There were no bombs last night or gunshots fired outside my window. The only noise I heard were distant coyotes singing their melodious chorus into the night air. I slept peacefully under my quilt nestled against my husband.
It didn’t really matter that my door was not kicked in yesterday, and my daughters were not stolen by militants for slavery. I should feel so relieved; and yet, I sit at my breakfast table sipping coffee with my feet propped up, unaware. Sunday as my family piled out of the car to walk into church, I failed to notice that no one tried to beat me with chains or shoot at my husband. And the fact I can read, doesn’t cross my mind as I scan the internet for local news.
As I glance down, I notice my arms. There are no bruises from recent beatings for disobedience. And my little dog sits comfortably in my lap without fear. It doesn’t really cross my mind that the pantry is full and on the table in front of me is a bowl of fresh fruit just waiting to be eaten.
My son comes bolting up the stairs. I am unaware that his hands are not missing, having been cut-off by opposing soldiers. He pours a bowl of cereal and splatters milk on the counter. “Make sure you wipe that up. It will be a sticky mess if you don’t,” I remind him.
He flips on the television and the voices of reporters expressing their views fills the air. Just last week, my daughter and I went to vote, and I forgot to notice no one tried to stop me.
I pause to listen to their words. It hasn’t crossed my mind that listening could cost me my life.
I am unaware because I don’t have to be. I live in the wealthiest country in the world where I am free to roam the streets without a male escort; I can be educated; marry whom I choose; and worship God without fear. I can work; write editorials about governmental decisions I oppose; and no one can legally abuse me. I do not have a limit to the number of children I can have or the style of clothes I am allowed to wear. I am not a slave but free to go and do what I lawfully choose to do.
My life is as it is because of the men and women of our armed forces. And as I sit unaware, I know some mom somewhere is on her hands and knees praying for the safety of her son; or some dad glimpses at his beautiful daughter’s picture on his dresser, wondering when she’ll return from active duty. To say thank you isn’t enough. Because of you, the men and women who have and do serve our country, I live in the luxury and safety of the United States of America.I do not have to be aware because you are aware for me.
Thank you to all of you who serve and have served. Thank you to all who have lost their lives for my comfort. Thank you to your families for their sacrifices every day without you.
There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude as I sit…unaware.
