Thank You, Veterans

Once our son enlisted in the Army and spent a tour overseas in Iraq, we realized the depth of thankfulness and pride we had for our son and his fellow servicemen and women.

Thank you. To each and every branch, to every single troop, to all locations of service, and to every type of work, again, I say, "Thank you!"

Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice for our country. We appreciate you and what you have done.

Thank you for being willing to leave behind your own family - wives, husbands, parents, children, grandchildren, relatives, friends - and travel to far flung destinations. You missed much. Thank you for being willing to miss the day-to-day life events - for us.

Thank you for staring danger and discomfort straight in the face.

Thank you. From the bottom (and top and middle) of my heart, I say thank you.

And families of servicemen and women. Thank you for your sacrifice. The waiting and the missing is never easy.

For those who did not return the way we prayed, my heart is with you. For those who came home draped with a flag, my heart breaks for you and your family.

Thank you.

May we never forget.

A Month of Thanks - November 11 - Veterans

My veteran, Taylor, at his coming home from Iraq

On today, November 11, I am thankful for veterans.

I am thankful not just for my own son, but for all veterans. Thank you for serving our country at great risk and sacrifice. I (we) might not always say it or show it, but I (we) truly appreciate what you have given up so that I (we) can have freedom and live in this great country.

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Our hearts.

We love you.

And for all military families, thank you for your sacrifice. Without you, your soldier would not have been able to serve. You have the hard task of being at home. Waiting. Living. Surviving.

Thank you. We love you.