special visitors...

Last Thursday night, my brother and sister-in-law (and my mom and stepdad) came over for supper. This was pretty cool because I haven't seen my brother or sister-in-law in a long, long time....like years. They are amazing people with some great strength. Duane has served and survived 2 tours in Iraq. Robbie has also served and survived 2 tours here in the US. (Can you tell where all the height went? It wasn't in my chromosomes!)

I know the war is a very touchy subject for a lot of people. In fact, it's one of the major issues in this presidential election. I just want to share with you something my brother said. He said that the USA needs to be there. He said that this war is not in vain. I don't take his words lightly. He has given his life to the USA. His family has given their lives, too. He has served there for 2 tours and will probably be going back for a third. Now, if someone who has to leave his family for a year at a time; who has to look war in the face; who cannot sleep soundly the whole time he's there; who cannot trust anyone he is with; who is constantly on guard; who sees people blowing up their own people; who will probably never get those images out of his head....if he believes that we need to be fighting, then we do.

I've changed the way I look at him now. He used to be my little brother. The kid who would fight me for the Atari. Now he's my big brother (he's obviously not little anymore!) protecting my country for me and my loved ones.