I'm Thankful for Our Troops For Many Reasons

by Cara
(California, USA)

I'm thankful for you, for many reasons. Most of them are the same reasons as everyone else, but it is my hope in writing this, that someone can "see" the value of my gratitude.

I'm 62 years old, and disabled. My life is measured by moments of survival and the quest for momentary comfort.

But here's the thing: I feel it is an extreme privilege to have the comfort of my home, to be surrounded by the possessions of my family and things that mark the memories of those I've loved. I am so lucky to be able to suffer at home, and that is what you give me.

While others are grateful to go here and there, I'm grateful to have the freedom to stay put. Can you imagine being in so much pain that you can't know if you'd be better off to sit in your wheelchair or lay on your pillow? If you can, then imagine the pain without those options.

If I were under someone else's power, if my city was attacked, I wouldn't survive. But here in the comfort of my home, where I can choose which way to make myself comfortable - well, that's freedom at it's finest in my book.

Have you ever thought that what you are doing is helping the elderly and the sick and disabled have the right to seek the conditions of their own comfort? Can you imagine the horror of anything else?

So think of this gift you give me, a body racked with pain, a spirit tired of fighting but not willing to ever give up myself.

Can you imagine how grateful I am to each and every one of you? When I see a soldier in the store (On a good day I can go and shop in a wheelchair) and I thank the soldier for their service, as I drive on past them I can hardly stop the tears of gratitude.

I was an Army wife, I am aware of the deep sacrifices military and their families give, and I just have to say God's speed to all of you.

Blessings on all American military and all of their families. May you carry my gratitude in your hearts, may you have long and love-filled lives.

May God bless and keep you, and if you don't believe in God, that goes double for you!

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Cara, thank you so much for taking the time to post that heartfelt message, and for giving us all a new perspective on gratitude.

Thank you also for your service as an Army wife. May you have peace, and pain-free days.