Oh the thoughts in my head, I hope I can articulate them properly. Today, in church, we stood to sing The Star Spangled Banner as our national anthem. I was raised as an Air Force child. I was taught young the importance of fighting for our country and our freedoms. And as an adult, I feel that same sense of patriotism. There is one year I remember that I will never forget. I remember probably being around 8, going to the hanger that my dad worked at. We sat in his office and watched as the soldiers deplaned from their time in the First Gulf War. My eyes teared up as I watched these families being reunited. I have experienced the same reunion with Dave's homecoming from Operation Iraqi Freedom. And each and every time I hear the national anthem, I tear up. Those powerful words represent all for which we stand.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Dave reports from overseas that they too will be seeing fireworks this year. Although, it is not the kind we see here. The song this year brought more meaning to me. As we stood to sing, I was thankful we at least have the chance to attend church and worship our God.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
This year I am putting more trust in God and really trying to express my gratitude for this country in which we live. It is definately not perfect, but I am thankful we are at least able to choose where we want to worship and what faith we feel is correct for us.
Today as you BBQ, swim, visit with family, or just watch fireworks. Please remember those that have served to allow us the opportunities we have to choose how to live our lives.
10 years ago, Dave and I were married.
Here we are today. Each year comes and goes and each year, I just cannot believe another year passed. Lately, I have been really pondering what happened with time. I often wake up in a moment of where did the time go. It felt like just yesterday, Dave and I were celebrating six years. And then I remember what happened... twins, a couple moves, a deployment, and a change in jobs. It has been quite the ride for the last couple years. But, today, Dave and I have reached a decade married to one another. Again this year, we are separated. And again, he is in the middle east, but to me, it just felt special that we are making life work together despite the trials and adversities we have faced. I love Dave more now that I did the day I married him. He is truely and amazing man. I said to myself, that after 10 years of marriage, a couple needs a new bridal shower all over. The kitchen towels and washclothes are falling apart. The pots and pans are warped. The ice cream maker no longer fits the size of the family. The bath towels no longer make a set. And the mattress is just plain uncomfortable. However, after 10 years, I find myself more fond and more comfortable with the man with whom I have shared the last 10 years. We have helped each other and supported one another. And even though our sheets have holes from children and the wash clothes never come clean, our marriage is not indicated by those physical items that have fallen apart. I like to think that we are just beginning a quilt with unique squares representing different times in our lives. I cannot wait to see what the next decade brings.
