A few years ago, my good friend Triple’s husband was sent to Iraq with the Army National Guard. I’m not sure I really breathed the whole time he was gone, so I’m not sure how she managed it.
He came home safely. And he came home a hero.
I didn’t have a blog back then, or believe you me, I’d have told you all about it. So I’m telling you today: My friend Cory served our country, and he is a hero. Thank you, Cory, from the bottom of my heart.
And thank you to all the men and women who serve, and everyone who waits for them at home. When I think about the sacrifices that are made every day, well, I just can’t get over it. And really, I shouldn’t get over it. Our armed forces and their families are incredible, and I’m so very thankful for what they do.
Which explains why I tear up every time I hear those words (“If tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d worked for all my life. And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife . . .”).
Indeed, Lee Greenwood, God bless the USA. And happy 4th of July!
Hey, thanks! I totally wasn't expecting that. I remember that you didn't breathe the whole time, or at least that you were one of my most concerned friends, which really meant a lot to me. Yes, you can encourage people by not breathing.
I look back on that time and think how cool it was that both Cory and I had to cling to God every second of every day.
Lee Greenwood and family goes to our church. I wonder how many people have thanked him for that beautiful song.
For the first time I personally know someone killed in duty this year. It is heartbreaking and yet awe-inspiring that those men and women love our country enough to die for it.
That song makes me cry every time also! EVERY time! Right during fireworks, with my kids screaming around me and all…
And you should blog about what Cory did for those who haven't heard the story (or Triple…I guess you could tell it :-D). Besides being a hero just for fighting for freedom, he was a HERO hero for saving lives–didn't he get the Medal of Honor or something??? I only heard the story third-hand from my mom who read it in the paper so I would really love a more in-depth story….
yes, thank you all!
i saw the title of this post before i left this morning but didn't have time to read it. so i had that song in my head for a while! and yes, he makes me cry too. i'm so sappy…!
Do you remember singing the Greenwood song at a salute to the Armed Forces in middle school during Desert Storm? It was your last music performance "Dakie" attended. He'd be proud to read your patriotic tribute.