Reminder

The war is still something that is in full driving force. Although it is not featured on the prime time news as often, if ever....the effort is still real and raw.

Recently, I have a number of people with whom I am close, deploying.

I have a cousin who is in transit to Afghanistan.

I have a cousin who is in Kuwait, waiting for the next move.

I have friends who have husbands deploying within the next few months.

I have friends who have husbands already at their current duty station in the war zones.

This month marks two years since my husband R&R leave from Iraq....a year and a half since his return from a deployment.

Although these past few years have kept me far removed from the military environment, it is all around me.

I can't forget.

Gentle reminders are constantly popping up of our own deployment.

Things that are hinderances to us, but insignificant in the big scheme of things because many returning from war experience injuries that are much worse.....be it severe injuries of the physical or mental state.

I tear up when I think of how my favorite friend will say goodbye to her husband this month(for the second time in three years). I know that she will be able to care for her family and for the families left beyond without a blink of the eye....

But that doesn't mean she doesn't have fears. Real fears of losing her rock, her love and her partner.

Our time in school, outside of the military does not mean that I forget.

I don't forget the anxiety.

I don't forget the pride.

I don't forget the raw emotions that cannot even be put into words.

I don't pretend that the sacrifices of others no longer exist.

I am an American. Be it a military wife or not, I am an American.

I encourage you to read this news article from the Washington Post.

I most enjoy this wonderful takeaway...

"If anyone thinks you can somehow thank them for their service and not support the cause for which they fight -our country - these people are lying to themselves...More important, they are slighting our warriors and mocking their commitment to this nation."