Memorial Day...

Let me tell you about my Hero….

My father spent 20 yrs in the Army. He had many stories of his days in the 82^nd, Panama and more.  He didn’t mind telling you of the great times he had along with the lifelong friends he made while serving; friends he would keep in touch with well beyond his retirement.   Although he was born and raised in Colorado, he returned back to Ft. Bragg regularly to keep up with friends and to visit my mother. My dad passed away just over 2 weeks ago, and I can hear him telling those stories to my husband and son; those stories that only seem as fresh as the air they were given – I will always remember them with fondness. He shared those happy memories with us all….especially with the Men that understood most what that unsung brotherhood meant – memories they will carry forever.  There seems to be something about the comradery of soldiers...

My husband Charles has been in the Army 28 years this August and I don’t see the word retirement in his vocabulary, “yet.”  I support him fully and his commitment to serve. It is a job he has had since 1984 as a 17 yr old boy; it wasn’t long after that I could see this job turning into a career; one he would love.  His now 45 year- old shoulders have burdened a lot; a lot of loss and a lot of pain. Through all that sacrifice and sorrow he still does what he loves daily and without complaint. Surely there are days I know he wishes could be taken back – too many to count.  But instead of focusing on the bad, he remembers. He remembers them all... 

My son Sean joined the Army in 2006 and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I love him for his strength and I am proud of him for his courage. Now, most mothers could probably say the same thing, but NOT for the same reasons!  My son was deployed twice before his 21^st birthday.  He’s suffered great loss and experienced things that we can only imagine. He has shared those things with me and I would gladly relieve him of that burden if I could.  He’s carried guilt and anger, but is learning to let them go. He has realized that it’s ok to feel the hurt and pain- that only means that love is there.  I’ve seen him grow as a man and I am thankful for the Army friends he has and the strength and encouragement that they continue to provide him. Although his only sibling is a sister, these are his Brothers; make no mistake about it...

Needless to say I am surrounded by great Men daily. Men that proudly serve our country and wear that uniform with great pride and honor.  Men that would sacrifice and have sacrificed their ALL for people they don’t even know and a country that they love and would clearly die for.  Today and every day I have the honor to be in the midst of Heroes……aren’t you jealous? You should be!

Less than 1% of the United States' population serves in the Armed Forces. When you think about it that’s a really small number, but somehow when I think about it that includes more than 99% of my friend base. Does that seem weird? Maybe to you…