Thank you anonymous poster …

Two months ago I wrote a post entitled “If it weren’t for war …” In it, I express what I have learned and gained as the spouse of an American Soldier. I’ve gotten continued comments and emails on the post, which was written in a brief reflective period during this deployment. Most have said how they found it inspiring or hoped that when it came time for one of their loved ones to deploy that they would find the same strength and courage to see the brighter side of things. I’m not a leader or inspiration, I merely write what I feel and hope that others give pause to consider.

Today, I received a comment regarding that post that made me feel even more assured of what I’ve chosen for my life’s journey:

“It's so beautiful that so many Iraqis and Americans had to die in a war based on lies in order for your life to feel slightly less boring.” – Anonymous

Now I have been encourage to delete the comment by a few friends and colleagues. I could have deleted it or merely ignored it, but since it’s my blog, I’ve decided to tell you what I think …

First, let me say “Thank You” for taking the time to post. It wasn’t the newest post or even at the top of the page, so you either ventured here from someone else’s page or took the time to scroll though my page. I’m sure there were other things you could have been doing.

Secondly, thank you for expressing your thoughts and views. While I don’t agree with you, it makes me happy to see that people are using the freedoms that our forefathers gave their lives to garner for us and that those who follow in their footsteps like my husband and so many of the people who are in my life strive to protect, even at the possible cost of their own life.

Third, I think you slightly misunderstood my intent. I do not say I support war … as the spouse of an American Soldier I am the last person who wants to send the love of her life to fight, but I do support our troops. Mistake aside, as it is a common misconception, war has been an integral of America’s history. Not just wars, but those who protest them. There’s no need for a history lesson, but our forefather’s fought for our freedom just as our Soldiers do for the Iraqi people. No one was more patriotic than on Sept. 11, 2001, but now, nearly six years later, the actions of our commander-in-chief have divided the country. However, we must remember that our right to speak of our beliefs and convictions was granted to us by war … wars that people supported and opposed.

I am happy to see people embrace the freedoms that make our nation great. It shows that our troops fight for the interest of all Americans, not just those in power or leadership. That freedom is further supported by the turnouts of this election year.

Freedom is a gift … a gift gained at an immeasurable price. Again, thank you for leaving a comment that will give others a cause to reflect on what they stand for and what they believe in. I’m not sure this is the response you had hoped to achieve, but it is the response that my long time readers will know to expect. The sacrifice that my Family makes is dedicated to those like yourself who chose to use their freedoms, regardless of the manner in which you do so.

Until our next cup of tea …



"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G. K. Chesterton.