The Silent Ranks

It seems like that new show "surprise homecoming" is gaining popularity. More and more people are talking about it.  And I am sure its lovely, but after I watched the first episode I knew I could not watch another. I absolutely hated it. And it wasn't even the fact that Billy Ray being the host is somewhat odd that turned me off. It was the sheer fact that I know exactly what it feels like for that loved one to be gone, to be wondering about where they are and what they are doing, and to pray that same fervent, pleading prayer of safe keeping every night. It makes me cry, and after all the tears last year, I just don't really like to cry. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with military families every day though. Some of their stories break my heart, some of them make me laugh, and all of them I feel an instant connection with. I think I have posted this before, but in honor of those wonderful people I come in contact every day I wanted to share this poem by an anonymous author once more:

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders, salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man,
And the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married. Patriotism is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the military wife.

(this is the certificate I got when David reenlisted last year for being a military spouse. It was a big surprise and very touching)

TMI

It has recently occurred to me just how ridiculous social networking has become. We too often share too much. If a stranger walked up to me on the street and asked me where I went every day during the week, what my birthday was, where I went to school, where I work, and who my family members are, I would try to get away from the creeper as fast as possible. But we post all of that online for everyone to see. We tell them when we are expecting children, when our anniversaries are and what we had for dinner. It is quite convenient to get the news out fast and stay connected with people, but it is getting out of control! No wonder identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, and I am totally vulnerable as well. Many times I have found myself knowing things I did not really want to know, and seeing things I would rather not see. I am very thankful for social networking sites because they keep me connected to my husband when we cannot be together, but gee whiz people, just keep some things private! Don't make me blush over things that should be kept behind closed...and locked doors.  TMI!

'Til We Meet Again

My favorite and most influential teacher John Sawaya passed away today. He has been battling cancer for many years and his body was just too weak to go on. I am sure that he was welcomed home with open arms, because he truly was one of God's best souls. He was more of a friend and a mentor than simply a high school teacher. He was one of those people that touched others around him in ways no one else could. He loved his family, and his job, and his smile was contagious. He made me want to be better than I was every single day, and he taught me that happy people are the ones that have the most impact on the world. Yesterday morning I sent a note over to his house (via my little sister) that included my testimony on the Plan of Salvation. Why did it take me knowing how sick he was to share my thoughts and feelings about what I know to be true? It made me think that life is short, and even if we have been sick for a long time or a short time we never know when the exact end is. My message of love was not embarrassing or offensive, though so often I feel like it would be to those around me.  And even though I was not there with him, I felt very close to him knowing that he would soon have a deeper understanding of our Heavenly Father and His love for him. I know he was chosen even before he was born to be a teacher and to touch others lives, and I strongly believe that his teaching abilities will continue to be used to do good throughout eternity. He left behind a wife and two little girls who I wish I could hug on this day. He will live on in the lives of those he touched. And I know without a doubt that I will see my good friend John again. I love you Mr. Sawaya. And I am sure that God is with you til we meet again.