Happy Memorial Day

I hope you are having a wonderful long weekend. Hopefully you’re able to spend some time with family and friends. As a military spouse, Memorial Day has a lot more meaning to me now than it did before I met my husband. Knowing and loving someone who serves in the military certainly puts a face to the sacrifices involved in military service.

Today I don’t want to write about my husband’s job or the airmen who have died from our air base in the last year or even our friends who are currently deployed. Instead, I want to tell you about our neighbor, Mr. Jack.

Jack is a World War II veteran. A former Prisoner of War. A man who survived a plane crash only to be captured by the enemy. Mr. Jack’s story is incredible to hear him tell it. (I’m not even going to attempt to retell it fully because I wouldn’t do it justice.) We’ll never fully understand what he endured, but he did.

What I find most admirable about Mr. Jack is that, to this day, he continues to give. He volunteers weekly at the local VA hospital. He cares for his wife (who has been by his side since before he went to war). He looks after my kids and me while my husband is out of town. He is seriously the best neighbor any one could wish for.

And, if it weren’t for my inquisitive husband asking lots of questions, we’d never know Mr. Jack’s story. And we’re better people because we do. Chances are you know a veteran, too. I hope you take some time to ask questions and show your thanks. Not every soldier gets to return to tell their story.

On this memorial day and every day: Remember the fallen, honor the living.

(Photo credit: linder6580)