Over the past seven years I have gained more and more respect for those who serve their country in any capacity, but especially those in the military. When Drew first joined the army and people found out, some would proceed to thank us both for our service and I would smile and politely say "thank you." However, in my head I wondered why they were thanking me. I hadn't done anything, my husband was just doing a job. I didn't feel like I should be thanked when I hadn't done anything.
Now, seven years later, I understand. I still may not feel like I deserve the thanks that people give me, but I understand why they say it. I have now dealt with having my husband stationed overseas for a year without me, I have had my husband deployed for 9 months and dealt with countless training and exercises where he is gone and during that time I have been a single parent at home, raising one and then two kids and even given birth to the second child while my husband was deployed, yet I know that there are so many who have done more than me and my husband. I am proud of my husband and what he does and I am glad that I have been able to prove to myself that I can do hard things, but there are so many who have done more.
I can't imagine the pain that a spouse, parent or child feels when their loved one is killed in the line of duty. I have never had my husband deployed to an active combat zone where I know he is critical danger, so I have never had that worry hanging over my head. I have never felt the pain of finding out my husband was wounded in battle. There are so many pains that I have never felt but to those who have felt those, I am grateful. I am grateful to the soldiers and officers who serve and to all of the family and friends who remain behind to bear the burden of worry and sometimes sorrow. I am grateful to the spouses who support and do so much alone so that their spouse can serve. I know my thanks may not mean much, but I am truly grateful and I feel that spending one day paying respects to those who have made sacrifices for this country, is the least we can do.
Memorial Day to me is about remembering those who have gone before us and the people that were supporting and loving them along the way. I hope that as my children grow up I can teach them to love and respect those who have served in any small way. I hope that I can teach them the importance of remembering not only the armed forces on Memorial Day but also the family and friends that supported them. I hope I can teach them to be grateful to the people who serve and the families who support them, because I know I am.
Thank you to my family who have supported us and helped me when I couldn't manage alone. Thank you to the friends who gave me hugs when I needed them or were just there to talk when I was feeling lonely with my husband gone. Thank you to my grandpas who served in the armed forces and sacrificed their time and energy to serve this country. Thank you to my grandma who supported my grandpa in his service and took care of the kids and more on her own when he was gone. Thank you to all of my friends in the armed forces who serve and to all of the spouses of them who support them and provide great examples of strength to me. I am so blessed and grateful for everyone who has supported us in any small way. Thank you!
The cemetery at fort Jackson.
Alden was very determined to carry the flag around as we walked and talked about the importance of the holiday and why we were paying respect to these people.
The boys were very good as we walked around the whole cemetery. I don't know how much Alden took in from what we told him but at least we are trying. I am glad that we had this opportunity to talk with Alden about why Daddy's job is important because I know that it is sometimes hard on him having Daddy gone a lot. I am grateful to those who have served in the armed forces and to those who are currently serving. Thank you for protecting our country and making sacrifices along the way to do so.
They thank you because of the sacrifices you make as Drew serves his country. It is easy to down play and make light of it, but your contribution is significant. Drew doesn't have to worry about how your kids are being looked out for or how they are being raised. He can fulfill his responsibilities knowing all is good on the home front. That makes it easier for him to do what is asked of him on each of his assignments. You matter! You make a world of difference!
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