This goes out to all my family and friends, to say Thank you, to all the men or women who have served, are serving or have a family member serving in the United States Military. I also want to thank the Veterans that have lost their lives, and have gone on to their eternal home, giving the ultimate sacrifice. The freedoms that we have today are because of you all. I salute you all and your families!
I have had a terrible flu this week, still getting over it, taking care of the boys, Daniel has had it, Matthew only a head cold. I put on some sweats last night in an attempt to go down to the HiSchool Pharmacy or Safeway, to find a card to give to my hubby for Veterans Day. I bundled Daniel up and we went downtown (if you all are familiar, it is such a small town that we live in, this is the only stores here!). To my utter dismay (which it took a lot for me to get down to the store, the clerk looked at me like boy, you look nice!) I could not find one Vetarans Day card. This actually really made me almost cry when I got in the car. Combined with the huge amount of effort it took for me to get "ready" with what little strength that I felt I had and the fact that there weren't any store cards to give my husband for this day it just made me feel sad. I have made my own, that was what I had to do. I should have been more prepared, this week was filled with sickness and recovering and so I didn't have a chance to prepare... I was disappointed that I couldn't find a single card though... okay, I admit I was a little irked! I cannot imagine how vetarans feel...
Our family knows first hand what it is like to have your loved one in a foreign land, with their life on the line every MOMENT, so that you and I can be FREE. War is not pretty, it is not what anyone wants, but unfortunately it is necessary and something that happens. History shows this. I don't want to go into great depth concerning TODAY's war, and our part in all that, or to sound like I am on a soap box as some would say, what I want to bring across is that we are AMERICANS and our personal freedom was not free, but we have a responsibility to treat each other in a honoring way. I think of what my husband has to hear sometimes and it really hurts me in a place that cannot be explained. I want to write a little about that on this day that honors our Veterans...
There are Americans downing our government, our president and commandor in chief, our military, the efforts of the government and military. It has such a spirit of negativity and ungratefullness, it will come to ruin us... The other day Steve was at a convenient store on a short break from work. He was with a few other co-workers and they were in line to buy their snacks. Steve didn't share with me all that was said or what exactly he said, but a customer in front of him was going off to the clerk about the war... raising his voice in anger about our president, our position in the Middle East, etc... Steve can only take so much. When you have your friends and family over there everyday, and they are dying so that that gentlemen can stand there and go off about his "feelings" concerning our nation, it hits ya pretty close to home. The store clerk asked the gentlemen to leave the store very sternly three times before Steve stepped up and told the guy to watch his words, he said that you never know who is standing around when you are spewing your mouth off like that. The gentlemen got mad in Steve's face and said, oh are you some soldier?! Now, you all know how Steve is... as Grandpa Ernest Neiman would call Steve, he is in fact a "soldiers soldier" and boy did that ignite something in him... what Steve said I do not know exactly, he just said that as the gentlemen left, (Steve motivated him to leave) his co-workers were like, wow, I didn't know that was in you Steve. The store clerk thanked Steve as they left and they went on their way. It is very hurtful and painful for him and other soldiers to walk around and see people just talking that way.These are the kinds of things that people say and do everyday, from our own country, our own neighbors, even our friends and families (we even lost friendships when Steve went to the Middle East because they didn't agree about why AMERICA was there or that he should be going!). Why do those scenes, like the one with Steve at the 7-11 have to happen? HOW are we using our freedom of speech, how are we carrying our messages of our beliefs and opinons. Are we honoring each other? I do know that the bible tells us to pray for our government and support our leaders. I do know that I can do that on a daily basis, that is what I can personaly do. I can also act in a respectful manner towards others. I can speak in a way that shows respect and honor regarding this country, this nation that I love, to my fellow Americans and to others around the globe. I can have my opinon and express it in a respectful manner though. My wish is that others would take that attitude on. We all need to chose to be respectful and descreet when talking about such important and touchy things. You and I can disagree, but do we have to carry ourselves in a way that makes us on opposing sides, acting in hatred and hurtfulness to each other. I know for sure that Steve could've very well lost his temper that day at the 7-11, but he kept his cool and got his message of support to our nation across, in a direct and respectful manner. I believe the man finally left because he was ashamed of his words and his attitude, who knows though. It is too bad that gentlemen had to act that way, but I am proud of you Steve for your control and respect. I salute you babe!
Tell a Veteran today that you appreciate their sacrifice. Tell a family of a soldier that you appreciate their act of patriotism and support to our nation for allowing their loved one to serve our nation in the military. And above it all, pray. Pray for our nation, the Middle East, the world, our president and for our soldiers. And let's honor each other in our words and actions. :)
In honor and respect, God Bless you all!
Love,
Sharrie Kreins
I wanted to get this site out to you all to check out:
http://www.soldiersangels.com/
If you would like to support our troops in a very tangible way, and do not have a soldier in your family serving, check this site out, it is a great way to support our troops!
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