Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is always a day of reflection for me. Last year my husband finally retired from the military after serving in the military for over 36 years. In many ways I served with him, because I may not have stood in the line of fire with him, but I stood behind him, making sure everything was ok on the home front. Just as so many other wives still do today. So, I am always thinking of the spouses that are left behind when the soldier has to leave.

I know what it is like, when the soldier gets wounded - I've been there.
I know what it is like, when the soldier is deployed and you do not know where they are, you hear nothing for several months, they are under fire, they could be dead, your letters are unanswered for months (before the time of cellphones!) - I've been there.
I know what is like to wonder - is he still alive - I've been there.
I know what is like to welcome him home - I've been there!
I do not know - thankfully, what it is like to have lost him... to all those who have had to go through that loss, my prayers and my heart goes out to you! May the Lord's arms surround you with his love always!

Thank You!

The only person missing was our oldest son, Patrick - he will be getting married in a couple of weeks. But after 34 years of service to the United States Army my husband, Francis is finally retiring from the military. He has has a number of commands here in the US and abroad in Germany and Iraq. He has had a number of deployments and still found time for his family. We were always able to connect somehow.

He can be proud of his service and the many awards he has received, I know we are. Thanks, honey for your service and to all the other men and their families who are still serving...

Here is my soldier son. It has been a hard road for him. While he was at Basic Training he was not sure why he was there. It really tested his inner core. After the first nine weeks of really rough physical and mental testing he made it through. He was not that young, almost boy anymore. Yes, he was still interested in video games, etc. But he is much more reflective now. He knows the strength he possesses inside of him. Few young men get to learn that at his age. I am glad for him he stuck it out.

During his break we walked through a store and he received his first handshake (one of many) thanking him for his service to this country. He was speechless, until then he did not think that the sweat, tears (he had not dared to show to anyone) and yes blood he had shed until now in his training really had been for more than just training. But he finally realized what he was really preparing for. The next time someone shook his hand, he was able to say much easier "Your welcome." He will serve proudly, because his dad has done so for over 30 years and still is.

As it is, his dad will most probably be deploying again just a few days after we pick him up from his AIT graduation - such is life in a military family. So, when someone shakes the hand of a soldier they say "Thank You." And the families at home write them letters, are grateful to the Lord for cell phones and we shed tears and always pray for them that they will be kept save.

May the Lord bless our soldiers and their families - always.