Memorial Day

These layouts are a couple of years old but I really liked them. I made these for my husband's album but also for my children. I want them to understand that what their Daddy does for his work is not just a normal job. He is part of a protective force that ensures their freedom. I want them to understand the meaning of sacrifice. I want them to know, not only about their father, but their grandparents and great-grandparents and all in their family who have made the sacrifice to serve this great country.

Sometimes, I look around and it's hard to see this country as great. Sad, but true. But I think about the foundational principles and the blood, sweat and tears of generations gone and almost gone and I am still proud of my nation. I see the hard work and dedication of soldiers and their families to protect something worth fighting for, despite great personal sacrifice, and it renews my faith in the people of this land.

I have been very proud of having a part in that. I have been very proud to be an Army wife. It has been ingrained in my identity. I will miss it. Not just for the security my family is privileged to have but also for the sense of purpose from being a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. We're not just getting divorced from the husband and father of this home, we're also getting "divorced" from the whole Army family. Well, the kids will still have their medical benefits but on the whole, we won't be a part of the Army family anymore. We've tried to instill a sense of pride and understanding of the privilege of being part of all that.

Despite the crap that has been happening in our marriage and the way my husband acts towards ME, I have been proud of him as a SOLDIER. I have been proud of his service, knowledge, hard work and determination as a soldier. He has made sacrifices in order to serve, in his life and in his body. His spine in particular has suffered a lot from being a paratrooper. The past two years have been the most painful for him because of the injury, the disk disease and the wear and tear on his body in general from being in field artillery. In that respect, I have compassion for him. He is still young, a couple of years shy of 30, and his body has really taken a beating. But instead of quitting, he's changing his MOS to something more cerebral since his body isn't as strong as it was (although he does wrestle the younger soldiers to teach them a thing or two and they think he's beasty. They don't see him that night or the next day laying down with ice packs and needing back rubs and motrin, though. lol)

So, today, I hope all of you will think of someone you know (or even someone you don't) who has fought hard for freedom. I hope you will honor them or take the time to let them know that you appreciate what they do. And always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE.