Ever Grateful...

If you tuned in yesterday, I had a chance to stamp a quick card before heading off to 9am church. Well, as the story went, my 8 month old George decided to take a nap about 1/2 hour before church started, so long story short, DH went ahead with the rest of the family and I stayed back, waiting for George to wake from his nap. He woke up at 9:45, so I quickly got him changed and we headed off to church, just 3 miles from our home. George and I quietly stepped into church just as my cousin Peggy was beginning to speak about her son, Bert Hoyer, who was killed in Iraq March 10, 2004, as part of our Memorial Day service. She spoke with openness and honesty, humility and bravery about Bert's death; the letters they'd received, both supportive and unsupportive of the war; the scholarships they've been able to award in Bert's honor; and the countless opportunities and appearances they've made in order to honor the memory of their son.

I particularly remember two things that Peggy said yesterday. One that inspired the card I've made for Memorial Day and the other parting thought that will stay with me forever. First, Peggy mentioned the trees that have been planted in Bert's honor...trees that will weather many storms yet stand upright, firm and strong, like many of our fallen heroes. And, secondly, she left us with this: there are only two that are willing to die for us--Jesus, who died to save our souls, and men like Bert, who are willing to die for our FREEDOM.

May God Bless Bert, his memory, and all men and women who are willing to fight for our freedom, whether we agree or disagree with our position in this war.

Supplies...

Paper: CTMH designer paper; Makingmemories ledger pad; SU! Yo Yo Yellow & Cerise dp Stamps: SU! So Many Sayings; CHF Making the Grade Ink: Palette Noir Black Accessories: May Arts ribbon; SU! star eyelets