Thank You Veterans

I know, I know – this photo is probably in another post somewhere here on this blog. But you’ll just have to indulge me, and look at it again. This was taken in 2002, when Lauren graduated from Army boot camp. Ellyn and Jason were in the Air Force and Marines respectively, when we all went down to Fort Jackson for the event. Steve was in the Army as well, but he and Lauren didn’t meet for another year after this was taken. All four of them served with pride and we were proud as well. This time last year, we were experiencing what so many military families have in the last seven years, as Lauren was deployed in Iraq. I don’t think it diminishes their service one bit, if their Mom is now glad they are all civilians again, and I am pretty sure that I am accurate in saying that none of them would trade their time in the service and that they greatly value the experience.

And our family has certainly not been through nearly as much as others who have experienced multiple deployments [and we did too, as Ellyn was deployed twice herself], often to much more dangerous spots than where either of the girls were. So, I am not only thankful to the people who are willing to serve us all, but to their families as well, because often the families have the harder part, few things being more difficult than waiting. Their sacrifice is something we can all be grateful for.

Finally, I want to honor a soldier we lost last week. He wasn’t killed in Iraq, though he served there with distinction, but apparently lost a battle with post traumatic stress. He was the son of dear friends, and grew up in our church family. He was very special to me, being one of all time favorite Sunday School students, and his loss is like a razor sharp piece of glass my spirit brushes against at times when I least expect it. My faith tells me we will see Casey again, but it is still very painful to deal with the here and now. If you think about it, say a few prayers for his family and for all the families who are missing someone this Veteran’s Day.