Thank a Soldier

Today is Memorial Day and I’m thankful for all our service men and women.  However, today seems especially important to me because my brother was safely returned to the U.S. from his second deployment, just yesterday.  I love my brother very much and I didn’t realize how much I was missing him until yesterday.  My parents went to his reintegration ceremony (I think that’s what it’s called) and, to keep me in the loop, my mother called me to tell me they saw him and hugged him.  When I asked my mother if she was relieved that he was back on American soil she said, “You never know how you’re going to react.”  While she didn’t expand on what her reaction was (as she got distracted and started talking about the weather and dogs and things) I knew what she meant.  My breath caught in my throat and I was tearing up right on the phone.  I guess I didn’t realize how relieved I felt at knowing he was back.  To him I say, “I love you, bro.  You’re the best big brother any little sister could have and I have mad love for you.  Thank you for being the soldier that you are and serving our country.”

If you get the chance, thank a soldier past or present.  No matter what, they deserve your support.  Take it a step further and support the wounded and hurting soldiers in our country by donating to the Wounded Warrior Project.