"Ordinary" men and women- A tribute to those who serve us all!

I dropped my kids off at school today, and hurried home to get things done. Laundry, dishes… you know. The fun stuff…NOT. Just the ordinary, everyday stuff that allows life to keep moving on. I’d like to say that I don’t grumble internally at the sheer quantity of time I spend on these types of tasks. From time to time, or possibly more often,  the grumble escapes and becomes external. I suspect that this doesn’t make me unusual. 

As I was driving home, I was stopped by a school bus with its stop sign illuminated. As I watched, a man ran down a short driveway carrying a bag of gold. A lunchbox. He placed it in a kid’s hand with a smile, and then walked casually up the driveway. He clapped his hands with a friendly authority and 3 happy, tail wagging dogs followed him back into a home. 

Normally, a scene like this (while sweet) isn’t hugely noteworthy. Today, however, it seemed noteworthy. Why? I’m so glad you asked. 

This man was a soldier in full uniform.  

I have always had a fascination with uniforms, military being one of them.  I have a high level of respect for anyone who is willing to make it their job to protect innocent people. Anyone who puts the safety of those around them before their own personal safety.  I respect the systems that organize and train such people. It’s a huge commitment to the community and it shouldn’t go unrecognized. 

With the Boston marathon tragedy so fresh in our minds, this sentiment felt especially relevant.  I have family and friends in the Boston metro area. As soon as I heard about the events on the news, I called them and texted them to check on their well being. Days later, when they were housebound due to the man hunt, I checked on them again. Photos were posted of streets, ghost empty. For once, people listened and stayed home. Except for the police, that is. They were called to duty. People’s husbands and wives, sons and daughters, moms and dads.  Despite the danger, they went to work, protecting us. 

THANK YOU

And that’s my point, really. Quite simple.  A message to all of you that serve your communities by putting our safety before yours. Thank you.

We owe you more than we can express.