Freedom and Woman's Work

A great big THANK YOU to all of our servicemen who are or have served our country that I might live in a free land.

I live with a veteran who hates to be called such.  You see, he didn't have to pay the ultimate price, and though he was in a war zone, he never felt in harms way.  I see it very differently.  Each man who dons the uniform of the United States military makes a sacrifice each day.  His life is not his own.  He is at the service of his country 24-7.  He gives of his "free time" working 24 hours a day - sometimes for months at a time.  He gives of his health - his health care is at the whim of the military, he can not always eat the way he would like.  He sacrifices holidays with family and friends.  He sacrifices financial payment - many of these servicemen could be paid far more in the private sector.  He sacrifices comfort - his bed may be a rack, a cot, or the ground.  He sacrifices once-in-a-lifetime events: birth of children, weddings, funerals.  And so, I thank these men - both present and past for their sacrifice and service.

Since this is woman's work Wednesday, I also send a big thanks to all of those wives who give of their lives for our country as well.  There are many wives today not only doing their work in the home, but doing that of their husband who is serving far from home or serving so many hours that he can't keep up on things at home.  These woman are doing this work for 6-18 months without a break, without the kiss that would recharge their wilting spirit, without the hug that wipes clear all the troubles of the day.  They are waiting for that e-mail, letter, or call not knowing when it will come.  They are learning to fix a car, some plumbing, a creaky step.  They are facing family holidays knowing that their family will be incomplete.  They are shedding tears in the shower, while they fall asleep, because they are expected to be strong in public and for their serviceman.  They have their own service and sacrifice for our country and for that I thank them.