THEY SERVED

MEMORIAL WEEKEND — a time to honor those that served to protect and preserve our freedoms and served to give others the opportunity to be free.  Thankfully, most soldiers came home to their families.  Sadly, too many soldiers gave their lives. 

My father and father-in-law served during WWII.  My brother and two nephews served and now two grandsons are serving.  To each I am eternally grateful.  Their service allows me to worship and speak and live in freedom.  I pray the freedoms so hard fought for will never be taken from our country.

I honor, respect, and appreciate the service of all in the military.  I also honor, respect, and appreciate the others who served.

THEY ALSO SERVED

During the wars, soldiers departed in groups from every small town and city across the USA.  During peace time, soldiers depart, one, two or three at a time, to go to basic training.  At the end of training, the families come to see them graduate and the soldier moves to the next assignment.  During COVID, soldiers were sworn in, went off to basic, and graduated as their families watched from home.  Today, please read the following as if loved ones could be there in person.

Every soldier, who boarded a bus, a train, a ship, or a plane to begin their service, waved goodbye to those that also served. 

Standing proudly, trying to hold back the tears, stood a mother and father waving and smiling.  Their pride could be seen as they stood there, back straight, head held high, and each being strong for the other.  Then they would slowly turn and go home.  They would open the door and realize there would be one less at the dinner table.  They would go on with their day.  The father would go out and mow the yard.  He needed to do something.  The mother would stand in the doorway to an empty room.  She needed memories to give her strength.  They also served.

The young woman asked for one more hug.  One more kiss.  She waved goodbye, turned away, and allowed the tears to flow.  Her husband — a word that still seemed new — would return.  She knew that.  She had to hang onto that word.  Return.  She also served.

Trying to keep the children close to her, the woman bravely told her husband they would be fine.  Yes, she would remember to rotate the tires.  Yes, she knew how to change the fuses.  Yes, she would remember to buy that mitt for their son’s birthday and the bicycle for their daughter’s Christmas.  Christmas.  Would he still be gone at Christmas?  As she tried to hide the tears from the children, she took their hands and they walked to the car.  She also served.

Being strong, he touches the cheek of his bride of ten years.  How hard it was going to be to go to bed that night.  Her side would be cold and empty.  He had a feeling the kids would often occupy that spot.  They will miss their mother.  They understand why she has to go and are already talking about the packages they will send.  Soldier….  his wife is a soldier.  They both have fears.  He fears for her safety and prays that those she stands beside, will stand beside her.  Women in the military ..  but she felt called to serve her country.  And he is proud of her.  She fears he will not hear the alarm and the kids will miss school.  She knows he will have a hard time telling them no.  And he will be lost helping them do math.  She could do math … One more hug and he and the children go home.  He also served.

Child after child..  sons and daughters … watch as their parent waves to them one more time.  Their lives are about to change and they do not totally understand.  They are proud of their parent, but they will not be there to see them dance or play ball or run in the door with all A’s on the report card.  They will not be there when they are bullied or happy or having a birthday.  They are scared.  Will their mother be able to be a mom and dad?  They throw one final kiss and turn away.  They also served.

And every day wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, and children will pray they will not see two officers walking toward their front door.  They also served.

And every day wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, and children will see their loved one running toward them.  What a beautiful sight.  They also served.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

a time to honor those that served

AND

those that also served.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

THANK YOU