Little Reminders

You know, as much as the military impacts my daily life, sometimes I forget that T is actually in the Army. Well, not forget, but don't always think about what it actually means to serve in the armed forces.  I forget that he does not hold a 9-5 job like many others.  Maybe I have just become accustomed to it, the stereotypes, the misunderstandings, the constant change that comes along with this lifestyle. I forget that this is not what people think is "normal."  

Sometimes, life gives you little reminders.  

First, some back story....

T and I went on a quick get-a-way last weekend to visit Asheville, North Carolina, the quirkiest, art-filled, free-spirited town I've ever visited!  It is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America as well as to some tasty food joints and active nightlife.  Seriously, the Biltmore was gigantic.  In case "the largest home in America" doesn't describe how large it is, let me show you (sorry for the weird crop angle):

 It was truly remarkable! I highly recommend visiting if you every have the opportunity.  

Anyway, I rode with T to his last formation of the day, and we headed out right after. It only took us about 4 1/2 hours to arrive in Asheville, but we made a pit stop about halfway to get a snack.  Being two hours away from Fort Bragg, we were definitely out of the military town atmosphere.  Since T didn't have an opportunity to change, he was still in full uniform, which to me is completely normal, obviously.  I don't think anything of it considering I see dozens and dozens of people in uniform everyday! I actually can't think of one time he has worn his uniform out in public when he doesn't have to.  If he has the opportunity to change into "civilian clothes" he does!  He has never liked drawing attention to him in that way, which I have always respected.  We end up walking to get ice cream, and you would have thought he had 4 eyes and 10 arms.  Everyone was staring at T.  EVERYONE.  At first I thought I was imagining things, but the more people we passed, the more looks he got.  Then I realized, these people probably very rarely see someone in uniform!  

That is when I was reminded of what wearing that uniform actually means.  How this is not the "normal" for most. The men and women that give their service to the country that we love is something to be extremely proud of.  Seeing these boots on our floor this week has meant something more, something deeper.

America is the land of the free because of the brave.  I'm sending a huge thank you to all our service members, currently serving, retired, and of course, the ones that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless the USA and the tremendous ones who protect her.  


Until Next Time, 
Always         

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