They Were There

We were here blowin’ out birthday cakes
Ridin’ our bikes, jumpin’ in lakes
Feelin’ butterflies on our first dates
And stealin’ our old man’s beer
We were here back home in the home of the brave
But the brave ain’t home, they’re an ocean away
Doin’ their job and keepin’ us safe
While we were here

We were here sayin’ the Pledge of Allegiance
Repeatin’ those words, not knowin’ their meanin’
Takin’ for granted all our freedoms
In the land of the free
We were here bitchin’ bout minimum wage
Splittin’ ourselves into red and blue states
And still sat down, hot food on the plate
Yeah, while we were here

They were there
Givin’ everything they got
They were there
Some came home in a pinewood box
With those stars and stripes on top

They were there, fightin’ back on the front lines
Strappin’ up their boots before the sunrise
Keepin’ their mamas up all night in fear
They were there in the name of a hometown
Of a last name that was passed down
Every day, every night, every moment we were here
They were there
They were there…

~Granger Smith

I really need to update on my brother, here. He was told he would be deploying, and given just a couple days notice. He was sent to Virginia, for the typical pre deployment training and requirements. At the very last hour, he was spared. For whatever reason, they wound up finding enough National Guard members to deploy, instead. Someone took his place. So, somewhere in the world, there’s a young man in the very spot intended for my brother. I pray for them. As of right now, my brother is back at his base, in Coronado California, resuming his teaching job. I’m so grateful, but also my heart does ache for the family of whoever it was that took his place, instead of him. I can’t say enough how much I wish I could share just how much my brother has done for our country. I wouldn’t dare jeopardize his military career, by doing that, though. Despite his own reservations, about being sent out again, even he carries guilt for whomever it is that took his spot. I have so much admiration and pride, for my brother. He’s an incredibly good man. As much as I insist to him, he’s made more than enough sacrifices, he’s never satisfied that he’s done as much as he could. He hates to see another young person have to go out and do the things he has been asked to do.

As far as my average, ordinary world, it’s a typical Friday. The littles were pretty cute, today. I sent my sister several texts, this morning.

I’ve got the littles napping, now.

Jackie is coming over, in awhile. She’s going to help me finish the graduation invites, for Mikayla. Beyond that, I have no clue what we’ll be up to later. I guess it’s just a mystery. We’ll see?