Memorial Day 2018

To those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, may we be forever grateful. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

John 15:13 

The sun had sunk halfway below the water that crashed against the rocks dotting the shoreline. Stretching as far as the eyes could see, Lake Michigan was stunning as the waters sparkled in the enchanted light. Yet, the scene unfolding made no impression on the young woman that sat atop the rocks, her gaze locked on an item held in her hands.

A light breeze stirred the air, making the evening comfortable; a welcome reprieve from the humidity of the June day. Strands of hair played around her face, but she made no move to push them back. At last, she looked up and let her eyes sweep the view in front of her. And as she did so, two tears escaped her eyes and worked their way down her face.

There had been many dreams in her lifetime. She could still remember so many of them. Like that dream of being his. It was a dream she had secretly treasured for years before he had finally realized that she was the only one for him. She remembered how she felt when he asked her. He’d looked so handsome in the uniform with his eyes smiling down at her.  

In that moment, her dream had burst forth into glorious reality. She’d never forget what it felt like to be with him. To feel safe and treasured. She’d never forget what it felt like for a dream to become real.

The problem was, this was different. This was reality now. And oh, how she wished with every piece of her broken heart that it was just a dream.

But the folded flag that lay in her hands told her it wasn’t so. Why was it always the dreams that you wished could become reality, and the reality you wished were only a dream?

The ceremony had been today, but it was all a blur in her mind. All she could see was the casket that held the body of the man she had loved her whole life. A man who she was sure she would never stop loving.

And oh, it hurt. It hurt so much more than she had expected. She had known it was possible. And she had tried to prepare herself for the news, if it came one day. But looking back now, she realized it had been in vain. No matter what, she’d hoped that it wouldn’t happen. Sure, maybe it would happen to other families. But her and Peter . . . They’d be okay. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

But not anymore.

Maybe, one day, the pain would fade. Everyone said it would. But right now, she couldn't imagine it ever getting easier.

Freedom wasn’t free. And never in her life had those words felt as true as they did today. Her Peter had paid the price. And with all her heart, she prayed that his sacrifice was not in vain.

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“I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.” — President Ronald Reagan