Ever In Peace

Today is the day we Americans honor veterans. Those persons that have sacrificially given their time, resources, mind, body, and spirit in dedication to this great nation. I can tell you firsthand that it is no easy task. Politics. Duty. Honor. Service. Questions. Right. Wrong. It can be very convoluted. But the soldier always answers the call.

I am married to a veteran. I remember well the day I sent him off to war. Our sweet babies did not understand, but as parents, our hearts ached. The flight was early and driving to the airport, it was dark. For which I was thankful. We had just celebrated a whirlwind 3 days together enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas. Emotionally, I was spent. My eyes were dry, but every mile that moved us closer to our destination induced panic. What in the world was I going to do in the middle of Utah with two babies and no family support? It was the longest and shortest trip I've ever made to any airport. Security also was a breeze as if the TSA agents had pity on our little family. Again, amazingly, zero delays and the plane was here before we knew it.

You guys. I don't want to embarrass my sweet husband. But soldiers are people. With hearts. Just like ours. And when he took his sons in his arms. It was very hard for him to say goodbye. And he just had to abruptly go because I imagine there was just no other way. When he turned back at the gate, I saw his blue eyes had tears and I knew the personal cost was great because I had never seen him cry.

It was a hard, hard year. For him. And us. Once you experience this kind of painful separation where you cannot fully be briefed or understand what is transpiring, you begin to see why so many military marriages fail. There are multiple barriers to effective communication, and all the while life is happening on both ends. It is so tough for all the parties. I might have aged ten years. In one deployment. Imagine for multiple....

Reunion was the sweetest and oddest. I was so proud of us. We are not shrinking violets. No. We did this. We sent and received a beloved person. A soldier. A very tall soldier. Staff Sergeant Ryan Oldaker. Our personal cost was great. Ryan missed a year in the life of his children that he does not get back. Words. Milestones. Christmas. Easter. Gone without memory.

Now. Friends. When you, my fellow Americans, take it upon yourselves to demean democracy. To spew obscenities in your self righteous anger. To burn the stars and stripes. To riot. To refuse to acknowledge the results of said democracy. To dishonor the highest office of this land with your disrespect. You spit in my face. You spit in the faces of my children. You spit in the face of every person who has willingly laid down their life for your comfort.

If this is you. You should feel shame. You are not proving worthy of our sacrifice. Think long and hard about your actions. Think long and hard about your words. Choose to be honorable, respectful persons, even if you are uncertain about the future.

And then.... Walk outside. Take a look at Old Glory waving in the light.. The emblem of the land I love. Ever in peace may she wave...