Heroism

What a great summer it has been! The sun is shining and family and friends gather near to be together. Lately I keep pondering. I keep reading stories....following blogs...and just feeling plain out bummed. As I gather with my friends, family, and Jon's family I keep thinking how Jon must feel not to be able to do all these fun things that we have all been doing. I know and support his choice in the Army...but at times I feel bad talking about everything we have been doing all summer. He has missed so many things over the past few months: Parties, festivals, pool parties, amusement parks, beaches, birthdays, and just well spent quality moments. Today I sat with Chris talking about transition. As I looked around I wondered what others thought or the transitions that they have experienced in life. We all know Jon wants to be rambo deep down inside and is eager to earn his "purple heart." However, we just want him to be himself before he left without any injuries and transition very well back into life after this amazing journey. I pray for Jon everyday more than once for this specifically.
I also keep asking: Why is it that a soldier longs to earn the purple heart to be considered a hero? He was a hero to me as soon as I met him. Determination. Honor. Integrity. Strength. Courage. What labels a hero to others? Do we have heroes? Gerald Gillis recently wrote that our societal view of a hero is the fame and fortune of Hollywood. They get the lights and all the attention and rarely see the good will of people being seen. Or sports players who make millions and receive light for going to the Super Bowl. Why not our soldiers? Sleepless nights, horrible conditions, fear 24/7, risking their life, and fighting for ours. Soldiers come back with PTSD and some will never be the same because of the sacrifices they made. How many soldiers can you honestly name who have recieved light because of their heroism? Only six since the war on Iraq and Afghanistan began. How many of the six have you seen coverage on? How many do you know the names of? This shows me that our society doesn't value true heroism. But....we still have heroes. How about the pilot who landed the plane into the Hudson safely with a full crew of passengers? He got full coverage. Or those who contributed to Haiti Relief? Where is the coverage for the heroes who battle cancer, raise their children with one parent and get a career, those who work three jobs to support their family, who give up their time to do missions overseas, and most importantly those who are in uniform and are heroic than any other previous generation. Gosh I love his words and encouragement and that's what prompted this post. He truly has things well said.
I sit here thinking about all the opportunites that Jon has missed out over the past few months...but know that no matter what, he is doing what he's always wanted to do...and he will always be a hero in my eyes...along with every other soldier and veteran who has served the good ole' US of A!
Love and Prayers,
Kristine