Memorial Day

I'm excited that I am a blogger today because I want to write about something that I hold near to my heart.

MEMORIAL DAY

My dad served in Viet Nam, though I won't pretend that has had any profound effect on my life, as I wasn't alive when it happened, so I wasn't without a dad for a while, there has never been any worry about him during a deployment or anything of the sort. I do however, remember him in fatigues, as a little girl. I've always thought my dad quite handsome, as most little girls adore their daddy's, I did especially!! I remember him in that camo and going to work with him a few times, very vaguely. Being so young, I didn't fully understand, but I've always had a respect for those who serve our country to allow me the life that I so comfortably live!

What I have seen first hand, being a Speech Pathologist in Shreveport, LA, is many many many children and families whose loved ones serve our country right now. I've seen countless children whose parents were deployed, and if anyone for even one minute believes that it doesn't affect these little ones, they need only spend a week or two in one of the pediatric clinics in our area. There you will find brave faces, hurt faces, scared faces, of countless children, wives, and husbands waiting for their loved ones to return. This has probably impacted me the most profoundly over the past few years, and I will be forever grateful to each of these families and their beautiful children for the sacrifices that they make for the United States of America.

I am an American, I am PROUD of that! I am eternally grateful that God allowed me to be born in a place where I could worship Him freely and witness all that is glorious about this country. Flag burning and unpatriotic comments infuriate me! I believe that should infuriate us all, and I believe that if you aren't proud to live here, you can move! I believe that you don't have to believe in war to support our troops, nor do you have to think that fighting is right to stand behind our men and women in the service. I believe if you won't support them and stand behind them, then you should stand in front of them! That is my heart!

A very special person to me is joining the Army soon and going to serve this great country, this makes the whole thing even closer to my heart. I will pray for his safety everyday, just as I pray for the safety of all of our men and women in uniform. My heart breaks at the danger that he will be in, but my heart swells with pride at the choice that he has made. I am grateful that he has been called to serve this fine nation, and knowing his heart and his patriotism only makes me more proud!

I THANK our service men and women for all that they give. They give their time, their energy, their heart, their holidays, their children's birthdays, their comfort, their convienence, all for my freedom, for your freedom! So, as we approach memorial day remember the lives that have been lost, let them not be lost in vain, as we continue to support this great nation, and honor those who have died fighting to preserve our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!