11-11-11

~ 11-11-11 ~

Every morning I wake up and go through my morning routine.  I take my little guy, Kobi, for his walk.  I pick up my mail.  I turn on the radio for some music and humor.  The TV gets turned on for a short time for the weather forecast.  I take my shower, fix my hair, put on my make up.  I walk to my kitchen to decide what I will have for breakfast and what I will take for lunch.  I then pack my belongings up and drive to work and usually sing with the songs on the radio.

I take all of this for granted.  I don't think about why I have these freedoms.  I have hot water to take a shower.  I have clean clothes to wear and beautiful jewelry to choose from to add some sparkle and shine to my outfit.  I am able to eat a hot meal when I want.  At night I can relax, watch TV, read a book, play a game, make phone calls to family and friends or even fall asleep on the comfort of my own couch surround by four walls and a roof that keep the hot, cold, rain and snow out.

I don't think about it.  I don't appreciate these things the way I should.  I just know that I can do these things and have these things.

I want to change that.  I want to pay more attention to the gifts and freedoms I have that I take for granted.  My life is the way it is because of so many special men and women that have served in our armed forces, even given their lives to protect our freedoms, to make sure all of us here on our native soil can wake up every morning and not worry about clean water, food or clothing.

Sometimes we may not approve of where or why our military is fighting.  But they follow what they are told to do or where to go by our government.  They protect us and our freedoms.  They live in horrible conditions for days and weeks and months on end, not thinking of themselves, but believing in the bigger picture.

This country is the best place to live.  I know that, but I still take it for granted.  When I see a person in uniform, or know that they have served our country, I do make sure I walk up to them and thank them, truly thank them.  In honor of Veterans Day, I am calling all of my family members, friends and clients that have served in the military to thank them for their sacrifices. I want to let them know that they have made a difference in my life, that I appreciate their sacrifices and that I care about them.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!  Happy Veterans Day!