For whatever reason, Memorial Day becomes more and more meaningful with every passing year. Long before 9/11, and long before Pat and I had friends constantly deployed, we were remembering, honoring and thanking those that have served and are currently serving. We don't need to look too far to think of those we are proud to know. Whether it be both of our fathers serving for over 25 years or our grandfathers serving in wars before them or the men and women who are currently enduring the heartache of separation from not only the family and friends, but the comforts of home that they so deeply miss. Yes, Memorial Day is a great reminder to set aside time to think, reflect and thank those that have gone before us to make our country what it is. So many take the time to highlight the flaws of our country without ever realizing how incredibly fortunate we are to be a part of it. As a woman, there is no other country in the world that I could have been born in that would provide me with the same rights and privileges. How blessed am I? I still remember Pat returning from Afghanistan and remarking for days how wonderful it was to be home. Not just home in Hawaii, not just home with the friends and family he loved, but home in our great country. There are so many who would give so much to live where we live and how we live with the freedom to worship or not, to vote or not, to be educated or not or to protest. It is a luxury to travel the world, to witness and experience other cultures, some struggling while others are thriving. But the greatest luxury of all, is to be able to return freely to the greatest country in the world, flawed albeit, but still overflowing with a mass of different ideals, goals, pursuits and people that represent the best and worst of mankind. How thankful I am to all of those who have made it possible for us to call this home.
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