An End in Iraq

I knew the end was coming soon to our time in Iraq, but as I was reading the news this morning, it shocked me to know that our troops were done with our mission there.  I don't know about you, but I've had mixed emotions today about it - happy to be out, anxious of what may happen in the future and hopeful that they sacrifices made there will be known and remembered.

I never served there.  I never touched the soil or looked into a face of an Iraqi.  But Joel did.  And because of him, I feel somewhat invested in Iraq. 

I hope that as our troops come home, that we would remember their sacrifice to a country that is not theirs and that we would continue to be prayerful for the people of Iraq.

Well done, USA.  And welcome home.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In: Veterans Day Edition

First off, a very happy Veterans Day to all of those who served our great country.  I'll admit that this day had very little meaning to me until I married Joel and began to understand who a veteran really is and how treasured they are.  I am beyond proud to not only be married to a veteran but to have so many in my life that I can call friend.  We are all better because of what they have done and continue to do for us - with complete dedication, focus and sacrifice.

Hop on over to Wife of a Sailor to read what other military spouses had to say.

1.Freedom is never truly understoodd until it is taken away .


2.Veterans are quietly dedicated to a cause not many of us really understand.  They are sacrificial, self-less, loyal and one of our country's greatest treasures .

3.This country is the only country I ever want to live in .

4.Veteran’s Day means that we all have an opportunity to give back to those who have given us the most, and if anything, just say thanks .

5.A hero is someone who is so dedicated to the cause that they will put themselves on the line to fight for it, no matter what the cost .
 

Source: alittlecrafting.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

The Man on the Corner

Today I had a conversation with a man I will never forget.  His name is Michael and I noticed him sitting in a wheelchair at an intersection near Grace's school.  After I picked up Grace and got ready to head home, I saw a sign taped to the back of his wheelchair.  It read "Disabled Veteran".  I drove off with the girls in the back of the car and knew I needed to turn around and talk with him. 

So, I drove around the block and pulled into a nearby parking lot.  For a few minutes we chatted.  Michael is disabled - his left leg is amputated.  He is an Army veteran and having a tough time in life.  I gave him what little cash I had on me, but I know it won't solve any of his real needs.  He seemed lonely - eager to talk to somebody.  Eager to share a bit of his story.

I don't know where he's at in life... I don't know if he has a family or any friends.  I don't know where he lives or if he has a home.  These are all things I wish I had asked.  I told him "thank you"... whatever that may mean to him, I don't know.

After ending our chat and saying goodbye, I drove home with the girls.  I was shaken.  I cried when I got home.  War changed Michael as it does all of our men and women in uniform.  His life is forever changed.  And now he has one leg, a wheelchair, and is in need of money and companionship.

It's no surprise that I have a heart for veterans.  I'm proud to be married to one and am happy to know so many.  But there seems to be a great divide - something that is lost and broken after they come home.  We forget to say "thank you", we forget to check in.  Fortunately, many veterans have a good support system.  But obviously many do not.  Too many are left behind after they've served.  I believe progress is being made, but it's too slow and not enough.

Veterans Day is a few weeks away.  I hope that we can all find a way to practically thank a veteran and let them know that we don't take them for granted and we won't forget what they've done.