I have always considered myself to be patriotic. I am conservative and have always backed our troops enthusiastically. I've lived in military towns and have had many friends who have had husbands or other family members in the military. It was not til it hit closer to home recently, that I have taken the time to reflect on the sacrifice that men and women in our military make to ensure our freedom.
I met Sarah when I was 22 and dating Keith. She is Keith's niece (now my niece too). She married a wonderful man, Tom, (also an FSU grad) seven years ago. He is serving in the army and deployed for the first time on Saturday, serving a one year mission in Afganistan. He flies Apache Helicopters and will be doing so while deployed.
I know he is proud to be serving his country and has had time to prepare for this. But, I can't help but feel for him to be separated from the love of his life for a WHOLE YEAR, living so far away and living that entire year in danger. I can't help but feel for Sarah, living a year seperate from him, worried daily about his safety. How empty their house must feel to her. I can't help but feel for his parents and for Pam and Dave. They will all worry about him and miss him each and every day for 365 days in a row, the way only parents can.
It was different when I had friends who's spouses deployed for a year. There was no war then. It was still hard, but in a completely different way.
This totally affects me in a way different than in the past and I have compassion stronger than I've ever had before for military families.
I will fly my flag higher and more proud than before. I will pray daily for Tom's safety. I will pray for Sarah to be strong; for the time to pass quickly for them both. I will pray for their peace as well as the peace of our country. I am so proud of the sacrifice you both make for my freedom and for the freedom of my family and our country. Thank you!
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