Today, we say Thank You to those men and women that have served our GREAT COUNTRY! For those that have family in the military, you understand the sacrifice they made when they swore to protect us. I did not grow up in a military family but I was lucky enough to meet an amazing guy that had made the commitment to join the United States Air Force. We started dating just 3 months before he was to go into Basic Training. I really had no clue what that meant. I mean, he was just a hot guy (come on, look at his picture..Hottie McHottie and who doesn’t love a man in uniform) I had met and I did not think anything beyond the next date…I was only 19 after all and most people that age don’t think too far into the future. Tom did. He knew what he wanted to do. It was only after I left the states to “visit” him in Guam did I truly understand what it meant to be part of the military family. We were really just kids but these Airman were tasked with huge responsibilities and they met them with courage, strength and a great pride for their Country that I had not seen before. These qualities remain with these men and women throughout their life. I see it in the people that I have the pleasure to work with that are Veterans. There is just something about them. These are truly amazing men and women and you should not wait for Veterans Day to say thank you, it should be something that you do anytime your path crosses  someone on active duty or a veteran. I am not sure why, but I get emotional when I do say thank you to them. I don’t know why that is, maybe because I know and understand and truly appreciate the sacrifice they made along with their families.

Veteran’s day this year takes on a whole new meaning with many tears as this year I said thank you to my now disabled veteran. I am saddened that his military service may have caused his Alpha Lima Sierra diagnosis but I am and will ALWAYS be so very proud of him and his service. Tom is an amazing man, he continues show great courage and strength as he battles this disease.

Tom, I want you to know how much I love you and how very proud of you I am. You are an incredible man, so loving and kind and well a big ole SUCKER when it comes to the boy and I. I know you are the man you were supposed to become because of your service and well, the love of a good woman!

And to all of the Veterans out there, Thank you for your service.

All my love,

The She

His update:  He is living the retired life, taking naps and chilling out.  His hands and arms continue to weaken and now his legs are really starting to get tired much faster these days. We have received a walker and wheelchair which he is starting to realize he needs. He has also, FINALLY, decided to use the electric carts at stores. That was a hard one, but he did it and I am very happy he did. That simple move means he is doing all he can to preserve his leg strength. He is also starting to  get winded much faster which does scare us but we know it is part of this insidious disease.

Please continue to pray for our family and that this disease slows to a crawl regarding its progression. Pray for the doctors and researchers and that a cure is found soon.