A Note to My Husband on this Veteran's Day...

(Sorry for the break between BlizzCon recaps, but this post is definitely worth it!)

Mr. L,

I just wanted to tell you thank you.

You've done so much for me over the nearly six years we've been together, and since you've been on this shore duty you've done even more than I could imagine.  This period in our lives has been a true blessing for us, and I'm so happy to have had this time with you.

But it's getting to the point where we're looking forward to the next chapter of our lives, and unfortunately in that chapter our country will call on you to leave me and the new family we've created to go defend the freedom to which we are so desperately clinging.

Before we get knee-deep in that new chapter and all of the emotions that will come with it, I just wanted to tell you thank you -- truly, deeply, and from the bottom of my heart.

People like you, with your bravery, courage, and eternal optimism, are keeping this country safe from threats across the world.  People like you are our protectors, and I honestly couldn't feel safer.

I love you with all of my heart, and thank you so incredibly much for serving in our country's military and making so many sacrifices to protect those things we hold dear.

Mizpah.

I would now like to take this moment and thank my family members, two who have passed on, for their courageous service to our country:  my Nandad, a WWII Army veteran; my Grandpa Roy, a Navy Korean War veteran; and my oldest brother for currently being a member of the Alabama National Guard and who also recently added another year onto his service contract.

And, of course, there are the wonderful friends Mr. L and I have gotten to know over the years who have either served or are still serving:  Joe, Ephraim, Shane, and Brendon.  You all hold a special place in our hearts.

Thank you all.