4th of July...picnics, bbq, friends, family, fireworks, home-made ice cream--a day of great celebration as a child growing up on a military post. Now I sit here at my computer wearing my "Proud to be an Air Force Mom" t-shirt-- the smell of sulfur from neighbors setting off fireworks is coming in through my window. My stomach filled with that 2nd bowl of home-made ice cream...and I reflect on what the day really means.

I am proud of my family's rich and diverse military heritage.

I can't seem to find adequate words to describe my gratitude and indebtedness those who made personal sacrifices for the freedoms I am blessed to enjoy. Sacrifices of time, home, family and lives. I know the cost of my freedom has been exceedingly high.

As this day draws to an end, I am reminded of my childhood...every night I was blanketed in security and safety as the tune of "Taps" would softly waft through the cool night air:

Day is done, gone the sun,

from the hills, from the lake, from the skies.

All is well safely rest,

God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep.

May the soldier or sailor God keep.

On the land or the deep,

safe in sleep.

Thanks and praise,

for our days,

'neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky.

As we go, this we know,

God is nigh.

I encourage you to give thanks for the freedoms you enjoy that came at a great cost.