Firsthand, I know nothing of the sacrifice it takes to let go
letting go of a husband, a father, a sister, a family...
for the sake of others.
I know nothing of what it means to spend months away
only hoping and praying
you would one day see your your kids again,
your husband again, your wife again, your parents again.
I know of patriotism, I know of freedom, I know of love for my country,
but firsthand, I know nothing of sacrifice.
Whether it's sacrifice of a beautiful life
you so deeply loved and depended on,
or whether it's sacrifice of time,
time lost from that person who means the most to you,
while you were busy giving of your life for me, for us~
I want to say thank you,
to all of you, those who gave your lives
those who gave your husbands, your sons, your daddys,
your mothers, your sisters
your mothers, your sisters
those of you who gave up memories
who gave up laughter
who offered up tears
for me, for our country
for our freedom
and the freedom of others
I want to say thank you.
I don't know if I could do it.
I don't know if I could let go of my husband,
or let my kids give up their daddy
for your freedom,
but You have given up so much for mine.
It must take a special grace from God
to do such a task, to even be willing to do such a task.
And I honor all our vets,
all our active duty military
(and anyone else serving our nation for the protection of mankind)
(and anyone else serving our nation for the protection of mankind)
and all the families of those who have sacrificed
the time and lives of their loved ones.
You can know this about me,
I understand that Memorial Day is NOT about sales,
not about barbecues, days off work...
It's about You,
and I speak for myself, and my husband & my family
we will ALWAYS remember your sacrifice.
Pictured above are four of my mom's brothers.
(She comes from a family of 14 kids)
three of them have passed away.
Thankfully, they lived past their service time,
and went on to have families, kids, grand kids,
but have now made their home in heaven.
This is for my mom, her brothers and sisters,
my grandparents who are no longer living,
and who had to give up their sons for a time...
my cousins and aunts who love them., and miss them.
(Danny is still with us.)
I am SO thankful & we Honor all our vets,
but especially our family members who served us and our country.
|
| My Grandpa ( My momma's dad) passed away when I was in elementary school... |
|
| (don't be jealous of how awesome I look. like my velvet shirt? yeah, i bet you do) |
This post was a last minute idea, so I didnt have time to gather up military photos
from my dad's side of the family or my hubby's side..
But pictured here are my uncle Bernie (Korean),
My Papa (who just recently passed-WWII) and my Father In Law(Vietnam),
with Jeff and the kids...
Just moments ago, when I put this together, tears start streaming down my face...
unexpectedly
suddenly I missed my Papa very much..
So many more members of extended family,
close friends, church friends, children of friends, etc...
that have served or are currently serving our great nation...
Thank You to all, who choose freedom for me,
for my kids, for us...
at times over your own lives.
Thank You to all who serve, who have served...
and who watched & allowed your family member fight for freedom.
My gratitude is more than I can say...
I don't know if I could do it...
Happy Memorial Day & Memories to all...
I leave you with this Kick Butt song,
one of my absolute FAVES of all time..
Thank YOU, Toby Keith!!!
ALSO, The Funny Thing Of It Is was featured
HERE
this week!
So, if you haven't yet, go check it out!!!
So, if you haven't yet, go check it out!!!
7 comments:
This post brought lumps in my throat. Very sweet and touching tribute.
Beautiful post! My husband got all weird when I told him we were celebrating him today. He doesn't like the attention but I gave it to him anyway :)
I'm listening to the video as I write this. What a touching and beautiful post. I too have never known what true sacrifice really feels like. I'm so grateful for the bravery of that these men and women display every day. You must be so proud of all of your relatives who have served. BTW you' re so right, I love this song and the video is so powerful! thank you for your post...
Amazing and touching post! As soon as I read the title, I got chills.
I loved all the photos of your uncles and grandpa.
What a beautiful tribute to them all...I know this post will hit home with many. Thank you for sharing.
PS...I had a ton of velvet shirts when I was younger. Thought I was hot stuff. ;)
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful day!
Xoxox
Maria
I just sobbed over this: http://blog.gettyimages.com/2010/05/27/memorial-day-at-arlington-national-cemetery/#.T8J4A2t5mK0 and reading your post isn't helping! Nonetheless what an amazing post, thanks lady!
Oh boy this just brought the tears. It is very hard having my hubby deployed, but I'd rather endure a 1,000 deployments than to not have in my life to love. Six months and he will be in my arms again <3
This is fantastic...memorials of any kind touch me close and I don't know what it is about country singers but their songs make me cry every time. wonderful tribute...navy wife over at mom, dad, 2 girls and brutus and so happy i found you via naptime review's FB hop!!
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