two simple words

the other morning we ran a few errands before craig had to head into work for the day. while we were at the grocery store we passed a lady by the bread. she looked at me, i smiled, she stopped and said "thank you".  confused, i'm sure i gave her a blank stare with questioning eyes. after a pause she glanced to my hubby who was pushing a cart with our little cutie inside. the sweet stranger turned her eyes to me and continued, "thank you and your family for your service to our country. thank you for supporting your husband as he serves." she smiled kindly and went on her way. craig smiled and thanked her as my heart swelled with gratitude and my eyes fought back the tears.  it isn't uncommon for people to thank craig while we are out and he is in his uniform. each time they do i feel a sense of pride and extreme gratitude for their thankfulness but also for my handsome soldier. this time was a bit different though. this time, she was thanking me.

i felt a bit silly at first thinking don't thank me, i don't do anything.  but then i thought about some the uncertainty that plagues my everyday life, and that is just part of being an army wife. and although it hasn't been our turn yet to experience the big d, the day will come and we will send our soldier far from us to serve our country. we will miss him as we blow out the candles on birthday cakes and hunt for eggs at easter time. we will wish he were with us as we go to school performances and big games. mostly, i imagine it'll be the little things like friday night movie nights with pizza and popcorn and sunday family naps that we will see his place empty and be grateful for the sacrifice he makes so our country can continue to enjoy the freedoms. and in those times i will do my best to save the tears and keep them to shed when he comes safely home to us, i will put a smile on my face and remember the kind stranger who thanked me in walmart before our time even came.

and for now, i will share in her gratitude and thank all my friends and all the other families who sacrifice so much. to those who send your brave soldiers to defend our flag, thank you.