A Rich Heritage

[DepthCharge4]

Last night our family gathered at a local restaurant to honor my dad on his 77th birthday. Afterwards I went to my sister's home to plan my daughter's Anchors Aweigh party because my sister is awesome at party planning.  The rest of the family, not wanting the evening to end, followed us back to her house and we spent sweet fellowship together as an extended family.  As I reflect on these things this morning I am struck by the rich heritage my dad passed down to his family.  A Navy man for four years following high school, he better than anyone understands the sacrifice my daughter is making.    I find that everyone from acquaintances to complete strangers has an opinion about our military personnel and doesn't mind sharing with me.   The other night I was dining with my spouse and two gentlemen representing his business supplier and the rep, both conservative-minded in their values. Seeing my US Navy pin on my coat and hearing me proudly share my daughters aspirations in the Navy I was asked whether or not I was worried given the world climate. I told him that as a mom I will always naturally worry and wonder where she's at or if she is in harm's way, but that the longer I live the more I am convinced that I cannot control what happens in life but I know Who is in control and that I am learning to entrust those things and those I love to that Higher Power.  I believe that if my daughter dies it is her time and nothing can stop that from happening.  She could die driving the ambulance on a call late at night, or in a traffic accident on the way home from work, or two years ago when a gunman robbed the pharmacy she worked at and made her open the controlled substance cabinet while at gunpoint.  The point is, you don't have to be in the military to have a corner on the market on death.  All of us eventually die, some of us are just brave enough to give their lives for others should it be necessary.  I am proud of my daughter's selflessness in being willing to serve.  I am glad my dad and mom gave me a spiritual heritage to pass down to her and that it gives me a hope when the difficult days come when i won't see or hear from her for long stretches.  And I love that I can go to my dad for the strength and wisdom I need from one who has also walked the same path. Thanks, Dad, for such a rich spiritual heritage.

[Leach73]

Amen to that! Beautifully said! You are blessed :)