Well, it’s not the “ghost busters” for darn sure! You want the brave, sure, in charge and control, strength of the disciplined, not comical or whiny, all-business MILITARY. How do I know? Because in another hurricane this week, when the road surprisingly (or not) washed away, they were miraculously right here. As they traversed the divide, my husband secured a “lift” on top of the high water vehicle so I could make it to the other side, then around and down 90 miles to the hospital at the center of the drama in Volusia Couty. Cancer didn’t stop for weather.

Since it was Veteran’s Day, at the cancer center, most of the men from young to very elderly proudly wore their military hats and it was delightful to honor them. My tiny effort to arrive, a mere inconvenience in their presence. Patients do not need any added interruptions to what is already a big challenge and so, we all carry on.

We may not have seen war for ourselves, or as my Vietnam Veteran husband and WWII father and father-in-law did. We may not be waiting patiently at home while loved ones miss graduations, ball games, birthdays and holidays while deployed, but we do, every single day, know that a team is out there- guarding, helping, reinforcing and supporting. We have the luxury of taking them for granted.

We live our own lives more easily and safely because of these brave men and women. We get to wonder if the coffee shop will be open in the storm. They get to battle the elements and step into danger to be the emergency assist and vehicles for those who need urgent help escaping it. We do not get to thank them everyday. The men who put their hand on my concerned husband’s shoulder and said, ” We made a promise earlier to you and we keep our promises”. Their determined faces and deeply moving eyes told that nothing gets in their way when they are on a mission.

As I climbed the ladder, I looked back and thanked them. In the wind and rain, they nodded and simply said, “That’s what we do, Ma’am. That’s why we are here”.

Thank you, men and women of the armed forces for your untiring efforts…. at home and abroad. A grateful nation salutes you this Veteran’s Day and I assure you that those who read this blog know the power of prayer and include you and your families all year.