It's 10:00 and right now I can hear Taps being played at post. One of the things I love about living on post, or right next to it, is hearing the songs played throughout the day. The 10:00 playing of Taps signals "bedtime" for the soldiers. Kind of lights out time. At 6:30 another song with play and another at 9:00 for call to duty. The end of day and lowering of the flag will be at 5. Another will play at 9:00PM. Its the same thing everyday but yet everyday when I hear it...I pause. Why? I guess the answer isn't even completely clear to myself. I'm sure a part of it is the huge amount of pride I have for my husband. I used to always ask, Taps, really? At the end of the day. Isn't that the song they play at military funeral? Isn't that kind of depressing. But then one day it hit me...I don't know if this is the military justification for it but it's mine and it's what I use it for...every night when I hear it I remember all our soldiers, past and present, and the selfless sacrifices they have given for all us. Without them, who knows where we would be today.
I still remember to this day even though it has been 2 1/2 years since Aaron last deployment, the first time I heard the Star Spangled Banner after he had left. I couldn't tell you how many times I have sang that song for sporting events and other event around my hometown, but there in the middle of an open field at Ft. Campbell, KY at the beginning of the Clint Black concert, every word of that song and ever meaning of it hit me. I understood exactly what it was talking about and my eyes began to flow with tears. I'm sure everyone around thought I had lost it, this girl standing there crying for no apparent reason. But I really didn't care. When the song was over I looked to my friend who had the same teary eyed expression as I did. She felt it too...there we were both married adults with children...and we just "got" the meaning of our National Anthem. In a way it's kind of sad that these things are not talked about more in school. So many people these days want to forget our past and I have to admit that there was a time in my life where I didn't care much about it. Aaron has taught me so much about history. He is constantly watching the history channel, the military channel, and anything to do with WWII. It's important to him. And even though I give him crap about constantly controlling the TV, I have learned a lot. I do think our schools should talk more about our nations history and help young students to see the importance of being patriotic. I think America is one of the only nations that is full of people who claim to not really like the country they live in which so happens to give them everything including the freedom to disagree. Do we have bad...yes of course we do and there is lots we need to work on...but we also have a great country. We have the freedom to worship and not be ashamed of our Lord. We have the freedom to be whatever it is we want to be. We have the freedom to choose what we want to do with our life. Only in America can you start with nothing...and get everything. For those things, we should thank a Veteran!
So who knows where all this rambling came from, I guess you could say at this moment I'm having a down moment which is why most of this post has been kind of "sappy." But I guess it all got started because I missed Aaron's call. I got the boys in bed and while I was in the shower Aaron called. I didn't hear the phone and Logan didn't answer it, so I get out the shower to the sound of my answering machine beeping. I knew right away that I had missed his call. I kept thinking maybe he would call back. But after looking at the time he called and then seeing I had 3 missed calls on my cell, I slipped in sad mood cause I wouldn't get to share my day with him. I guess I should look at the bright side and say well at least he called so I do know that he is ok. But there is just something about being able to tell him I love him that makes me feel better. It doesn't matter if talk with him for 30 secs...that's really all I need to make my day. Maybe I'll get an early morning wake up call...no matter what...I love you Aaron and I miss you more than you know. Be Safe!
I still remember to this day even though it has been 2 1/2 years since Aaron last deployment, the first time I heard the Star Spangled Banner after he had left. I couldn't tell you how many times I have sang that song for sporting events and other event around my hometown, but there in the middle of an open field at Ft. Campbell, KY at the beginning of the Clint Black concert, every word of that song and ever meaning of it hit me. I understood exactly what it was talking about and my eyes began to flow with tears. I'm sure everyone around thought I had lost it, this girl standing there crying for no apparent reason. But I really didn't care. When the song was over I looked to my friend who had the same teary eyed expression as I did. She felt it too...there we were both married adults with children...and we just "got" the meaning of our National Anthem. In a way it's kind of sad that these things are not talked about more in school. So many people these days want to forget our past and I have to admit that there was a time in my life where I didn't care much about it. Aaron has taught me so much about history. He is constantly watching the history channel, the military channel, and anything to do with WWII. It's important to him. And even though I give him crap about constantly controlling the TV, I have learned a lot. I do think our schools should talk more about our nations history and help young students to see the importance of being patriotic. I think America is one of the only nations that is full of people who claim to not really like the country they live in which so happens to give them everything including the freedom to disagree. Do we have bad...yes of course we do and there is lots we need to work on...but we also have a great country. We have the freedom to worship and not be ashamed of our Lord. We have the freedom to be whatever it is we want to be. We have the freedom to choose what we want to do with our life. Only in America can you start with nothing...and get everything. For those things, we should thank a Veteran!
So who knows where all this rambling came from, I guess you could say at this moment I'm having a down moment which is why most of this post has been kind of "sappy." But I guess it all got started because I missed Aaron's call. I got the boys in bed and while I was in the shower Aaron called. I didn't hear the phone and Logan didn't answer it, so I get out the shower to the sound of my answering machine beeping. I knew right away that I had missed his call. I kept thinking maybe he would call back. But after looking at the time he called and then seeing I had 3 missed calls on my cell, I slipped in sad mood cause I wouldn't get to share my day with him. I guess I should look at the bright side and say well at least he called so I do know that he is ok. But there is just something about being able to tell him I love him that makes me feel better. It doesn't matter if talk with him for 30 secs...that's really all I need to make my day. Maybe I'll get an early morning wake up call...no matter what...I love you Aaron and I miss you more than you know. Be Safe!
3 comments:
I know this has to be such a tough time for you, but I know you must be really proud of your husband too. How honarable they all are for keeping us safe. Thank God for brave men and women because without them we would not have our freedom. Your family will be in my prayers.
TIffany,
You not only have a beautiful singing voice, but you have an amazing writing ability, too. Your words are very powerful and moving... You should write a book! I love reading your posts!
Just reading your post and hearing the music in my head I got cold chills and tears in my eyes. After meeting David and getting the overwhelming since of pride I have (and the one I know you have) I don't think I'll ever be able to hear our National Anthem play without tearing up! I pray for Aaron's safety and your strength over the next several months!
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