We are a 1% family – but for a different reason other than the current (and stupid) “financial inequality” Progressive debate roiling political discourse. No, we are not part of that 1% (and not the 10% either – keep sliding downscale, folks). No, we are the 1% because the Eldest and the Youngest have served in our armed forces (US Marines and US Army, respectively). We are one of the relatively small number of families who have had an immediate family member serve, and we have two (three, if one wishes to count the Eldest’s girlfriend – she served in the US Navy).
I sit here on the couch, in the still quiet of the morning and by myself (with one of our two dogs cuddled up next to me) and think, once again, “I am the lucky one”. Both came home (Iraq and Afghanistan) and in both cases, TMEW and I had the pleasure and excitement of greeting them after hours long flights in Bangor, ME where many of the overseas flights stopped for refueling. Sure, they had to get back on and head to their bases, but we got to see them – and some of the changes that the theater of war had wrought.
I am the lucky one – they came home, literally. Reestablishing a civilian life and lifestyle was easy in one case and very hard on the other. I have never asked for details; none were offered, but let’s say that certain of their memories came out in the nightmares I heard during the night. We just made sure that we were there when needed and now their lives are back on track.
I am the lucky one – some of their friends did not and I know their friends parents still grieve. After all, we have all stood at the end of the driveway and we all have watched them leave us. Mine returned, theirs did not. Today is that day when I remember them and their sacrifice. Some, I know of the details of their sacrifice, and some have never been talked about, but I remember them as those that protected my sons even as mine helped to protect them up to when they could no longer. They knew that true service was not about themselves but those around them.
My wish today is that the other 99% take time out of their day to reflect on the sacrifice of others and the impact of that sacrifice. My wish is that they might dwell a few moments on what brought on the willingness to make that sacrifice truly means. They died for their buddies – they died for their country. Their families will always have that emptiness with them – this is what this day is for them: only memories.
I am the lucky one – I can hold and hug more than memories.
I am thankful.
