This Friday is an important day in the life of our country. We are reminded of all those who put their dreams and lives on hold in order to protect our nation. We honor those among us who are our veterans. And we are grateful.
As the daughter and sister-in-law of veterans, I have a unique perspective on the life of military families. I talked about Dad’s military service once before in the article about sacrifice. You may read more about it here.
When talking about his years of military service, Dad talks about Mom being enlisted, too. Although she didn’t serve in the military, she served our family. Dad said she was the one who did the packing, planning, and all the moving required of Dad’s job. Since he was career military, they moved a lot.
They met in Fayetteville, North Carolina, when Mom was working for a colonel. Dad had to deliver a message to him and Dad was smitten at first sight of this beautiful, vivacious woman. Dad’s first overseas assignment was to Okinawa, which is now a part of Japan. They married quickly and Mom was not about to be left behind so she boarded a ship from San Francisco and went to live with him in a Quonset hut. Some of my favorite stories and pictures of Mom and Dad come from this assignment.
They returned home to the States and the South and were assigned to Alabama. Both Alan and Carla were born there. They had a tour in Texas and then in Spain where my brother John was born. Home again to the states and a plan to retire in San Antonio – even built their “retirement” home – but the military called again.
Izmir, Turkey, is where I finally join this story. They left when I was still a baby so I don’t remember anything from my birthplace. Of course, I’ve seen pictures but I haven’t been able to go back. From Turkey, they returned to the States and North Carolina. We lived in Cary, which was not far from both Mom and Dad’s childhood homes. The last two assignments took us to Cocoa Beach, Florida, and, in what must be the craziest move ever, to Duluth, Minnesota.
Through all this transition, Mom was the one in charge. She found housing, she packed, and she found our schools and churches. She nurtured her children and settled their environments in each move. Since she was able to stay at home with us, we were her full-time occupation. I don’t ever remember a time when she didn’t make it to a recital or school event.
I think Mom would have been this way no matter what Dad’s work entailed. She grew up in a totally devoted home and she made certain we had the same. I now know what an unusual thing that was to be very protected and sheltered. She made sure of it.
So this week, think of all those who have given sacrificially to make sure this country has been protected and sheltered. Although there is no way to thank them for all they gave, at the very least we need to say “thank you.” Remember also to thank their wives for the sacrifices they made, and many are still making, to keep things going on the home front.
Our nation is free because of the brave and I am so grateful.
