Thank You!

As everyone knows, the reason I blog each day is for the boys.  I'm hoping that many years from now, they will read through the year we've captured with fond memories.  I've tried to include it all...the ups, downs, funny moments, current events and family memories.  A fabric created by 365 threads, creating a design that reflects what makes up their lives.  I would be remiss in my duty to the boys if I didn't include the world as it is today. 

We're in the middle of multiple wars.  The events of 9/11 (soon to be 10 years ago) started a mission.  A mission to rid the world of terrorism or at least the leaders of those groups.  Those that seek to destroy the things we hold dearest - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  In the US, freedom is a right, not a choice.  Thankfully, there are those that make the choice to defend the things we take for granted.

A few weeks ago, I stood on the campus of Ohio University and asked myself "How can I do this?"  The mere thought of sending one of the boys away, to a strange place, without family left me with a pit in my stomach that I can't explain.  I didn't think anything would be worse.  Enter Chelsea.

I've never met Chelsea nor have the boys or Jeff.  I've never had the opportunity to hear her voice, share a meal or a laugh.  She wouldn't recognize a picture of us or know the boys names.  But each night, I will pray for her safety, the safety of her coworkers and all of their families.  I will follow her life, hoping that I will have the opportunity to introduce her to H and W.  I will hug the boys a little tighter every night and hope that they turn out just like her.  I will help take care of her family when she can't be here to do it herself.  And when I finally get the honor of meeting her, I will joyfully take down the ribbon that I'll hang for her tomorrow and return it to her with the most heartfelt thank you.

You see, Chelsea is leaving tonight to head off to war.  She's a pround member of the United States Air Force.  She's committed her life to protecting all of the liberties that we take for granted.  Chelsea will spend the next six months in Afganistan.  She'll endure more in that time than most of us will in a lifetime. And when the boys read this, many years from now...I want them to take a minute to reflect on those individuals that sacrifice more than they could ever imagine.

Thank you Chelsea.  Thank you for keeping us safe.  Thank you for making a sacrafice that I can't even begin to imagine...and I'm twice your age.  I can't wait to meet you!