would I? But such thoughts are common for people in various countries throughout the world--they fear for their lives on a daily basis. What a frightening existence!

War is a harsh reality. The world has never existed without it, and it will never exist without it. These men and women who have faced the reality of war, with all its brutality, are so courageous. And they do it so I don't have to. I feel so indebted to them. I am indebted to them. Many soldiers never recover from what they witnessed in battle. Not only to they give up months or years of their lives serving, they live with those memories for the rest of their existence. I cannot imagine what this is like for them. But again, I'm grateful I don't have to. I can live my life, pursue my dreams, and honor them with continued dedication to the blessed country in which we live.

Thank you, friends.

Thank you, brothers.

Thank you, Seth.

Thank you Grandpa Mecham and Grandpa Newman.

Thank you to all service-men: past, present and future.