Something to Say

So nothing has been written here in a while.  Years, in fact.  And it's not really that I've been busy...or forgotten...or just had nothing to share.  It was more conscious than that.  The past 3+  years or so have been hard.  Deep-breath taking, tear shedding, exhausting, taking one day at a time kind of hard.  And this kind of hard is something that is just so difficult to put in words and something that really seemingly can only be shared from one military family to another...through something as simple as just one glance...one look...that says "I get it." 

So, I've been pretty quiet.  And focused more, through other places in person and online, on the ways in which we are so very very lucky.  We are healthy.  We have our soldier home right now.  We are getting to see and do things so many only dream of. 

But today I have something to say.  Because today is Veteran's Day, my soldier is currently hard at work (for the fourth year in a row on this day), and I find myself unable to keep quiet about how proud I am of him.  I find that I need to thank him, and all the other men and women in our military, for their selfless service to our country. 

I very much find myself deeply humbled to have the very great honor to bear witness to this man's amazing military career.

It is nothing short of awe-inspiring and I'm grateful every day for all that he and others do.  For all that our military does.  For the sleepless nights.  For the early morning starts to the day.  For the late nights where dinner is missed.  For the countless days and nights spent away from home and family.  For the willingness to put yourselves in harm's way so that we don't have to.  For the missed concerts, games, birthdays, anniversaries, births, and many other important days and events that are missed...and not just when deployed, but because it's all part of the job...even when "at home". For the constant training, deployments, meetings, moves, in briefs, out briefs, IPRs, VTCs and PowerPoint slides.  For doing all of this and so much more while also juggling the important role of father, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend....I say to you...thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

From the bottom of my heart....thank you!