I checked on those hands trying to level the family pictures he decided to put up along the wall by our stairs. My husband was off on a cold day today, Thursday and this was his way of not wasting time. My attention was briefly interrupted by occasional dances of the palm trees in our front yard, as gusty, chilly November winds swirled by.
I looked again at those hands adeptly arranging the pictures. Those hands that used to hold a binocular as he and two other comrades kept a watch during “Operation Desert Shield”. We never really talked about their struggles as years went by. I just found out a few minutes ago about some things as I started asking him.
“So, what did you do then? What kind of weapons were you guys holding?”
“There were three of us looking out for mines in the middle of the night. It was so cold and we were on the Missouri’s forecastle.”
“You have no shelter as you hunt for those mines?” I clarified.
“No! We were just surrounded by sand bags. Sometimes, we just had water and candy bars.”
“Did you guys find some mines?”
 |
| USS Missouri |
Those were the days when binoculars with night vision were not in use yet. These soldiers relied on their own vision, strength, perseverance and stamina as they took turns watching for those mines to keep their carrier and other naval ships out of harm’s way. Not minding the cold blast of the wind in the Persian Gulf area, they were dancing between life and death.
“Thank God!” I softly whispered as I felt both relief and sadness as my husband continued his task by the stairs, seeing about 5 pictures already up.
Relieved that I was actually seeing those pair of hands, enjoying time as he had been home with my child and I. But at the same time, my heart was becoming heavy for those who did not have a chance to see the hands of their loved ones and for those who were actively serving still.
Freedom…. It isn’t free…Lives who choose to selflessly give their all, leaving their families behind, their dreams, and willing to die to fight for what they believe in. Freedom…Like what Jesus chose to do. He gave His all so we can be set free…
Thank you dear husband of mine! Thank you veterans! Thank you soldiers!
Thank You Jesus!
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36 (NIV)
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 (NIV)
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)
Such a nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for our veterans.
ReplyDeleteThanks from me too.
ReplyDeleteFreedom isn't free... it came at the cost of great sacrifice. This is true of any nation that enjoys liberty today, and true of each one of us who have come to trust in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.
ReplyDeleteYour son is fortunate to have such a great heritage from both you and your husband.
Rosel, no matter what those people at your workplace tell you, you are enjoying a true freedom that they are not! We may be hard pressed on every side, but never perplexed... because we know the Truth... and yes, the Father says if we abide in His word, we are His disciples, and we will know the Truth... and the Truth will set us free.
Thinking of you today.
Lidia
So grateful to our veterans. Thank you to your hubby.
ReplyDeleteI thank your husband for his selfless service for out country and for all, like my dad, who did serve & for all who are serving still.
ReplyDeleteRosel, thank you for sharing such a wonderful tribute. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteGreetings -
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, thank you to the veterans and the active duty men and women.
May GOD help you all!