I see you. I see you when I wake up my son. I see you when I kiss my husband goodnight. I see you when I look at my phone and see my dad or Keith calling. I see you when my mom cooks supper for my family. I see you when I ask Faye to pick up snack for Eli's class. I see you, because I know these are things you've missed out on or that you are currently missing out on. I know that these simple tasks that I take for granted are tasks that someone, somewhere is longing to do with you or has longed to do with you. When I pack Eli's lunch- I know there is a mom somewhere, sacrificing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich tucked sweetly in a monogrammed lunch box. When I'm complaining about the mound of laundry, I know there is a soldier somewhere in a country far away, washing his fatigues. When I complain about our President, Congressmen, or Senate and a decision that I don't agree with- I know that there is a dad somewhere, away from his kids-defending my right to vote. I know that when I don't want to get out in the cold and watch one more soccer game- there is a little boy hoping that his mother will make it back in time to see one of his games. When I get so angry at my husband for his laundry pile
You're missing out on so much with your family so that I can enjoy life and liberties with mine. I can not imagine having to kiss my husband goodbye for months, possibly years at a time. But, because your spouse has made this sacrifice, I don't have to. I wish I could find words to express my gratitude, but everything I have in my mind falls short. My life would be unfathomably different without you and the sacrifices you have made for me, without ever having met me.
I cannot say thank you to each individual person who has ever, or will ever fight for my freedom. But, I hope that this little blog will find a soldier, or the husband or wife of a soldier, or the son or daughter of a soldier, or the brother or sister of a soldier and that they will know- it has not gone unnoticed.
I will always try to instill an attitude of gratitude into each little boy and girl that passes through my classroom doors. It is my prayer that they know about the real life heroes who are out there, protecting them from real life bad guys.
America will forever be the home of the free, because it is the land of the brave.
For all of this and so much more, I thank you.
**I try to take time to reflect on all that I have been granted, not just on November 11th, but everyday. However, this year- the word "Veteran" has gained an even more special place in my heart. Because this year, I have a soldier out there, training to defend the nation he loves.
Trey Abmeyer, I know that you are not a "veteran" yet. But, I wanted to take time to say- I could not be more proud of you. I'm so thankful that Eli has such an outstanding role model! We love you and Hoorah! **
No comments:
Post a Comment