Happy 4th!

Today is the 4th of July. And I am a whirl of emotions. This year is so different from every other year. I am feeling...

sad: Celebrating the 4th with friends was always such a blast. Having bbq's, going swimming and than meeting up at Town Point Park to watch the fireworks. Eating popsicles, and running to the dollar store for glow sticks, the kids all watching the sky. It was always such a blast. I will miss that. I will miss my annual picture with my friends.

sentimental: Last year on the 4th, Ben had only been home for 10 days. I was so happy and excited to have him home. And it made me think about how much I was grateful for. Just thinking about it makes me misty eyed.

happy: today we are celebrating with new friends. New traditions. Apparently, the one person on the island who knew how to do fireworks died,and so we will be watching a laser light show instead of fireworks....

grateful: I have a cousin, who is married to a man who is a native of Guam,and she was telling me how being here makes you appreciate all that you have. And it is so true. I am not on the mainland this year, but it doesn't mean that I am not grateful for my country. We are given so much. Rights & freedoms. Blessings beyond measure.

pride: Every day that I see Ben in his uniform, I am more proud of him. His job is not easy. He works hard. He works long hours. He isn't always appreciated. But he is my soldier. I am proud to be a military wife.

patriotic: I am surrounded every day by people who serve their country. And I love being a part of that. Women who sacrifice their husbands so that they can do their duty. Men and women who feel like we have a country worth protecting. Watching flags wave. People in uniform. People serving those people in uniform. I love being a part of it.

From sea to shining sea...and everywhere in between...Happy 4th of July!