Life Lessons From a Rodeo Queen
Lesson #3

Growing up, I always felt like I was special. When people would ask me where I was from, I would proudly announce that I was an Army Brat, thinking that was unique.  I’m from all over.

But, as I’ve traveled and lived and made friends all over, I’ve realized that I’m not the only one to have a soldier in my life. We all have one.

This thought comes to mind this week especially because I am traveling to Washington DC to bury one of my soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
[image error] Source: flickr.com via Rionna on PinterestThis soldier is a Marine, a brave, strong man who fought for his country and continued to give his life in so many ways—long after the war in Vietnam was over. I don’t really know how to find the words to express the loss we all feel over his passing. 
The only way I know how, is to honor his life, his dedication. He dedicated his life to the men and women who wear the uniform. He understood, that it is a difficult thing to go from carrying a gun, following orders and protecting a nation to sitting at a family picnic on a sunny Sunday afternoon. He tried in every way he knew how to assist those men and women who come back home, but still fight the battle in their mind, in their heart, everyday. 
And we all have one: a brother, a sister, a friend, a mom, a dad…a somebody who wears our country’s colors with pride. I know I have many readers from other parts of the world…and I’m sure you have one too: the soldier, your soldier who wears the colors of your country with pride. The one who marches the paths we will never have to. The boy in boots, the girl in camouflage…the people who stand at the gates and keep us safe from harm.    And to my soldier, I say, “Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of courage. Ooh-rah!!” Papa's Brick at the National Museum of the Marine Corps