Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Patriotic Family Dinner


We're a proud military family. My daughters and their husbands have made tremendous sacrifices since 9/11. My grandchildren have had to live without benefit of a father at home for many months at a time, for many years. Before my girls married these two wonderful men, none of us had a clue what they were getting themselves into. But there are no regrets. They love their country and are proud to serve. But yesterday it felt a little more worth the sacrifice.


Papa sat on the lawn at sunset and talked with the grandchildren. They were so young when 9/11 happened. Aidan wasn't even born till two months after. But they knew yesterday was significant, and that their family has played an important role in this chapter of  American history. Our game last night was actually questions about America. Questions such as, "Do you know all the words to the Star-spangled Banner? (not too well) And who wrote it?" (yes!) and "Who were the top three best presidents?" (Washington, Lincoln, and Bush). Stuff like that.


Our dinner table last night. Yeah, we're truly grateful for the red, white and blue. We are a blessed country.


Fruit salad in a watermelon bowl.


Chicken pot pie casserole with a lattice crust, per Aidan's request.

It was a good evening to pause and reflect on the journey they have all been on.

On Saturday night, we went to dinner to celebrate Sean and JoAnne's 17th wedding anniversary.

On the way home in the car, I asked Sean, "Do you think we will ever capture Bin Laden?"
Only God knew what would transpire 24 hours later.

A military marriage...17 years...an amazing achievement. Too many separations, too many readjustments for deployments and re-entries, too many bedtimes without a father to tuck you in, too many birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries alone. That's just part of why they deserve so much gratitude from us all.


We are really proud of our children. They are true American Heroes.




 Isaiah 6:8
 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
   And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”


10 comments:

Gberger said...

Please tell all of them - your daughters, sons-in-law and their children - "Thank you" from me. Sending lots of love to you.

Robin said...

I see what you mean about it being personal. Your daughters and their families have indeed made tremendous sacrifices, seldom acknowledged and honored. Wonderful young men you have there.

Robin said...

Can't quite agree with you on Bush, though . . . ;)

Beckypdj said...

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you!!!!

Marina said...

Karen;
My family is so honored to know Sean and Drew and we are so grateful for their service to our country. We honor Jaime and JoAnne for their enduring sacrifices. It makes me proud to be an American knowing such brave men and women, personally!
Marina

michaelandciara said...

They truly are our heros and we are beyond grateful for their service and sacrifice. Please give them our deep love, gratitude & appreciation. Our words cannot even say it enough. We are honored to know them, and blessed to have the red, white and blue! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

Anonymous said...

So wonderful that you have this to share, I had a bit of a cry moment. It means a lot to all of us. I loved your dinner and chicken pot pie, one of my favorites. We try to capture all the great moments that come into our lives, God gives us these in our times of sadness.xoxoxo Sharon

Ps Nick is coming home tomorrow. Thank you Jesus

Anonymous said...

Thank you Shaun and Drew for your service. You guys are awesome!
Thanks Karen for sharing and for the patriotism!
Not us but our country!
Much love to your family!
Gary

Anonymous said...

My apologies for spelling Sean's name wrong.

Anna/Flowergardengirl said...

Thank you! We are so proud of your kiddos--families--sacrifices. You have gorgeous attractive intelligent looking children.

Beautiful table arrangement and more cool lessons about how to have a fun family night. I love these posts about what you talk about and serve for supper.