It’s tempting to think that being a military family means moving a lot, long term separations, being tough, hanging the American flag, and feeling honored on Veteran’s Day. We are the patriots. We make the sacrifices. Go us.
But you know what? It’s not about that, not really. It’s really all about freedom and protecting that freedom. It’s about being there when your country needs you. It’s about doing things other people do not want to do–doing things I don’t want to do either. And sometimes we all know that we may not have tomorrow. Every military spouse or parent lives with that fear– that feeling of driving home, seeing a strange car in your driveway, while your service member is away at war, and you think, “Oh, God, please don’t let that be a casualty officer.”
This morning Alan got a text message from our friend Max, telling him that Major General Greene was killed in Afghanistan. This all happened on Tuesday, and I just hated getting this news. For more information, you can visit this page:
Alan worked for General Greene during our DC years and in Afghanistan, and he was an excellent person, boss, family man, and military officer. This is a great loss to his family and to our country. Alan said he was the kind of general that actually came out and played dodgeball with his team at the Pentagon. He even called Alan, when Alan was in Afghanistan, on Thanksgiving Day, to thank him for what he was doing.
When a death like this happens, it reminds us of the reality of our situation. There is no “safe place” in a combat zone. Any time we send someone over there, the risks are great. Our service men and women sign up knowing the risks. We families know them as well. Still, the news is hard to take.
It’s important to enjoy the fun and the glory that the military life does bring. Enjoy the good times while they are good. We got married straight out of college, in 2002, in over our heads in the aftermath of 9/11. I had no idea back then what patriotism meant. I never dreamed of all the things my family would be called upon to do. The things that have gone on politically ever since have always hit us so close to home that I really couldn’t even form an un-biased opinion on any of it. Sometimes it’s hard for me to think of issues like the ongoing Middle East crisis and terrorism as “What’s best for our country?” and not “Oh no. Will this send Alan overseas?” But of course, if we don’t fight terrorism, terrorism will show up at our door. Sometimes we are quick to forget what started this war in the first place.
But I can’t write talking points on the war. I quit watching the news in 2009, during Alan’s second long tour in Iraq, when Joshua started seeing footage on t.v., and I just couldn’t take it. I couldn’t watch it, and I couldn’t stand to have my little bitty boys hear it. I didn’t want them to worry.
Yesterday morning I picked up a copy of an actual newspaper from the hotel lobby. At eight and seven years old, I think it’s time for them to begin to “get it.” No, the world isn’t a “safe” place. It never has been. However, I do not want them to be ignorant. It grates my nerves when I see people on Facebook posting all of their uninformed opinions. I don’t want that to be my children. I want them to know why we have made the sacrifices that we have made. I want them to have a firm grip on reality.
Today our prayers are with the Greene family. This was a terrible loss for our country.
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I am neither patriot nor an advocate of "the war on Terror" (in fact I'd probably be more a protester against US policies). However I'm still a woman and appreciate your situation and how hard it must be.
My son is a policeman and though immensely proud of him I secretly wish he'd chosen a safer less demanding profession (having to constantly deal with "bad stuff" takes a toll).It's tempting to wish he were less of a man, that he didn't feel responsible for the safety of others, but I can't ask him to be less than he is. I've often thought how much tougher it must be for the wives of servicemen.
So though we are probably of different sides politically (I am UK not US) I applaud your courage and fortitude is supporting your husband. May God bless you both and bring him safely home every time.
May God bless you and yours as well.
There's definitely more to it than just the "militaristic" part that our servicemen and women sacrifice for. Military certainly is honorable, both the ones in uniform as well as their families.
Thanks! And thanks for stoppin' by. :)
Joining you in prayer for this dear family today--I cannot imagine their pain. Thank you April, for sacrificing so much for our country. Thank you to your husband for going straight into the battlefield and thank you to you for making the sacrifices at home. I cannot imagine what life is like for your family but know there are so many out there who live their lives in gratitude to your sacrifices.
Thanks/you're welcome. :) It has so many advantages too--like living on the California coast. I certainly can't complain about this!
Thank-you for what you guys do!! We will be praying for the Greene family also. Alan being in the military means you are also. My husband being a cop means I am part of that world also. We are in Canada and recently 3 R.C.M.P. officers were gunned down. That really hits home and is scarey and makes me cry as I look at the wives with their littles (one pregnant) having to pick up the pieces and go on but our husbands are called to do what they do.....and now.....My oldest boy(of 4boys) has started the process to be an R.C.M.P. officer. It is where he feels God is calling him. While it isn't the military world I live in, I think I have a taste of what you go thru. Keep raising those amazing boys because someday God will call them to do amazing things!!!
Thank you, Nicole, and thank you for what you do as well! ! Today we are finally moving in to our new house. I can't believe the good news. I can see the Pacific Ocean from my front porch. :)
Great post. I know I can't imagine how hard it must be to live that life day in and day out. Thank the Lord for families like yours who were/are willing to step up.
"Sometimes it’s hard for me to think of issues like the ongoing Middle East crisis and terrorism as “What’s best for our country?” and not “Oh no. Will this send Alan overseas?”" Amen to that. Me too!
Thank you, McMom! I know you can relate. We all want to keep Alan right here!