July 4th: Freedom is Not Free

Today is a special day to celebrate the commitment and dedication that men and women, like my hubby, demonstrate each day to maintain our independence. The flag that is displayed on my husband's arm, almost every single day for the last 17 years, is one of adoration and admiration. Embedded in his soul are those colors of red, white, and blue. He gives of himself, sometimes at the expense of family, friends, and himself, to fulfill his promise to our country. I thank God that he is not one of the thousands of soldiers fighting for freedom in the middle east, instead he is on the frontline at home trying to find others who believe in this great nation of ours and are willing to defend the freedom that is not free. He is an US Army Recruiter and I am so proud of him. It is people like him, young and old, who have made our country what it is today. One person in a team of others. It is such a selfless job, that I know I could never do.

My brother-in-law is also part of our nations strength. He is now on his second tour in Iraq and has come home this weekend to rest and love my sister, my beauty-queen niece, and my silly nephew. Chad and I admire his courage. Our Lissy prays for him each night. It is upsetting, the thought of my brother-in-law going back into the warzone in just a couple of short weeks, but I know he will be ready to carry on with his duties. How brave these men and women are and I thank you for giving me freedom.

Happy 4th of July to you and to all!