4th of July

Today is the 4th of July. I am thankful everyday for the freedoms we are privileged to have. I remember July 4th 2001. The 6 of us were at a fireworks display. We had spent the late afternoon and early evening enjoying different activities at a very large metropark. At that time we did not know who Brooke was. We were at the same stage we are now waiting for Katie. Waiting to find out who she was. I often think that we take for granted our freedoms we have in the United States. As Jeff and I watched the fireworks that year we were moved to tears and so grateful to be Americans. We are so grateful to all of armed forces and their families. They sacrifice more then we could even begin to imagine. We are also thankful for our police officers and firefighters. These are positions that may not call for deployment to another country or state for long periods of time, however do call for sacrifice from their families and loved ones. They don't do this for the wonderful pay, haha. They do this to protect, honor and serve their country. Jeff has been with the police dept for 22 1/2 years. He has seen alot of things. People often ask me if I'm afraid for him. Afraid is not the right word. When we were dating he told me what he was going to be. I knew then and there I would have to leave him in Gods hands, and I have. Now our oldest son Josh will be starting his second year of college next month. He has recently been hired as a paid on call firefighter for our city. He will be starting fire 1, and will have his associates degree in fire science. He has responded to more calls then any other paid on call firefighter at his firestation. In his short time there, he has already seen so much. He is learning what it is to sacrifice, to serve your city and protect its residents. We are very proud of him. So the next time you see a soldier, give him/her a hug and thank them, thank their family for their sacrifice as well. When you see a firefighter, thank them. You have no idea what goes into their training, not just initially, but career long. For just getting to sleep after working for 10 hours, having been up for 20 hours , and then responding to another call. When you are pulled over by a police officer and given a ticket for speeding, running a yellow light, or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, remember that this police officer has taken an oath to protect the laws and the people. If you weren't breaking the law to begin with you would not be receiving the ticket. Laws are made to protect people, not hurt them. So lets thank of all of our public service men and women, and their families. They sacrifice 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.