Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Not even a once in a life time chance.

James called me early Sunday evening (early Monday morning for him) with news. He began by telling me that he had not yet gone to bed. My immediate reaction was something bad has happened, their camp must be being attacked. Thankfully I was wrong

Here is how his night went, at 2:00 in the morning he went to a general waiting area to meet a VIP that was coming to visit (The VIP was expected to arrive at 5:00). That's all they knew, that it was a VIP. Their was some speculation on who the VIP was, but nothing for sure. So beside sitting and waiting for 3 hours they rehearsed a roll call between the Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force. And my personal favorite part is that they rehearsed cheering loudly. Yes you read that right, they rehearsed cheering loudly. (The military makes me laugh so hard sometimes!!!)


At about 5:00 A plane began to fly in.



They realized that this was no ordinary plane, it was Air Force 1. So that meant that they President of the United States was coming to visit them. He spoke to them briefly. He told them thank you for their work and sacrifice and told them to tell their families thank you for the support and sacrifice as well (The President told ME thank you!!) He shared with them some of the changes for good that have happened in the Iraqis and Afghan's lives.



He then went around and shook hands with the soldiers and spoke briefly with them. James was lucky enough to be one who shook his head. The President even rubbed James' head and told him thanks for not shaving it all off. (I won't allow him to shave it all off, ya me!)


How very lucky James was, but how very lucky we are for him and people like him who are willing to serve their country and fight for freedom. We live in a very blessed land and I am grateful for all that we have. A good friend e-mailed me a story the other day about a man who meet a marine (In a dream) on Christmas day. After a long conversation this man asked the Marine how he could support him and share his gratitude to him. The Marine answered:

'Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

It is very important for us to take an active roll in our freedoms and we also need to remember to express our gratitude for those who have and are securing our freedoms. I can testify to you that God loves us and this wonderful country. He blesses us daily and he wants to bless us even more, but we need to support Him and we need to support our home.
This post has taken a turn I didn't think it would, but I feel it is important to stress that we do still live in a great land and we need to pray for our leaders and our soldiers. And we need to take an active roll in preserving our rights and freedoms as well.
God Bless America!

8 comments:

Britt said...

That is so awesome! I know someone who has met someone famous!

Julie said...

That is very very exciting !! I am happy for James, what an honor and he sure looks happy too !!!

McKenzie said...

Awesome! What a neat thing. Thank you & your entire family for the service & sacrifice you are all doing. You guys are the best!!

Ashley said...

Ya, less then once in a lifetime! How neat!

Bonnie said...

What an honor! I heard President Bush speaking to some of the soldiers on the radio news. He is such a humble and good man! I'm happy he and James met! And I agree 100% with your views on protecting our rights and freedoms.

Jocelyn said...

What a great story. sadly I married into a family that has a strong dislike of pres. Bush and the war. I personally may not like him, but I still feel he deserves respect. besides of all the military men and women I know they are all willing to serve in this war. they may not like being away from their families, but they all have served with honor and have said they would do it again. so thank you to james for his service. and my love to you as you manage 2 little girls with him so far away.
all the best

The Samples Sampler said...

Hi, I came to your blog from Jocelyn's blog. I was in tears by the end of this post. My husband just returned from a 15 month tour in Iraq. It is amazing to me how many people forget the sacrifices that the military men and women have made so that we can have our freedoms. Thank you for your post and for the reminder to be grateful those have have sacrificed so much. And thank you to your husband for serving. And thank you to you for supporting him. I know it is not easy sometimes! So, from one military wife to another: God bless you and your family.

Natalie said...

What an awesome experience! We sure appreciate and love you guys for your sacrifice and service!