American Heart

Ya know, with the election around the corner, I am taking in all I can get in the political arena. I pretty much know who I am voting for, but is between me and God, so don't ask.

What I do want to point out is something that has always touched my heart.

I was raised by two fathers. Two fathers, whom I love very dearly and wouldn't trade them or ask for any other fathers. I consider myself blessed to have TWO fathers.

But one thing that stands out, is what I have been raised with and what has been placed in my heart.

My father, Virgil, is a Ret. Full Bird Col. in the United States Army. I remember travelling around the United States every summer and spending two - three weeks in various places. I remember going to the PX (shopping mart for the Military - LOVE THOSE PLACES), staying in beautiful homes on Base, waking up to trumpets sounding in the distant, dad walking in the door with his garb on after a day at work (doing who knows what - but I will never know), watching him jump from an airplane with a parachute on and landing safely on the ground, and watching him, even to this day, saluting to the flag when our National Anthem is sung rather than placing his hand over his heart. I think the last hits me the most.

I cannot speak for other Americans, but I can speak for myself and I bring my father, Virgil, into this post. He has given me a deep love for our country. When the National Anthem is sung, even on TV, before a baseball game, I tear up. When I volunteer in my children's classroom and they say the Pledge of Allegiance, I tear up, for they are the ones who will be passing the deep feeling of American foundation onto their children.

I have been watching both conventions and tonight, while watching the Republican National Convention, the topic was service. There were so many POW's there, so many retired military there; so many people were giving standing ovations for these people. My heart just opens up and I praise God for those people. Why? Because I live in a Free country! My children can be raised with minds of their own. He has given me a deep comprehension of what it means to be American.

My husband was in the Air force. My brother is in the Army, as well as his son. I remember when my eldest brother went to Iraq. I was taking my children shopping at Mervyns, and two men in camo walked out. My children went up them and simply thanked them. I just cried silently for what I was taught is being passed on to them through myself, Don, and God.

Thanks Dad,

I love you