I have the freedom to complain. Thank you, Veterans!

Veterans Day was officially yesterday, but since most are celebrating it today, I figured I'd post something today.  I'm a huge patriot.  A BIG one!  I love America more than anything else.  No matter who runs the country at any time, no matter the politics or what anyone says, I LOVE my country.  My mother was born and raised in Israel.  Her mother was born and raised in Italy.  My siblings were the first to be born in this great country.  On my mom's side, we're first generation Americans.  My mother taught me from the very start; this country is pretty darn amazing.  Her country's at war.  Sure, we're at war, doesn't mean our neighborhoods get blown up on a regular basis.  She's never lived in such a free country and she's never loved a country like America.  Mamma raised me right.

Me and Mommy!

Many members of my family have served in the U.S. military throughout the years.  I take my hat off to you.  Wars for this country have been severe.  They were politically, personally, and spiritually rough.  Thank you, to all who have ever served to give me this beautiful country.  Your sacrifice made this possible, and you gave it all without even know what the outcome would be.  That is true sacrifice.  You gave your personal time, your sanity, left your families behind, and yes, some even giving your very lives.  It will never be forgotten.

To my two brothers and sister that still serve today, thank you.  You still give of your time, your sanity, you leave your families behind, and I pray every day you will never be asked to give your lives.

My beautiful sister, Sashia.  She pretty much rocks the Navy's boat.  She's married to my brother and they have two beautiful children.  She's stationed in Italy right now.

My brother Adam, during his tour of Afghanistan.  He speaks fluent Chinese and if I told you what he did, I'd have to kill you "with this thumb!"  Kidding.  :)  He leaves a wife and three children behind.   

My baby brother, Ron.  He's in Psychological Operations, speaks Chinese, and has served in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army.  He's awaiting deployment orders and will leave his wife behind.

Thank you, Veterans.  Thank you from the Revolutionary War, to the war on terrorism today.  There is not a day where we don't enjoy the freedom's you gave us.  

Thank you to future soldiers.  Our son's and daughters that will give their lives in defending our freedoms.  

Now, a special thank you.  Thank you military wives.  Thank you military husbands.  Thank you military children.  Military mothers, grandparents, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends, significant others, all of you!  Thank you.  Thank you for letting us have the person you love more than anything in this world.  Thank you for your sacrifice as well.  We know that without a strong love on the home front, none of these amazing people could do what they do.  Thank you for your love, your support, your biggest sacrifice.  For all the pregnancies they've missed, for the births that were undertaken alone, for your children that go so long without a good night kiss and a bedtime story from their father.  We can never understand what it's like to be in your shoes.  We can only say thank you.  Thank you and God bless.  May your loved one(s) be in your arms soon.

I don't care how many times I see this picture, I'm still bawlin' like a baby.

True love.