I love everything that the fourth of July has to offer! The parades, the fireworks, the barbeque's, the parties going on, just everything about it! But with all of that aside I am always left with the overwhelming feelings of gratitude, love, and respect! I can't make it though a single fourth of July without crying! Sometimes to the point of sobbing.
I love the parades. But the fact of the matter is the second the veterans come down the street, decorated in their ribbons and metals, I am completely over swept by emotions! As I have gotten older and seen many of our family serve our country my gratitude and appreciation has only magnified, and so have my tears!
Beau and I have had two brothers who have served, Wes and Ryan. And one brother Paul, and brother-in-law, Derrick who are serving now! When I think of there sweet families and all that they sacrifice, I cannot begin to tell you how proud I feel! How my emotions take hold of me at the thought of what they do for us! These men and women who serve our country, not only give their lives sometimes, but there time, their moments with family, their opportunity to be there and watch their children grow. Those left behind also give up more than a spouse being gone. They get to be the sole care giver for a time and adjust to life without their husband or wife by their side!
How grateful I am for those willing to sacrifice! To those who allow me, my family, and all of us the freedoms that we enjoy! There are many who long to live in America, to be free to make choices, and give their families a better chance! I feel blessed to live in a nation where I have the right to believe in what I choose!
I would challenge each of you this week to say thanks. To express your gratitude to someone you know who is serving or who has served! If you see someone walking by in the store or on the street in their uniform, regardless if you know them, approach them. Express your gratitude to them! This is America a place to reach out and give hope to others! A place where each of us should reach out and lift those up who need a helping hand! A place where we can use our voices for good! I believe if each of us do our part that what we have and where we live can always be great! Use your voices and express thanks!!
Several years ago, I came across in Idaho Falls, two boys burning the United States flag. I will never forget my emotions, my anger, and my desire to put those two in their place! I pulled over with my sister unafraid if they were armed or had knives, and asked them kindly to stop. Of course I was ignored, but I didn't care, I kept trying to coax them to have respect for others. It only ignited what they were doing and before I realized what I was doing I starting belting out the words to "God Bless America". There I was singing at the top of my lungs, with my sister Sharla joining in, in the middle of a parking lot for all to hear and see! Several other people who saw their protest called the cops and also pulled over to demand they stop! By the time the cops got there, they made all of us watching get back in our cars. They searched the two boys and found they they were in fact carrying knives and were able to arrest them for possession of a weapon. I can still remember driving away crying with my sister at such a display!
I love America! I am proud to be an American, to be free! To live life to it's fullest, to be with family and friends, and to be a citizen with rights!
Thank you from the bottom of mine and my families heart to those who serve, who have served, or who are serving! Thank you to those who make this life great through your selfless acts of service! Thank you to the wives and families who put on a brave face and honor our country by allowing their spouses to serve!! Thank you to our brothers, brother-in-law, and their families! We see the sacrifices you make and are making and appreciate and love you!
*GOD BLESS AMERICA!!*
