In Gratitude

Our son, Jordan, has just returned to American soil after serving for a year in Afghanistan. We are so proud of his commitment, generosity, and character.

I've come to realize that most Americans go through their day-to-day lives without a heavy awareness that many are fighting for their freedom. They might see something sentimental on Facebook, or run into a friend who has returned from service, but the dangers of war are not on their minds. Believe me, when your child goes to war, that changes. Freedom becomes real and costly.

While he was on foreign soil, I stayed busy. Raising our other children, working, celebrating birthdays, visiting Jordan’s wife and children, etcetera. But my son was at war, in peril, for a long time. A mother’s heart weighs right in on that and it keeps her vigilant.

The vigil has ended. Jordan arrived home to his wife’s embrace and two beautiful daughters with big eyes and hearts for Daddy. As for me, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional weight of his return. I am overwhelmed with gratitude on many fronts: for his safety, our country’s freedom, God’s mercy, and an awareness of what our military personnel—real people like my son—sacrifice for our freedom. So overwhelmed, I just want to sit back and take some time off to reflect and to thank God for protecting my son, and our freedom…yours and mine.

--Keri