Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Just Another Day

I asked my husband last night what he thought about Veterans Day and he said, "It's just another day." I woke up thinking about his words, his service, and that part of our lives that seems like a lifetime ago.

Veterans Day may seem like just another day because it is hard to celebrate. For my husband it may seem like just another day because he doesn't get the day off from work.

I don't want it to be just like every other day. I want it to mean more.

Here's what I am going to do for Veterans Day:

I'll talk to my kids. My husband was in the Army for 10 years. He has been out of the Army for a little over 2 years. My oldest was 6 when he got out and my youngest wasn't even born. They won't remember his Army days. The deployment year that tore my oldest up emotionally won't leave a lasting impression on him. He worried about Daddy getting hurt in Iraq. Now, he quizzes Daddy about the bad guys and getting shot at. He talks about it with the enthusiasm of a boy that loves Star Wars battles. Today I will tell my kids about what Daddy did in the Army. I will show the kids pictures of Daddy in uniform. I'll share with my kids how proud and thankful I am for my husband's service.

I'll tell my husband how much I appreciate him. I will never forget our Army days. He worked hard. He put in long hours and days. He went on a remote tour to Korea and a deployment to Iraq. He served faithfully. He enjoyed the Army. He made a difference to many soldiers.

I will pray. I will thank God for the people that have served and are serving. I will honor them by praying for them. So many veterans have lasting issues due to their service. I will pray for their peace of mind. I will pray for the men and women that are serving now. I will pray for their safety and strength. I will pray for those that are separated from their families. I will pray for the families and soldiers at Fort Hood.

Today is another day for me to do more of what I could do everyday. It is another day to appreciate my husband, honor him in front of my kids, and thank God for how hard he works.

Today is just another Veterans Day. It is another day to pray for the men and women that have served in the military and are currently serving.



5 comments:

He & Me + 3 said...

Jane Anne,

I don't think it should be just another day either. I want my kids to appreciate those in uniform for all the sacrifices that they have made for our freedom. Please tell your husband that my family appreciates all that he did for our country and we salute him.
Hugs,
Mimi

Macey said...

Beautiful post, Jane Anne. Thank YOU for all you sacrificed when he was sacrificing for us.

Brandi said...

It's always been a special day in my house. My dad was career Army. He's retired now and we call and tell him "Happy Veteran's Day" just like we would on a birthday or other occasion. If we can get together, we have apple pie. :) It's not really a 'celebration' for him, but it's a very emotional day and he likes that we recognize it.

Happy Veteran's Day! God Bless your husband for serving our country. :)

Foursons said...

Thank you to your husband for his sacrifice and to you for yours. Being an army wife is a huge sacrifice. Thank you to both of you.

Sonshine said...

Beautiful post! Thanks for the reminder!

Thanks for your family's sacrifice while your hubby served our country!