{to honor a friend}

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of a dear friend's "going home" ~ to heaven, not any earthly home. Joe's life is a demonstration of sacrificial love, and I will be eternally grateful for him. Though we still miss him and grieve our loss, it is a great thing to know that he is in Glory, with the Almighty Father.

My mind is often overwhelmed at the thought that my freedom has come at such a high price. And so my prayers and thoughts are often with the young men and women that currently serve, have served, and with the families and friends of those that have given their all. What a wonderful thing it is, to live in a country where volunteers are willing to protect...and what a humbling thought.




"For this country, this Warrior has stood the watch.
While some of us were in our beds at night, this Warrior stood the watch.
While some of us were in school learning our trade, this Warrior stood the watch.
Yes, even before some of us were born into this world ... this Warrior stood the watch.
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history this Warrior stood the watch.
Many times he would cast an eye home and see his family standing there ... needing his guidance and help ... needing that hand to hold during those hard times ... but he still stood the watch.
He stood the watch for years, He stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety each and every night knowing that a Warrior stood the watch.
Today we are here to say 'Friend, the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have led, guided, and trained. You stand relieved. We have the watch.'"

To my dear friend Joe, thank you...thank you.