Today I received a letter from a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. This letter was written by a 30 year old man. This man has served his country, our country for 12 years.
As Americans we recognize patriotic holidays a few times a year when we are called to pay special attention to military personal both past and present. Do we really take that much time to honor them though? what we really celebrate is a day off from work, a chance to gather with friends to have a cookout, an opportunity to watch a parade. we stand as veterans walk by, we place our hand over our heart as the American flag passes by, but when we go home do we spend any additional time thinking of those who sacrifice for us each day.
When you thank someone for the sacrifice they make for our country do we realize what it is they are sacrificing? We compact it down to "Thanks for keeping us safe"
Sacrifice. This is sacrifice. The contents of this letter from this Lieutenant reflect the tremendous stress of serving in a foreign country. Having to watch your flag be set to fire the very flag that represents the country you serve. To be living where 22 fire bombs have been set off in the schools and the police are tear gassing protesters. To fear for your safety, to worry about the safety of your wife and her fears while doing a very important confidential job. To watch your hair fall in your lap as it is being cut and realize that it has turned gray in just months.
Sacrifice This lieutenant did not celebrate Christmas with his family. He will not be home to witness the birth of his sisters child, He did not get to celebrate the traditional American Christmas in a country that is 2% Christian. He sacrifices all we take for granted. How many of us couldn't wait to sit down to our Christmas dinner, or waited for our favorite Christmas cookie to be made? How many of us had the freedom to go and choose or cut down a Christmas tree? How many of us took for granted that we had our church to attend on Christmas eve for a candlelight service. How many of us longed to hear O' Holy Night ? Would you willing sacrifice your traditions and your family anytime of the year for people you will never even know? They do.
When a soldier, sailor, airman, any military personel is deployed, the heart of his family is deployed as well. I know. This letter from this wonderful man began like this,
Dear mom...... It ended like this..... Don't worry I will be o.k and I will get through this.
Sacrifice has a new meaning for me today.
I love you son!
3 comments:
Pretty awesome!
I knew when I got about halfway through it was going to be from Mike. I will pray for them both and you . Thanks for writing your Blog. You are an awsome writer.
Sometimes it just makes me want to cry. Awesome writings sis.
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