This is My America

Tonight as I ran, I was moved by the beauty and perfection of God's Country. I was engulfed by acres of green land, untouched by overindulgence or greed. It was a perfect run for Independence Day! I was able to reflect on what I really love about this Country. While sometimes I feel overwhelmed by politics and dislike some of the choices made by the Government (the people), I never want to call anywhere else home.

Earlier this week we took the kids to a Tops in Blue concert (for those not familiar, it is an entertainment group made up of the Air Force's most talented musicians, dancers, and vocalists. They travel the world entertaining the military members, their families, and the surrounding communities). They started the evening off with the presentation of the Colors and the National Anthem. It gets me every time! I'm overcome with emotion and my eyes swell with tears (most of you know I'm not a crier). Each year I feel I have an even deeper understanding of what those Colors represent.  I know the sacrifice my kids and every military family makes for that Flag and this Country. I know how many flags have been handed to mothers, fellow wives, and other family members because their loved one won't be coming home. I feel great pride as I watch my babies stand up and cover their hearts!

This year has been an emotional and meaningful 4th of July for me. I'm so incredibly blessed to have so many admirable men in my life who epitomize love of Country. After 30 years of service, my Dad has a deep love for his Country. More importantly he loves and respects the Airmen of yesterday and today. He shows a tremendous respect for the Flag that flies in front of his house. Every night he takes it down at dusk and carefully hangs it in his garage until he takes it back out the next morning. It is also one of the first things that comes down before a storm hits.

My husband has a love/hate relationship with his military career. Who wouldn't when it requires you to spend so much time away from your family? However, when duty calls he is one of the first to answer. Anytime there is an incident he is ready to go and quite honestly wants to be one of the first ones in. That includes anything from plane crashes to schools (i.e. sniper/survival...not so much a fan of textbooks, although he is suffering through to finish his BS:) His loyalty and leadership never fail to amaze me.

My brothers have both joined the Air Force this year. My youngest brother is currently in Tech School to be a firefighter and my other brother is a week into Basic Training. He will then go on to be an Airborne Linguist. I'm so proud of both of them! As a big sister you always want to protect your younger siblings (can't help it, it's nature). I've had a pit in my stomach since Beau left for Basic. I know this is where they are both meant to be, believe me it has been a LONG prayerful process. Still, I know it is the hardest nine weeks either of them will probably ever face. I also know many have gone before them and many will go after. Honestly, I've rationalized it all in my head, it is still hard as the big sister to not want to take care of that hardship for them.

I'm filled with pride and admiration when I think of the great men in my life!

Three miles gave me a lot of time to think. I sincerely love this Country! I believe in a better tomorrow and am thankful for all of our freedoms. This weekend a friend posted a status on Facebook that I found to be very moving, so I'll close with that:

"The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them."