“If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked
for all my life,
And I had to start
again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky
stars to be livin' here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they
can't take that away.”
To say we live in interesting times would be an understatement;
a few days, months or years from now, we might be saying, “These were the good
old days.” With the country on the verge of potential default, America still at
war, and the St.Louis Cardinals batting less than .200 as a team in the
baseball playoffs, it’s just a very stressful time. (Okay, maybe for the
Cardinals it’s not as bad as they are up 2 games to one over the
Dodgers---forget that comment.)
I am reasonably sure our government leaders will
find a way to settle the current financial crisis just in the nick of time to
avert default. After America has been saved, they will all sashay up to any
available microphone and let their constituency know they worked incredibly hard on behalf
of their districts, states and anyone who will listen about how they refused to
give in. In their eyes they will be the heroes who stood their ground to save
America.
Right. Whatever.
Then there are the real heroes. The Men and Women
who right now are fighting for our country while their families remain home, with
constant prayers and wishing they could see their loved ones walk through the
front door off the battlefield and into their homes; they would also appreciate
a pay check so they can live while their loved ones are serving our country.
It’s good to know our legislators are still
receiving their pay and benefits while they are in battle with one another
across the aisle and not the world. They will learn how people feel about this
as long as voters remember when elections come around. We cannot forget the
ridiculousness of what is happening although I suspect most will. I will not…I
guarantee it.
The photo above is really not a photo at all.
It’s a copy of a letter from Morgan to her step-brother Michael. It turns out
Morgan wanted Michael to know how much she loves and misses him. She also knew
one letter would be a welcome sight, but letters from her entire class would be
overwhelming. In a very good way.
I was able to read several of the letters as my
associate, who is married to Michael’s Dad, told me about what Morgan had done and brought in the notes.
The letters were anything but the same; the girls
sent their hopes, prayers and love by telling Michael how much they admired him
and wished for his safety. (He’s actually in boot camp, but he will be deployed I am told.)
The boys did the same, but they also felt it was very
important that Michael be brought up to speed on Pro and College sports. To read
these letters reassured me that maybe these times are actually the best we will
experience for these future young men and women---they are becoming aware that
real heroes in America aren’t always known on a national level, you’ll find
them right in out backyard.
There’s little doubt Morgan loves her brother,
and Michael loves her. I have never been a position to write an entry to “Snap.
Shot.” like the one I wrote today. I know I have been silent for some time, but
I also wanted to let Michael and the American soldiers across the country and
the world know---we will be okay back here on American soil while you are serving the country;I just
can’t say for sure if the St. Louis Cardinals will be in the World Series this
year, but they'll do their best to win one for the troops!
Thanks for stopping by.
