The Next Chapter

Strange to think that in two days, my life is going to change. I will officially be a military Mom, with a daughter serving our great country. Having spent time in other countries that don't enjoy the same liberties we have in the US, I have a profound appreciation for what we have. I recognize that it is men and women like my daughter who protect and defend our freedoms here in the US and around the world and as such, I couldn't be more proud of her decision.

During class the other night, my instructor closed class by wishing us a happy 4th and reminding us to research the fate of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. I consider myself a fairly educated person and definitely patriotic, yet I was surprised by how little I knew about those men and the sacrifice they made. They sacrficed and lost most everything that was precious to them to establish our country and allow us to live as we do today. Though they lost their fortunes, some lost their loved ones, they never recanted. Not one of them. Why would they be willing to lose everything? I believe it was their profound faith in God. Otherwise, how could it be possible that they stayed resolute? All 56 men were devout in their faith in God and founded this country based on that faith.

Take for example Abraham Clarke, one of the signers:

He gave two sons to the officer corps in the Revolutionary Army. They were captured and sent to the infamous British prison hulk afloat in New York harbor known as the hell ship "Jersey," where 11,000 American captives were to die. The younger Clarks were treated with a special brutality because of their father. One was put in solitary and given no food. With the end almost in sight, with the war almost won, no one could have blamed Abraham Clark for acceding to the British request when they offered him his sons' lives if he would recant and come out for the King and parliament. The utter despair in this man's heart, the anguish in his very soul, must reach out to each one of us down through 200 years with his answer: "No."

From http://usff.com/usff/sacredhonor.html

He was asked to stand true to his beliefs, yet was faced with the ultimate torment a parent could be faced with.

So I ask myself, do I stand true to my beliefs? Do you?

There is such a sadness in my heart that Brandy will be leaving, that she will not longer "need" her Mom the way she used to - she is grown, and strong, and determined. But she will always be my little girl, my miracle baby who fought tremendous battles to even come into this world. But I believe in my God and my country, and to have her serve in our military makes me prouder than words can express.

I love you Brandy and I'm so proud of you!