Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day - The day we set aside to honor those who have selflessly served our country and fought for the freedoms we have today. 

Most people use this three day weekend to gather with family and friends to celebrate the fact that they have a three day weekend. There are Bar-B-Ques, gatherings, drinks, laughter and camaraderie . Some look at this weekend as the beginning of summer. Then there are those that remember and honor this holiday as it should be. For our family and countless others, we have a friend that we miss, that is no longer with us and he served his country and loved doing it. Unfortunately, there were some toxic things in his life that wound up taking his life from us all. I do not let those things diminish the great times he had with his friends and they do not tarnish the few times I had with him as well, because at his core, he was a good man. Just a lost one who didn't know where to make the correct turns. 


I know this post is a little out of place in the scheme of things. That is because I have spent the better part of two days trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to say. I still don't really know, so instead I am just letting things flow out as they enter my mind. Call it thoughtless writing or whatever. I am going to call this allowing the spirit within run free, without restraint.


My thought processes are still a little unorganized, so bear with me. I am working on me right now. This weekend though gave me a lot of time to stop and reevaluate some things in my life. Caused me to focus on the things and people that matter. My family. My friends. My loved ones that I have lost. Most importantly, it truly gave me pause while standing at our friends grave and turning a full 380 degrees and seeing nothing but row upon row of small American flags lovingly placed at each and every single grave...at each and every single person who gave their lives so that I could freely stand and gaze upon their head stones. Young men and women. Old men and women. Wives buried with their husbands who faithfully served, knowing that those wives served just as their husbands did simply in a different capacity. The hardest ones for me to see? The children. The babies. My heart ached as I watched a soldier and his wife visit the site of their beloved child, to watch this soldier stand at attention and salute his son, who only knew his parents for such a short time, but his parents will never forget him. To watch this soldier bend on one knee and lovingly stroke the headstone allowing his tears to flow freely, without shame, to bend down further and kiss the headstone, while the wife simply sat on her knees with her head bowed, shoulders slumped and tissues in hand. I could not begin to fathom the pain and I did not dare approach to offer my sympathies. This was their moment, their time with their son, their son who was honored just like every other soldier surrounding him. 


We forget just how much we take for granted. We forget, even I at times, forget what my husband and our friends sacrifice for us. Without ever asking for recognition or thanks. To them, this is their Duty, their Honor, they do it without pridefullness, but they have so much Pride in our country. I've heard the saying, never leave a man behind, and they mean that! In my personal life right now, I am battling demons so great that I am being torn apart bit by bit, and I watch  my husband apply the principles and dedication he has ingrained in him from his service, and it doesn't matter how bad it gets...he NEVER leaves me behind. Never. I love him all the more for that. 


My husband serves, therefore our family serves, but we are not recognized for the sacrifices we make for our country. We are the silent ranks. Well, some of us are silent and some of us are not. I'm not sure where I fall in that category at this point. All I know is that to each of my friends that are serving, have currently served, or you are part of the silent ranks...to each of you...I salute you. 


For those that have gone on before us. Rest assured that while you may be gone, you are most definitely not forgotten. And one day, we will see you again and can rejoice together.