July 4, 2004
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Those Who Serve

I hear the fireworks, the pop, pop, pop. I see the colors gleaming in the sky. I don't run for cover for I am celebrating.

What do you hear and what do you see? Does the pop, pop cause you to run for cover? To me it is freedom to you is the price being paid in some far away land so that I can enjoy the pop, pop, pop without a thread of fear coursing through my body causing my adrenaline to kick into high gear.

Do you see fireworks of a different kind. Does the light illuminating the sky signal to you a sign of the enemy or the hope that one of your own is okay?

I can sit here and eat Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and watch a good old game of baseball. What do you eat? What do you watch? What do you see that no eyes should have to see?

Did you lose a comrade who became closer than a brother? Did a sister get carried off never to return?

Do I have to know you to care that you are there?Your someone's mom, someones sister, daughter, father, brother, husband, son, co-worker, friend.

Do I realize that while you work as I sleep that the borders being guarded come at a continuous cost that began many wars ago and continue during this night that I sleep soundly in my bed?

Do you feel alone? Do you feel forgotten? Do you wonder if anyone really cares? Are you tired? Homesick? Sad? Proud? Daily pressing on for your country? Are you on the front lines or cleaning the pots and pans?

Every pop, pop, pop and I think of you. Do you cringe when you hear that sound? What about those who have gone before you and come home proud, broken do they cringe like they did on the battle field?

Hold on my brother, hold on my sister. Keep going forward because you count. You are in the history books of tomorrow's children. You are the ones that they will look to as an example. Freedom comes at a cost. Someone has to pay it. It takes time, sacrifice, determination, selflessness, courage, pride in our country, pride in our fellow man. It takes someone watching all over this land at every moment of every day to make sure that we can still celebrate this day not just today but every day.

Because of you we only hear the pop, pop, pops once a year but we celebrate the freedom all year through.

I for one thank you and I pray God's hand upon you and your safe return home.

I am proud to be an American.

Bloggin Heart

Well I went to a wedding today. They truly are a great match and I think they will make it. I remember when I stood up there with the same intentions and dreams. I remember the promises we spoke. And I remember the day you changed your mind. I am no longer in the ranks of the married.

I miss the companionship. I miss the whole thing but then I don't miss you. Not now. Not after seeing you and her grocery shopping together after we spent 14 years doing the same. You cheated, you left and I pick up the pieces. It is a Judas Kiss. I hurt not for having you gone but for your betrayal that was so complete.

So today I dream of my own fairy tale tommorrow while in no hurry to rush it or do it on my own. Knowing that imperfections lie in myself and all of us therefore there is no fairy tale future but certainly one that is better than what I had.

So in the meantime, I heal, I cry, I get mad and I talk it out. I change what I can about myself so that no baggage remains on board for the next trip. Taking the necesary time to learn who I am again.

Still sometimes like today the sting of yesterday touches the core and for a short time the pain reminds me of the past and the future reminds me of hope. Pain does not last forever. Hope endures.

Blog Out