Memorial Day

I consider myself blessed. I have not (as far as I know) lost a family member in active duty. My enlisted students all have returned home safely from their time overseas. My friends’ lives have been spared while serving our country.

Still, I have spoken with a gold star mother and father. I stand in awe of their strength as they speak about their son and all he did for our nation. I can’t imagine sending a son or daughter overseas, but for them to receive that devastating news that their son died in battle and still to dedicate their lives to helping others through his memory … they are infinitely stronger than I am.

We never can be certain of how we will react in any situation, I only can pray that God would give me the ability to have the same courage, fortitude and love as they have demonstrated.

I’ve written of this before, but until I met some of the most amazing veterans at BraveHearts, my heart really didn’t understand the sacrifice. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t always been as vocal about my patriotism as I should be. I try to go out of my way to speak to and thank servicemen and –women.

I now understand that the gift of service to our country is one that cannot be underplayed. It is an honorable and beautiful choice. It is one of those callings that is the closest one can get to laying down one’s life for a friend.

So this weekend, I am remembering those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice – who shed their very blood so that our country might prevail – so that I might live in the comfortable freedom the United States of America affords me.

Thank you, fallen men and women of our military. Your sacrifice is not – and never will be – forgotten.

May God bless you eternally.