Memorial Day

It’s Memorial Day and this morning I shed tears while taps played at Arlington.  Taps always brings tears but this morning I wasn’t so much crying for those who’ve fallen.  I don’t think they would want tears.  I was crying over a sudden realization.  I’m so lucky.  I’m not rich, I don’t drive an expensive car or have all the material things that outwardly indicate success.  I do however have my freedom.  I also have my soldier. 

For all the issues he has left over from the time he spent in the combat zone, I have him.  I can touch him every day and do all the simple things I take for granted.  My soldier answered the call without thought of his own safety.  He put himself in harm’s way, risked his life for me and my fellow countrymen, and he came home alive.  War beaten, but very much alive.

Despite all the sorrows I perceive in my life I know, especially this day, how blessed I am.  I am free.  I can vote, I can leave my house without fear, I can work and play and live because I am free.

And I am free because of those whom this day is about.  They gave their lives for me.  I’m so lucky, so lucky there are brave men and women who every day answer the call of their country without thought of their own life.  They walk a narrow path I don’t think I could traverse. 

So this morning I thought not only of how lucky I am, but I thought of the families who only have a picture to remember their loved ones by.  Past and present, they are not forgotten.  The sacrifice will always be remembered and always be genuinely appreciated. Thank you from the very corners of my soul.  Thank you so much.