Happy Veterans Day Y'all!

Sorry for the absence lately folks.  I had a big long excuse reason to share with you, but I'm sure that you are not interested in that.  This post is going to be short, sweet and to the point.  It wont be funny or irreverant as on this day, I do not think that it is called for.  Trust me, there will not be many posts like this as it is just not in my nature to not be a smart ass.

Did you realize that today is Veterans Day?  My father did not exactly tell the truth about his age so that he could join the Marines and go to Viet Nam.  My oldest brother was in the Navy and everyone of my mom and dads brothers were in the service.  I am very proud of this fact and thankful at the very same time. 

I will not bore you with what I do for a living, but the most fulfilling part is my work with Veterans.  They are easily the most respectful, gracious and appreciated group of people.  It really does make it easier to come to work every day.

As a perk of my job, I got to go to the Veterans Day parade that takes place about 2 blocks from my office.  There were so many Veterans from every branch of the service and someone was represented from almost every war.  I was very impressed and touched that they took time out of their busy lives to come and let us thank them. 

One of the highlights was that I got to see a good friend and thank him in person for his service.  I enjoyed that!  One of the heartbreaking facts of war was in the parade as well.  When the mothers and wives of fallen soldiers drove by, I was moved to tears.  I was seriously standing on the side of the road bawling.  I cannot fathom the sacrifice from these families.

Little backstory, my youngest son is determined to become a Marine.  While I find it honorable and precious beyond words that he wants to follow in my fathers footsteps, I am having a difficult time imagining someone wanting to shoot at that precious face.  It infuriates me.  I do not even like him playing football. How dare those other boys not just let him run down the field! But my father always says, 'it has to be someone's son.' 

So, to conclude this incredibly short post I will say, go thank a Veteran today.  If you know one, go buy him or her lunch or dinner or just sit and visit with them.  If you are kin to one, go give them a hug.  Tell them how much their bravery and sacrifice means to you.  I tell my father every year how much I appreciate what he did for our country and I cry every year. 

Happy Veterans Day y'all.