Memorial Day

My process for writing a blog usually comes from above. I can feel the Lord placing his heart into my mine about specific topics. I don't know why some topics he wants to use me to voice thought, but I just know that when a topic won't go away and continues to build, its the Lord urging me to speak. This time it was about Memorial Day. For most they think about the veterans that lost their lives and continue about their day with cook outs or time with friends and family. Which is perfectly fine but for people like my husband Kyle, its a hard day to get through. We don't do much this day. I know for Kyle he is forced to remember the lives lost during his time serving. But he doesn't need a day to remember. He remembers everyday. This is his reality. Those people never seem to leave his mind, how could they. They were his friends, his brothers, his family for 5 years. They were young like him, had dreams like him, talked of plans after service. This isn't an easy blog for me to write because as I write it I can feel the pain that my husband feels on this day. I pray that he doesn't shut down like he usually does every year. I pray that he talks to me about how he is feeling and we can remember his friends in a positive way, bring back the good memories of his friends. I know for a particular friend Kyle remembers how he looked in the hospital. He spoke about this only once and I could see the pain and darkness in his eyes. I thank the Lord that Kyle has Him to lean on because I know that Kyle prays about his friends daily. I think without it he would be lost, stuck in a dark place where many can find themselves. For the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country the pain never leaves their loved ones. I don't believe its enough to just have a day for these families. I don't believe its enough for those who gave their lives that people post a blurb about it on facebook or twitter or Instagram. Because the same time next year it will all be the same. Today Kyle and I will be visiting the Veterans Memorial here in Portland. Its a beautiful place, quite and serene. Its not enough but I want those families to know that we have not forgotten. I pray for Kyles friend and their families. I pray for those who are still over seas. I pray for those who may have recently lost someone over seas, because it never ends. We live in a world of instant and in an instant lives will be lost but that doesn't mean we should treat this day just as an instant. Slow down, reflect, and remember.