Thankful for so much!

We had such a grand time in Paducah. My friend, Becky, is from Owensboro and she’s one of the few people that I truly felt was my friend during the almost 10 years we lived there. It wasn’t necessarily because the people there didn’t accept outsiders, although that’s the reason I gave myself for not making friends, but we always knew we would be leaving there as soon as we could. We would have left much, much sooner except I didn’t want Chad to have to change schools again. But, I came to love Becky dearly and it was so good to see her and spend time with her at Paducah. She’s the kind of friend who would do almost anything I asked her to do. Well . . that was before this trip! The night the lights were out, I figured . . it’s dark, we should conserve water so we’ll just take a shower together — can’t see anything! OH NO! She wasn’t about to do that. I was joking and I wasn’t about to do it either but it was nice to hear Becky say NO!

The other friend, Elaine, was with me. I met her online maybe 6 years ago and then in person at a retreat in 2004. She’s the kind of person who you would have fun with . . no matter what you’re doing. Elaine enjoys life and sees the good in everything and it really helps that she can drive across scary bridges!

Today as I was reading my favorite blogs, I got down to Training for Eternity. I’ve come to care deeply for this guy and his family and after reading his blog entry on April 5, I had to fight back tears.

I will never fully understand the scope of how really blessed I am. Having just returned from a week that I look so forward to each year, having had so much fun with my friends, having seen such beautiful quilts, having bought things to keep me inspired throughout the year and being on such a “high” from the excitement of it all, it’s easy to forget that there are so many young men and women who have given up and are continuing to give up so much by serving in our military. Not only are these young people sacrificing, but as a mom of a teen, I know there are families who are anxious and hurting all across our country due to the service of their loved ones.

Whether you believe the War on Terror is protecting us or making things worse for us or whatever you believe, please remember our Troops and their families. Please go out of your way to thank a serviceman or woman if you see them, please minister to their families — love them and let them know you appreciate their sacrifices.

I’m so thankful that I’m free to go and do the things I do but it’s so hard to remember to be thankful sometimes.

Judy L.