I remember one afternoon, I drove onto Presidio in Monterey, CA to pick Blake up from his class. I was brand new to the world of "military spouse" and green to the "expectations" of a service member in uniform. No sooner did Blake get in and I shifted into drive when the dashboard clock clicked to 4. "Stop the car," he spoke with military certainty. Being in the middle of the road, I hesitated, but then placed the car into park. He got out of the car and stood at parade rest while Retreat was played, then he drew to attention and saluted as the National Anthem rang over the loud speakers. The sight of him in his blues saluting sent chills through me and brought tears into my eyes. Four years later, this thought still finds me and leaves a lump in my throat. There is a reel in my mind that plays out moments that are so surreal, uncanny; vivid images that you almost feel guilty witnessing. They are so personal. Emotions worn on the sleeves of our service members as they salute a flag, say goodbye to family, say hello to family, grieve for their friend, fight for their lives and except the only gift we can give them--a "thank you for your service." Meek in comparison; we thank, they fight. They fight for us, they fight for peace, they fight back tears, they fight the guilt of family left behind in their wake, they fight against what they want and what they are called upon to do, they fight loss, they fight pain, with interrupted lives they fight on. As a few of the people in my life prepare to deploy for their next fight, my heart swells. Blake and Brent serve proudly and for that I am humbled by the unselfish act. I have bared witness to the eyes of someone preparing to deploy; widows to the soul, yet I see not their own soul, but the ones saved. A choice, a moment in life where they chose to leave the ones they love for the ones they don't know. A moment of chivalry, a moment of strength and hope for a world united, just one moment. And although I hate the moments that my family is away and the moments that inhabit my mind as "good-bye's for now", I am thankful for that one moment; being proud of a life interrupted.
Virginia. We had such a wonderful time. Jackie prepare a beautiful meal, we all enjoyed a black friday shopping spree and on Saturday Jackie, Brooke and I went into downtown Nacagdouches and enjoyed fire works, Christmas lights along the river, and a wonderful Louisiana dinner at a beautiful restaurant. Dad, Blake and Brayden, of course, enjoyed a little live basketball at Many High! We had such a peaceful and wonderful time. I am always taken aback by how brilliant and beautiful Brooke and Brayden are. I really enjoy them. They are smart, funny, well-balanced people and I feel blessed each time I get to know them a little more. Dad and Jackie always provide a loving and secure place for us, one that truly feels like going "home." I enjoyed wonderful conversations and laughs with Brent and Christina. As always, Austin was as precious--and precocious--as ever! He refused to let Auntie Sam take him home though! But he knew exactly what he wanted for Christmas!!! In December we went to the Oregon coast to spend Christmas with my family. We always do Christmas Eve at my Grandpa Lewi's; it is truly a time of family, food, a blazing fire and warm cozy feelings! Christmas day is celebrated at my mom's. My mom's home is always so warm and welcoming; with candy dishes overflowing on every table top, festive Christmas decorations anywhere your eyes look, and hot chocolate till your heart's content, you can't help but love spending time there. I love going home. As always, Mom prepared a beautiful Christmas dinner. We were so blessed to spend time with my sister Kali. She was home from college and we spent most of our time together laughing, talking and sleeping! New Years eve we went to Grandma Bev's for a delicious prime rib dinner. We rang in the New Year with a walk to the beach and some loud noise makers!!! We have been very blessed in spending time with family and are thankful for every moment that we have shared with all of you this past year. We look forward to a year of many more happy moments! Love all of you! - Sam
