I thanked a Soldier today!

I thanked a Soldier today!

Have you ever said "thank you" to a soldier that you saw in a store,
a restaurant or at an airport? I know that I have passed by
100's of soldiers in my lifetime, and to my shame, I never once have
stopped to thank them for what they have done for our Country
and for MY freedom, until today!

The past few months, I have been teaching my 4 year old
about the many sacrifices that soldiers make for us on a
daily basis. She could not imagine that they were often
not home with their families for Christmas!! (that is a
big family event for us!) She was also concerned that they
often do not get much sleep.

I have told her that when we see a soldier, we should thank
them for what they do for us! Well, while we were out today,
we stopped for a bite to eat. I could tell that something had
caught my 4 year old's eye. She finally whispered to me,
"Mommy, there are some soldiers". I turned around to see
them and told her that "yes" she was right! She continued to ask
questions about them. She was not going to be content until
we went over and thanked them for what they do for us. I must say,
to my shame, I really did not want to go over there, not because
I did not want to thank them, but because I did not want to
disturb their lunch. But, I knew I had to, because that has been
something I have been telling her that we should do! So, there we
went - hand in hand to thank the soldiers.

As we approached their table, I said "Excuse me. I am sorry to
bother you." As soon as I opened my mouth, I saw 2 Marines
quickly jump to their feet. I was touched by their politness.
I told them why we were there - that I had been teaching my
daughter about solders and what they do for us. I also mentioned
to them that I have been teaching her that she needs to thank them
for the many sacrifices they make. I could tell that they were almost
speechless - like they were not use to being thanked!

I saw these fine soldiers throw out their hands to shake the hand
of the proudest 4 year old in the world! One then said, "Can I have
a hug?" I thought he would just reach down to hug her, but he
grabbed her in his arms and lifted her all the way up!

I walked away with the happiest child in the restaurant and a heart
full of shame for having not done this sooner. But you know what,
I think we too left behind a couple happy Marines, for we showed our
appreciation to them. I told my daughter that I bet we were the
only ones that did thank them the entire day. How sad!

How hard is it to thank someone for the sacrifices they make
day in and day out so that we can have our freedom? It is very
simple...and should be a necessity. How appropriate that
today was Memorial Day!

I am writing this shortly after I tucked my 4 year old in for the
night. Do you know what she wanted to tell her daddy as
he was kissing her goodnight? This is what she said: "Daddy,
there were two Marine soldiers and they shook my hand. The
one wanted to hug me. Mommy thought he would just reach
down to hug me, but he picked me all the way up!" Then
she said to me, "Mommy, did that really happen today, or
was I just dreaming?" "No, honey you were not dreaming, it
really did happen!" Then she fell asleep, with a smile on her
face....for she thanked a Soldier today!

Deborah
http://www.choosemiabella.com/