June 3, 2010

Lest you think I forgot.

I grew up in a very patriotic family.

Where most people would have a Living Room, we had a "Freedom" Room. Named thus for the patriotic themed pictures that adorned every wall, the red and white striped afghans that covered the chairs, the eagle and flag ceramic figurines that sat across the fireplace mantle, and the books on the Founding Fathers that stood proudly on the bookcase in the corner.

And yes, we really did call it the Freedom Room in our everyday conversations.

"Has anyone seen (insert certain sister who will not be named)? I'm going to pummel her for reading my journal!"

"Uh, I think she's in the Freedom Room!"

And obviously we knew which room we were talking about, but every now and then a new comer would stand and stare blankly at us when we told them to go to the Freedom Room, even though you'd think it was obvious.

"Uh, what's the Freedom room?"

*sigh* " Well, since the walls and furniture didn't give it away, you know the room with no carpet? The one with the concrete floor that's painted blue? Ya, THAT'S the Freedom room."

Perhaps that is why visitors were so well behaved. They were wondering where we kept the Prison Room.

I did not forget Memorial Day on Monday. I would never forget.

Especially not this year. For just one month ago, my oldest brother returned home from Iraq after being there for a whole year.


This is what he left behind to serve his country, and what he had anxiously awaiting his return.


So no, I did not forget.


I hope you didn't either.

29 super cool people speak:

Anonymous said...

I didn't forget either, but like the slacker I am, I didn't blog about it. My oldest brother is home from the Army. He's retired now. He served 16 months in Iraq on Patrol.
Thanks for the reminder. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

And I should totally set up a prison room in my next home. Maybe my kids will behave?? ;-)

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

Oh ya!! What a great idea!!

Jenny P. said...

I didn't blog about it either, but I DID sit and cry my way through the memorial day concert on capitol hill.

So grateful for your brother and the many just like him...

Larsen said...

We remember. To bad my blog entry about it isn't as special as yours!

Kids are doing GREAT!

Um, I want to know more about your modeling gigs.

Whaz up with that??!!! I mean it's not a shocker since you are super gorgeous, but really I want the whole story.

Braden Bell said...

Please thank him for his service. Love the freedom room!

Pitterle Postings said...

My husband would totally love the freedom room idea! Thank your brother for his wonderful service. It is much appreciate. I did blog about memorial day, but I don't think it was as good as yours! Have an amazing day!

Alyson | New England Living said...

That is so awesome! And I love that there are still men and women like your brother who are willing to risk it all for our country!

Lisa said...

That is awesome. I have many uncles and cousins serving and returning and I heart pound and kiss throw every one of them in thanks. What noble creatures.

Cluttered Brain said...

No, i didn't forget, I just have WAY too many blog posts to write and did NOT want to flood my readers with a bajillion posts all at once.

4th of july is coming soon.

Tell your brother thanks for serving this country. I surely appreciate it.

Claudia said...

I am so happy to hear Josh is back and enveloped in his beautiful families arms! I met Holly a long time ago when they were in the same ward building as we were. She was so friendly! And pregnant with her third :)

ldsjaneite said...

Yep--I remembered, too! I'm so glad your brother is home safe now. I do not like it when my brother is deployed--especially as most of us aren't allowed to know where he has been sent. And it's so hard for me to know of my sister-in-law and the kids and the separation they have to endure. Growing up in a relative time of peace, I usually thought of those who sacrificed to go and fight for our freedoms. But now I see more clearly more of WHAT they sacrificed, and how much that WHAT has to sacrifice to let them go. Perhaps that's why I'm really into war homefront fiction right now.

Neisha said...

I didn't forget either! Don't know anyone personally that is serving right now but am so thankfully for all who have!
Glad your brother is back. He had a great cheering crowd for him :)

Saimi said...

Gtreat post, and even though I didn't blog about it either, I hope you all don't think I'm a slacker.

I always fly my flag. I have a brother in the Army who as been to Iraq as well. My dad is retired Navy and my brother in law also served.

Our country would be nothing if it wasn't for the military, and God of course!!

Love the pictures!!

amber_mtmc said...

I remembered and even celebrated it! Yay for me! (I think I deserve a nap because I am so cool.) : )

P.S. Tell your brother THANK YOU from me. And give him a hug because it would be kind of awkward if I gave him one.

TisforTonya said...

can't ever forget - thanks for putting it in words! From a military family (I know, shocking that I was a navy brat 'eh?).

I love the idea of the freedom room - especially because it makes people worry about the prison room!!!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

No I did not forget.
Memorial Day is a sacred day.
So is the 4th of July.

My youngest son served in Iraq.
I know the tears and the fears.

Susan Anderson said...

Not only did I not forget, but these photos just made my day!

Thanks!!

=D

Polly Blevins said...

I LOVE the freedom room. I may have to adopt it. Great post thank you.

Charlotte said...

I love the freedom room idea. My friend's husband is halfway through a deployment and I know your sister-in-law deserves my respect and thanks, too. Thank your brother and his family for me.

Mama Smith said...

I am sitting here with a big "lump" in my throat...and tears in my eyes...Every home should divide their home up in THEMES..."God, Family, and Country"...Your children on a daily basis...will be reminded of what is IMPORTANT in THIS LIFE...It is how our families will, also, be reminded, what our PURPOSE in LIFE is all about...PREPARING to RETURN HOME TO FATHER...

Garvin Smith said...

Scupper,
It is an awesome post.

Dana P said...

Ah, the Freedome Room.....so many memories!! :) I am so so happy to hear Josh is back home safely. I am personally so grateful for every soldier who makes such a huge sacrifice for this country.

Rebekah said...

Great post sister!

Doran & Jody said...

We should NEVER forget!

So glad brother made it home safe. What a sacrifice for men and women to go AND leave families behind. We pray for them EVERY day!

If you have a Freedom Room then you must visit Yankee Doodle's Cafe in Alpine, WY. Now THAT is a Freedom Cafe!

hjsmith said...

Thank you Sarah(: I can not put into words how wonderful it is to have Josh home safe and sound, but alos to think of those who didnt make it home at all.....I have a great love and respect for those families who have sacrificed more(: who knows when that will be me if it be Father's will...the reality of what we have and what can be taken.
I know you read my blog(: hehehe as you used my pics(: I hope you are doing great.
Thank you again(:

mCat said...

I love the idea of a freedom room! Might need to do that when more of my boys leave home and I have another spare room to work with

Evelyn said...

BLESS YOUR BROTHER AND HIS SWEET WIFE AND FAMILY!!!!

Krista said...

Very nice tribute to your brother and his family. At first glance I thought all his kids were holding fishing poles waiting to go fishing with him - then I realized they were strollers. Yep. And that's why I'm blonde.

Mike and Adrianne said...

Whoah, your sister in law is amazing to have to take care of four boys and a girl while her husband is gone. I'm so glad your brother is back. I am so grateful for men that are willing to serve our country and also grateful for the wives that stay home and hold the fort down. They are strong women.

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