Thankful: Those who have served
Every year in November, I try to post on Facebook a daily expression of my thankfulness. This year, I’ve decided to go one step further and blog daily with these thankful posts. Considering how overwhelmed I’ve been lately, I thought this series would do one of two things. First, it would force me to write every day which is a source of therapy for me. Secondly, it would help me focus on all the wonderful things and people I have in my life.
I grew up in a military household. Dad is Retired Air Force, and we did our fair share of moving. I can’t really say that I had to do it a lot. As the 4th of 5 kids, Dad was near the end of his military tenure by the time I am cognizant of where we were living or moving. Our first move that I truly recall was after my kindergarten year. Our last move was here to North Carolina and was in no way related to the military. In the long run, this military brat had it easy.
But I know that’s not the case for many families.
Today is Veteran’s Day. It’s a day to thank all those who have served and sacrificed their time, health, families, and more for this beautiful country.
So I extend a thank you to my father who served during Vietnam as a counselor.
I extend a thank you to my father-in-law who was in both the Navy and the Marines.
I extend a thank you to both of my brothers-in-law.
Although he has passed, a thank you to my grandfather who was in the Navy during World War II.
And I extend a thank you to several of my friends who served in some capacity.
I’m lucky to be able to say that a few of my former students are currently serving in the military. One, in particular, is one of my all time favorite students, and he’s missing his wife daily as he serves his country.
And while we could spend all day today thanking those who have chosen to represent our nation, I hope we could try better to remember every day how hard it is to be away from husbands, wives, kids, newborns, and friends.
At the very least, I’m thankful today for all of the men and women in our armed forces. Thank you for all you have done and will do.
