I can say with near certainty that March 24, 2004 was perhaps the best day of my life.

Its the day when my husband came home from Iraq.

After nearly a year fighting a war on the other side of the globe, Chris returned home healthy and in good spirits (and much thinner!).  Although he still has a bit of lingering hearing loss and pain in his knee and shoulder, he never complains about his time in as a Captain in the Army.  It was his job, and it took it quite seriously.  America should feel so proud to know that men and women like him are serving the country with honor and loyalty.

Not a day goes by that I don’t recognize and appreciate how blessed we are to have him here.  So many wonderful families lost too many wonderful soldiers, and their suffering and longing and missing breaks my heart.  I hope they feel my prayers. I send them often.

So, every year we celebrate Veteran’s Day just like Chris’ birthday.  I make a special dinner, he gets a fun gift or two, and I reminisce about his early morning return on March 24 of 2004.  It might make sense to hold this celebration on March 24, but now we have another reason to celebrate that day…

…flash-forward six years, and March 24, 2010 was another best day of my life.

Its the day our son was born.

Happy Veteran’s Day to all the brave soldiers!  Thank you for your service!!