Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I'm Behind!

I can't believe I thought I'd be able to pull together a giveaway and a major family dinner the week my son got home from training. Sorry, everyone - I have the fabric cut but haven't managed to find more than a few minutes at a time for any actual sewing.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I found this on an online forum:

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop,or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

Now, I don't mean to harp on the subject of respect for our military, but this brought tears to my eyes, perhaps because it describes two of my three boys. And I love them, and I am grateful for the gift of all three!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and please say a quick prayer for all those who are away from their families this holiday - whatever the reason!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is just lovely Terri. You are very blessed indeed and we are thankful and prayerful for all those who are serving. Wishing you all the very best holiday.

Connie said...

Terri, this is a lovely tribute for those who serve and reminds us why we should all be grateful for them. Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. :)

Decor To Adore said...

May your boys be blessed and ket safe during their service to our country. My husband did 22 years in the A.F. and is surely better because of it.

DayPhoto said...

Beautiful! I am thankful for your sons! And for our military! They are why we are free today!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

blushing rose said...

God bless your sons & you ... without them our freedoms would be in great jeopardy. They will walk thru a living hell for each of us ... may the hand of the Lord keep them safe.

Hope you had a lovely Tsgiving.

Follow me please on our new blog ~ old had too many issues.

blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com
TTFN ~Marydon

Leanne said...

Thank you so much for that. It made me cry. It pretty much describes my son. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our son and now he's at AIT. I hope you had a wonderful time with yours. They are so different now, but also the same. I've seen mine change so much in just 9 short weeks. What brave, patriotic boys we've raised. Tell yours "Thank you for serving".

TC said...

I've saluted your military boys here before and I do so again. And will continue to do so in the future.

God bless them, and their Mama!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

That reminds me of my hubby. He was 19 went he went off to the Army....and I vowed to wait for him. He's no longer in the Army, but I still pray for those serving in our military and their families. Thanks Terri!