He fought for me

While I am an Army wife, granddaughter, sister, and cousin to many branches of service this entry is for my father and America.

Happy fourth of July to all my readers that still believe in the country that so many of our beloved citizens fought and or died for.

Here we are, my children and I at my parents house playing outside with my mother in the garden, drinking coffee. Later we will play in the pool, eat a few burgers, and watch fireworks. As a child I was kind of irritated every fourth of July because my dad never took part in our activities longer than a few minutes. Why did he not want to be part of our lives? Why did he always hide from us? Most holidays were like this.

I get it now daddy. You went to war more than once for your family and country. The crowds and noise are intense reminders of the things you went through multiple times which are going to forever be trapped in your mind. The battle for you will never end.

You went to war so that I would not have to see the devastation of battle. In hopes of defending us from terrorist foreign or domestic. So you could see your children and grandchildren live the American dream freely.

You and so many before you have left families and friends behind to join and pick up arms to defend us. Some of your brothers passed on in violent ways right before your eyes.

So for all the years I was mad at you for missing my game, award ceremony, the birth of my children, and family events, I am truly sorry for being so ignorant and childish and I forgive you for being absent. I can't ever thank you and all the service members that fought with honor and pride for America enough for your sacrifice. I love you and America.