If you knew that having cancer could save someone else's life, would you do it? I'm sure you're thinking I've lost my mind, but I'm actually leading up to something...
Each year men and women choose to risk their lives and fight to make our country safe. Today, apart from our normal blog, I'd like to take a moment and reflect on those who have chosen to loose their lives for our very own freedom.
For many years I have looked forward to Memorial Day as that "extra day" off work or the day at the lake, camping or day to hang out with family and friends. I knew what "Memorial" day meant- a day to look back and remeber those who had fallen for our freedom, but there was never that connection for me.
My grandfather was in the army and was in WWII. Lucky for me he went through Normandy several days after the US lost thousands when they stormed the beaches otherwise I would have probably never existed. Two of my cousins served in Operation Desert Storm...one in the army and the other was navy. My father-in-law was an officer in the Navy and also started his aviation career flying A-6's. I can only dream of what these men went through, but I'm honored that they risked everything- their future, their time with family, and their very lives to maintain and give us what we have today- America.
What has changed my outlook? Unfortunately for many-including myself, you don't TRULY understand the significance until you or you witness a family loose their loved one in the military. It makes you stop and gather all of the reasons of why they do it and how much they truly care for their family and nation. Once I took that all in (which was A LOT for my itty-bitty brain) I finally understood.
This year, on January 28th was when my world changed. I recieved a message on facebook from a dear friend of mine, Alice Marshall. I first met Alice in 2002 when I worked for her father, Drew Marshall, at a local law firm in Athens. They are some of the most wonderful people that I know. Alice was writing me to tell me that Evan, her little brother, had been killed while on his second tour in Iraq. As I sat through the military funeral it hit me-like a brick wall. I was so mad at myself for taking this all for granted!
So as you sit in your home today or ride down the highway or play with your kids...take a moment to think of those who made the decision to risk their life and die so that you may have a safe country and you are able to enjoy the task that you are doing.
Until Thursday...
Melissa
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