My Daddy is a Viet Nam Veteran.
My Mother is a Viet Nam Veteran.
My Brothers, sisters and I are the children of a Viet Nam Veteran.
Our children are the grandchildren of a Viet Nam Veteran.
Because of that, we are different.
And, we should be.
To be the heir of one who sacrificed his personal body, energy, heart and life so that we can enjoy a better, more peaceful life is a gift. An expensive gift. A worthy gift.
I was four when my Daddy went over to Viet Nam. I remember it well. I remember his leaving…and, I remember his return.
I remember my military mother writing my Daddy letters every single day. Frequently, she would have us sing songs or say hello to my Daddy on reel –to –reel audio tape. One letter she wrote started December 1 and went all the way through to December 31st.
I remember very frequent packages being sent to my Daddy…coffee, tea, Vienna sausages..and Daddy’s favorite, Carmel squares. Even today, when I open and eat a Carmel square, I cannot help but think of my Daddy and smile….
But, more than anything, I remember the pride I felt growing up knowing that I had a Daddy who had chosen to be a protector of our family, our friends and our country.
It is a blessing to be the child of a veteran.
Veterans see life differently…..they recognize the value of each day, the significance of a handshake, the worth of a hug, the gift of tears. Veterans have low tolerance for bad attitudes, bad behavior and bad effort. They are solid. They are substantial. They are strong.
Veterans are the glue that keeps a Nation knitted together….they are selfless…others and country above self. They are disciplined….yet patient. They are wise…and yet vulnerable. They are leaders and yet stand behind and follow.
When I think of the veterans I know, they all have hands which engulf my own….they are warm….
They all have hugs which are long….and which let you know you have been hugged.
They all have the ability to drop tears in their conversations and then flood you with laughter as they tell you something positive.
They are the epitome of Philippians 4:8, my husband’s favorite Bible verse….
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
I think God was talking about veterans in this verse….veterans of all wars..Holy wars and civil wars….family battles and personal battles…..
God knew the worth of a Veteran and He gave them to us to be the image of those things which remind us of why we are here in the first place….To give God the glory through our lives.
That, to me, is what Veterans do…they give God the glory through their lives, through their service, their words, their actions and their deeds.
I am the child of a Veteran…..
Today, and every day, I am grateful for that legacy….
Blessings,
Lesa
