It was November 15, 2006 when Greg left us for a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan (which later turned to 15). Two years ago today. And there is so much I could say! My mind has literally been moving a mile a minute all day long. Thinking about the experiences we had while Greg was gone. Recounting the stories he told me of his time in a war zone. And especially, thanking the Lord those difficult days are behind us.
What I am going to say in this blog however, is simply this, our soldiers are true heroes! It is easy for us to forget a war is going on. There is so much taking place in America right now -- with the hurting economy, the recent elections, etc -- that the sacrifices being made by men and women of the Armed Forces go unnoticed. I have to tell you, I think about them all the time. I cry when I read of a successful roadside or suicide bombing. My heart breaks to think of the families I know who have lost a child, husband and father in Iraq or Afghanistan. Because I have been there -- I cannot forget. It is literally impossible for me to put it in the back of my mind.
When I look at my husband, I see a great man of God. An amazing father. The greatest husband. I also see a soldier, and a hero. He was in harms way many a time. He gave up all the comforts of home for more than a year to minister to soldiers "on the field." He traveled week in and week out by helicopter and convoy to get to the small fire bases to hang out with and minister to the soldiers who were living with no electricity or running water. He could have chosen to stay where it was safe, warm and dry. But he didn't. He was a true "boots on the ground" chaplain, and lives were changed for eternity as a result. I am certain the Lord blessed him with an extra hedge of protection because of his faithfulness.
So today, on this significant 2 year mark, and just a few days after Veteran's Day, I honor all of the men and women of our military ... especially the one who lives in my house!
