Veterans Day

What kind of wife would I be if I didn't thank my husband and all the other soldiers, both past and present, for their military service? I am so proud of our soldiers and can't thank them enough for their service.

My husband was raised to believe that every man should service his country - whether it be 4 years or 20 years or a lifetime. We've been blessed with a country where we have such great freedom that others do not have - and we need to serve our time. All four sons in his family have served in the military. The two daughters both wanted to join the military but for health reasons or family obligations could not join. They have such a strong sense of duty to serve and I am DANG proud of my husband for serving!

I feel for all the wives (and husbands) out there who are left at home to raise their family - worrying whether their husbands (or wives) are in harms way and whether they will return home. I know what it is like to have my husband gone for a long period of time. He left January 4, 2004, and returned home April 16, 2005, with a few short breaks home (he was home a total of 24 days during his deployment - and I felt very lucky to see him that often!). I remember going to Airport #2 to drop him off on the 4th. I felt such panic when he finally had to walk away - my heart felt constricted and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I knew he would return safe - but I was so panicked at the thought of being a single mom to a little boy who was (and still is) such a daddy's boy. But I also felt such pride knowing that my husband was serving this wonderful country - and I was proud to tell people where he was and what he was doing.

Today, I am proud to say I'm married to a soldier. I am thankful for his service. I am thankful for the example he is to our son. I am thankful for his strength and for his love and for his friendship. Tim, I love you with all my heart!

I am one of the luckiest women in the world.