Veteran's Day

I am surrounded by many Veterans. My mom, dad, uncles, great uncles, and my grandfather all served in the armed forces. My husband and my brother are currently serving in the Navy. My husband's family also has a great military presence. I am very proud of those who make the sacrifice to make our country a better place. But today it has a brand new meaning for me.

The other day after having some chest pains. I went to the ER. While we were waiting they shut down the ER for a life threatening emergency. Mike and I thought possibly a car accident? We watched as the nurses,  ran back and forth getting more blood from the lab. It made me sad to think someone was back their fighting for their life. About an hour had passed and they called me back to get my vitals. They said it would still be awhile as they were waiting on life flight to come. After waiting for so long my pain had subsided and I was ready to leave. It wasn't long after that I was called back and seen. After being released. Mike and I really didn't talk much about what had happened in the ER.

The next day Mike was at work and found out that the person who had been rushed into the ER was a young Marine who had shot himself in an apparent attempt to commit suicide. Unfortunately, he did just that. My heart broke when I heard the news. Mike's command put out the word to have a suicide talk with all their sailors stating that this time of year can be really hard on people. Which made me say immediately to Mike "please check and see if there are any single sailors staying here and need a place to go for the holidays." We had the pleasure of having some guys over when we lived in Pensacola for Thanksgiving, but since we have been close to our family we haven't done it here in Jacksonville. To be honest it is something I enjoy doing and I really would like to continue as a  tradition for Thanksgiving. I have such a large and giving family that I know if need be they would pitch in to get the extra turkey and fixings.

It's the least I can do.

If my husband and I can prepare a home cooked meal and put a smile on a sailor's face on a day when he/she might otherwise be sad and lonely then it is a simple pleasure to me to open my home up to them.

You may not be a military family, you may not have one person who has served their country in the military. But just remember there are things you can do to show your support for them. Even a simple "Thank you" will make them smile and feel a sense of pride. Remember our Veteran's Today and everyday for they are the reason this country is still the greatest country in the world.