Honor Them
I am just returning from the funeral of a very close and dear relative. Due to their role within our family, everyone who could, came to honor him. In my quest to remain safe and COVID free, It was my first event with lots of people. Although he will be forever missed, he lived a great life and made sure you knew he loved you. I am honored at the privilege of being related, loving and knowing him. In the coming days, I will continue to pray for my aunt, cousin and our family. I know it is well with him. I realized that because he held a place of honor within our family, it was natural and easy to get everyone out of their COVID-19 safe zones to celebrate his life.
The service was approximately four hours away, which created time to reflect on honoring those we love. We do this at funerals, but what if we purposefully bestow honor while the person is still alive? Do those you love, that you admire, know how much you care for them? Telling them is one way of honoring the relationship. If they are elderly, in this pandemic culture, be sure to call or face time and check on them. Older adults still treasure cards and handwritten letters. If for safety purposes, you cannot go inside, leave a care package at their front door. Basic things like toilet paper, paper towel, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer, lysol, alcohol..., and always remember to add a treat, like fresh or dried fruit. They will love you even more for it!
The honor thing does not need to be for a special occasion, event or in our case a funeral. We can honor those we care about anytime. So today, I have decided to go on the record to say how much I miss someone that I honor. Someone due to his career choice and pandemic restrictions cannot be home; nor, can I go there without isolating for 14 days. Due to the severity of COVID-19 restrictions in Japan, everyone is isolated when they arrive to the island to ensure there are no COVID symptoms. As a Sergeant in the US Marines, my son naturally adheres to those guidelines. It is interesting in Japan that the number of COVID cases are minimal. I celebrate that he has chosen to serve, like his grandfather (US Air Force) and his Aunt (US Army). I am extremely proud to be the mother of a United States Marine. "Son, I, we honor you!"
Those who join our military sign up to serve, and in doing so, pledge the ultimate--their very lives. The result, we can enjoy freedoms many take for granted. Regardless of where my son is stationed, being unable to see him is difficult, but certainly not exclusive to me. In this pandemic season, for others who are separated by the pandemic, distance, or whatever, find creative ways to stay connected. I honor my son and our US Marines and US Military across the globe. The sacrifices of military families, especially those with spouses and children is a testimony to the oath they've sworn to America. During this election season, where much of our country is divided, our military is a neutral force that benefits and serves everyone. "Thank you for choosing to take a vow to put the United States of America first" Would you join me in saying a little prayer for our United States Military throughout the world.
"Thank you for your service, every single one of you from the bottom of my heart."
@cynthiacurry-wheniwassifted.com