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!