This Veterans Day it warms my heart to see so many people reaching out to our veterans and saying “thanks.”
I’ve always had a great appreciation for those who serve and have served in our military. Although I didn’t serve, my father and father-in-law did, and my brother-in-law serves.
On my wife’s Facebook page this morning, she posted a note thanking our veterans and encouraging others to also remember and thank the families and supporters of those who serve. She’s sharing this from personal experience and it’s one of the things I truly love about my wife.
When we got married, her brother was deployed to Iraq. This past summer, he finished a 12 month activation and deployment to Afghanistan. Until then, I never really appreciated what must happen at home so soldiers can go overseas and defend our way of life. My wife was the “go-to person” for her brother: She paid his bills, helped shop for clothes for his kids, managed the kids’ health care needs, bought Christmas gifts for family and friends, kept his dog while he was deployed, and she even helped him shop for Christmas gifts for his girlfriend.
She served as a “parent” to her nephews. When they weren’t behaving for their mother, Aunt M called and encouraged them to do better.
I guess I always knew these things had to be done, but I never really appreciated all it entailed. I can’t imagine what it is like for a spouse to spend months and months alone or home with the children while a husband or wife is deployed.
As we discussed from time to time during his last deployment, the biggest thing my wife wanted to accomplish was to make sure her brother didn’t have to worry about what was happening at home. This would ensure he could devote his thoughts and energies to staying safe and dealing with the immediate tasks in front of him. I’m sure it was a comfort to him to know she was covering his responsibilities at home.
So as I remember our veterans and those who serve today, thanks just isn’t a big enough word for the men and women in uniform – nor is it sufficient to show my gratitude to the family and friends who do their part at home. But it’s the best I can do.
Thank You to all those who are serving, those who have served, and those who have worked tirelessly to support them on the home front.
