Memorial Day and Sacrifices

Today, is about honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for our Country, this Country. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Those who have made the sacrifices and carry their scars, whether visible or hidden. Those who have stood by and supported these men and women. I have had a family member who has at one time or another sacrificed his life for this Country. A grandfather (Army) who fought in WWII, a grandfather (Army) who fought in the Korean War, two of my uncles in the Air Force, my father (Marine) who fought in Vietnam, my dad (Army) who fought in Vietnam, my cousin (active Army) who fought in Iraq (leaving very soon again) and my husband (active Marine) who fought two tours in Iraq. I realize and understand how many sacrifices are Military and their families have made for us for the freedom we share. A concept most civilians whom do not have any connection to the Military (past or present) can truly grasp. I personally am eternally grateful for them. Years past, I looked at this weekend and today as just that, another weekend, with an extra day at home. I knew what Memorial Day was, but never truly grasped the whole concept. I was just your average US American that loved the fact, it was one more day off of work. One more day to have a barbecue and party with my friends and family. Not anymore. It didn't happen all at once, there were a few things that hit very close to home for me. After my cousin served for opening round in Iraq and came home, I saw the changed look in his eyes. That haunted look that will forever change the innocence in him. After, Sniper and I rekindled our relationship. I saw that same look in his eyes. I stood beside him for his last tour (which seemed like it would never end) and supported him. The long, lonely days and nights of waiting just to hear his voice and know he was ok, he was still alive. The phone calls home (which no one ever wants to hear), letting his family know, he was WIA twice (that rated him two purple hearts). The phone call letting us know, he was coming home WIA. Sniper made sacrifices, put his life on the line for his Marines and he is now in the process (on a PEB Board) of becoming medically retired and it will take some time. Time no one has any inclination as to. It may be a few months or longer. The price has been high for him, but they all came home. Me, I have stood by and watched silently the demons he fights inside and will continue to harbor for the rest of his life. I have held him on those long sleepless nights. I have held him when the demons get the best of him. I have held his hand or rubbed his back on those days when the haunted memories come back with no warning. I have stood beside him and watched the pain he goes through from the wounds that seem like they will never heal (it's been over a year). I have also, watched the sacrifices his family and children have made. His family silently standing beside Sniper and supporting him through the last 15 years he has given this Country. Our eldest, Bubba wrote something on his myspace the other day and it brought a smile to my heart and a tear to my eyes. He too has made such deep sacrifices. He wrote: Well my dad is my biggest hero no matter what he has always keeps his promises to me and one of the biggest is to come home alive. If you don't know my dad is a marine and has been to Iraq multiple times. I have not lived with my dad, but for a short while, when I was little, but he always makes the biggest effort to see me as much as possible. He is always here for me no matter what. I am very proud of my dad for what he does as a living and I have the up most respect for him. Dad, I love you with all my heart and couldn't be prouder. Thank you for everything you have done. This kid, young man understands sacrifices. So as you go on today, and think this is just another day off of work. Another day to party. Another day off, to work around the house or do yard work. Think of the men, women and families that have sacrifice for you to have this time. Take a second out of your life, stop and thank those who have served, past and present. Thank a family member for supporting our Heroes. Stop and say a silent prayer for those who are still fighting. Stop and remember those who will never come home and the pain and agony there familes will forever endure. I know today, I am just eternally grateful I have Sniper home to enjoy the little things in life with. Thankful to share our family together. Dyzgoneby, Aka Mrs. Sniper Sniper, my darling husband, thank you for everything you have sacrificed for us, your family and your Country. I love you with all my heart and I will never take for granted anything we have or share together. I understand why you have made the sacrifices you have made. I Proudly stand here and support you in whatever life my have in store for us in the next chapter of our lives.