The “rest” phase of the May Marathon is just about over. This weekend we head to Alabama for the wedding of my nephew. Unfortunately, we have to return after the wedding in order to be here for Sunday…my youngest son’s last Sunday in town until January. He leaves for BMT on June 3. I will be one sad mama.
I had a great time chatting with The Best Aunt Ever this morning about all the military men in my family. I rediscovered how blessed I am to have had so many ancestors who have served in the military of this great nation. Here is what Aunt remembered:
I have 2 great-great grandfathers who served during the Civil War (or War Between the States or War of Northern Aggression depending on where you are from).
I have 2 great-uncles who served in WWI and 4 uncles who served during WW II. There were also 4 of my mother’s cousins who served during WWII.
I have one uncle and three of my mother’s cousins who served during the Korean War.
I have 3 cousins who wore the uniform between the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
I have 5 cousins who were serving during Viet Nam.
I have at least 8 of my cousins’ sons who have either recently worn the uniform or are currently wearing the uniform of this wonderful nation of ours.
These men served in or are currently serving in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or National Guard. Several of them saw combat. Some of them stayed stateside and worked as mechanics. At least one was injured. But ALL came back to their wives and families, or to marry and rear a family!!! Yes, that is correct. They ALL came back. As Aunt and I were talking about this, we realized that we can attribute it to just one thing: the grace of God upon our family military members. My dear grandmother was a godly, praying lady. Aunt remembers seeing Grandma praying. Grandma prayed for the safety of her brothers-in-law, her sons, her grandsons, her cousins as they were in the military.
This list does not include the female members of my family who have married military men. There are quite a few of them as well, but dear Aunt couldn’t remember them all. Neither does this list include my sons and son-in-law, my husband or those on his side of the family who served or are serving.
Today as I remember the military men in my family, I rejoice that all came home. But I also remember those who gave their lives for this nation and those families who did not get to welcome their loved ones home. They gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have the freedoms that we enjoy.
I do not know what the future holds for my sons and new son-in-law as they proudly wear the uniform of the USA, but I do know that, like my grandma, I will be praying for them as they serve, whether here or abroad.
The Cookbook Experiment 