I thought I didn’t have time for a Gratituesday post this week, but then I realized that I had an obvious reason to be grateful today and I couldn’t pass it up. Today I have the privilege of watching one of my closest friend’s four boys. I am sure many of you are wondering why in the world it would be an honor to have four extra boys in my home.
Today is a special day for this family. Today my friend will go to the airport to pick up her husband. But this is not a routine reunion. Today her husband and their dad returns home from a one year tour of duty in Iraq. For one year, this family made a great sacrifice for us all. My friend was a single parent for potlucks, soccer games, church activities, fights, laughter, tears and so much more. They shared their dad with all of us so that we can enjoy so many freedoms we usually take for granted.
I don’t pretend to imagine how hard it must be to have your husband/father absent for one year. My husband’s deployments have been much shorter. I am thankful that they were supported by friends, neighbors and their local church during this time.
I am thankful that our friend is returning from his one year deployment safely. Many return injured and some do not return at all.
I am thankful to this family and all the others who sacrifice their husbands, wives, dads, moms, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. As I type this, my next door neighbor is getting ready to deploy in a few days. Remember these families in your prayers and thank them for their sacrifice.
