As I write today, six herons are perched on the top of the tree next to the pond. They have their heads tucked as if sleeping, but one on the top branch is sitting straight at attention, somehow guarding. If a threat swoops in, they will scatter, there will not be a messy battle. I have no objection to their focus on survival. It is a natural instinct. But survival does not come without effort and often even by others on our behalf.

Vigilance is always required to ensure safety, not just in our own lives but around the nation and the world. As we watch first hand battles unfold, we are gaining greater insight into the bravery required. Our natural state is protection, not aggression, yet while we may not know them personally, forces are keeping the watch for us. We will allow others to stand guard so that our lives may continue unhindered.

Today, however is one day in a year to stop and appreciate that there is a cost to this sense of freedom. I laud the people of Charleston, South Carolina who, after the Civil War set time, space for a Union Cemetery and respect to honor fallen fellow Americans marking days of tragedy on our our land. Generations passed until WW I brought greater awareness to loss and sacrifice. Since then, in our parent’s and our own lifetime there have been far too many times memorials need to be erected. When the small child placed his hand on the wall of poppies this weekend, we appreciate that the loss of one life in service affects generations to come.

In the clinic, if the conversation opens regarding military service, the patient’s expression changes and you can witness expressions as they recall. I restrain myself from leading and sit quietly, reverently. Some will detail how many others in their band were lost. Some have remarked that they are lucky to have lived long enough to have this disease that so many in their teens and twenty’s never had a life- children- a family- a career. I am always awestruck at these insightful comments. When I share that my husband was a Vietnam Combat Engineer, they are so grateful to know that I “see” them. It was a time that conscription ripped young people from their lives, education and peace to fight a world away.

The loss is no less palpable for those who have chosen the career. Our good friend and employee, Shirley, lost her own life to cancer, but carried her heartache for 30 years of her lovely and loving only child who died in Iraq. All the memorials and celebrations at the White house, meeting dignitaries and sharing her special photo album with us could not erase the severe pain in the pride.

I have often detailed that cancer has roots in the immune system. It is devastated by harsh insults. Over the years some patients will share the loss of a loved one, the pain deep and physically altering. Most heart wrenching are those who tell of a young soldier who was taken from their family too soon.

While we pray today for all those affected by violence, terror and now war, remember to be grateful for those who stand watch. Unseen or even appreciated they allow our own lives to unfold. We will never take them for granted. For those who have loved ones in harms way, thank you for sharing their bravery with a grateful nation. And so we pray for them: may you be safe, may you be protected while you protect and defend, may your service to your fellow man be honored and may you know that on this Memorial Day we hold you in our hearts. For those who were lost, we pray for your families and we will never forget your sacrifice.