Proud to be an American.

For as long as I can remember, I've always had great respect for our military.  My parents instilled in me, at a very young age, a great respect for our country, and a great respect for our flag.  I belong to a religion that was founded in the very early days of America, and would not have the faith in God I have today were it not for our founding Fathers and their desire to allow people to be free.  Free to choose my religion, free to practice that religion without persecution and free to speak my mind.  And anyone else is free to disagree with me. and the both of us can do so without the fear of retribution or persecution.  I am humbled in awe of those who very first fought for our right to be free.  

When I was little (and to this very day) I think GI Joe has always been the coolest "super hero", and the people I always cheer and clap for the loudest at a parade have always been the military men and women.  They march by in unison, lead by the flag, with solemn respect.  I am not blind to the sacrifices they make for our country.  For MY family.  And I am grateful everyday for that.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending my cousins Retirement party.  He was in the military for 20 years.  15 of those he was a green beret which, honestly, is an entirely different ball game all together.  I have always had great respect for what he did.  But attending this function and being able to see first hand some pictures of his service and what it actually takes to become a green beret, respect doesn't seem like a strong enough word.  

I wasn't remiss when I told my kids that my cousin was a real life GI Joe, only cooler, because he wasn't an actor on a screen.  He actually put his life in danger to keep mine, no, ours safe.  Much to my surprise, we got to watch a documentary on what it takes to become a green beret, eat your heart out documentary lovers!  I was in heaven.  And, again, in awe.  My cousin, Domonique, and I looked at each other and decided we'd have lasted maybe five minutes into the two weeks of hell that is your "interview" per say, to become a green beret.  Even if you do survive your two weeks in hell, you still may not be chosen for the program.  You are evaluated by a psychologist as well as military personnel the entire two weeks.  Anyway, I could go on and on about my courageous cousin and his missions, and the awesome documentary.  But the fact of the matter is, I'm PROUD to be an American.  And I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be reminded of that.    

It was a wonderful day.  And Bryan, I'm proud to call you my family.  Saying "thank you" seems so lame and inadequate for the respect I feel for you and your family.  It's not nearly enough.  Yet, it's what I have to offer.  An absolute sincere, Thank You, from the bottom of my heart.  Now the pictures can do the talking.  It was a great opportunity for me to be able to see some of the family I don't see often enough.

Me and my big 'ol preggo belly... enough said about that.

 Myself, cousin (left) Shanna (Bryan's sister) and my cousin (right) Dominique with Grandma Wilma 

(big round of applause folks, this lovely young lady just turned 90!)

 Add Shanna's three lovely daughters, Vanessa, Alexandria & Jaylynn 

and my Aunt (Shanna's Mom) Diane.

 A lot has changed in the last 25 years but, one thing that hasn't is Bryan's love of Legos and hard rock! Bryan's sweet wife Maryjane, and children had this portrait constructed entirely of legos for the big day as a retirement present.  I sneaked a quick pic while Bryan was giving us the low down of the day's events and a little pep talk on how we can all be someone no matter where we came from.

 The whole family!

 Mr Green Beret himself, with his lovely wife Maryjane and their kids, Jeff, Alex and Haley.

It was a wonderful day with family and not one I will soon forget.