July 3, 2009

SACRIFICE

This is my brother, Captain Joshua S. JAG Lawyer in Iraq.


And this is his family that he has just left for a whole year to serve his country.


My sister-in law is home with 5 little kids and no family or extended family nearby to help.

Sacrifice happens on both ends.

Remember our troops, and the families that are waiting for them back home.

Happy (almost) Independence Day!


If you know someone who is serving, (or even if you don't, I hope you'll let them know you appreciate their service on your behalf) I hope you'll leave a comment and tell me about them. I think my family and my brother, would like that.

8 super cool people speak:

Sara Lyn said...

I have a friend named Joe who started serving in the Middle East just three months after he was married. He was gone for 18 months, with a short two week leave in the middle of that. (Or so.) I was impressed not only by his dedication to serving his country, but also to his wife's sacrifice in letting him serve. Though it was hard for her she didn't complain. I'm so grateful to all the servicemen (meaning women, too, of course) in our country. At Sea World, they have a special for men and women in the military and they honor them during one of the shows. It's somewhat embarrassing, but I also cry tears of gratitude as we watch all those who serve or have served our country stand to be appreciated. God bless the USA!

ldsjaneite said...

I know and love Joe; I, too, have always been impressed with him and his wife. My own brother is in the Air Force, and I've just learned that they are going to make a career out of it. He has been deployed 3 times in the last 18 months. One of those was over Christmas and would have had him miss the birth of their 3rd child if the Lord hadn't blessed them so that he was able to come home. With his area, he isn't allowed to tell us what he does or where he is, which of course sends my worrywart nature into overdrive. But I greatly admire him and his wife for all they do, as well as many of the servicemen I've been blessed to know in my life. May our country be blessed, and may those who live and serve to protect it be blessed--especially our brothers.

pcNut said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
pcNut said...

I once got to listen to a fireside by Elder Hales about our servicemen. He presented a slide show with music done by the BYU choirs. It was moving. Afterwards I had the rare opportunity of talking with him for a few minutes. I was not extremely close to my dad, but found myself emotional as I told Elder Hales about my father being in Iraq at the time. Elder Hales was very grateful towards my father and every other serviceman. He told me to tell my dad that he was praying for him. That still touches me to know an apostle specifically prays for our military men and women.
I KNOW we are some of the LUCKIEST PEOPLE in all the world!

pcNut said...

Hope you're doing well Josh and family!!!!

hjsmith said...

Thank you Sarah for that. I can not say how much that meant to me other then my heart is so full it is it overflowing out my eyes. May we always pray for those who sacrifice and their families. Thank you.

Mama Smith said...

As we celebrated the 4th of July, I tried very hard to "remember" why we were celebrating this holiday...It wasn't the fireworks and the great all-American food we normally eat on the 4th...but, the HISTORY and the SACRIFICES that have been made in the name of God, Family, and Country...We pray for Josh and Holly and his children everyday...and all those who are and have served our country...America has a special mandate on its head...a DIVINE DESTINY...America's ideals and its CONSTITUTION must be protected at all costs...GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! He will...ONLY if we KEEP HIM AS THE GOD of this NATION...

pcNut said...

Love you Mother Smith and you too Holly!

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