The Journey Inward

Today I think of
my Army colonel grandfather who served in WWII,
my “90 day wonder” Navy dad who served in WWII,
my NJ Army National Guard ex-husband who served in Iraq,
my Army father-in-law who served in WWII,
my Coast Guard ensign son-in-law who serves on a ship in Newport,
my Coast Guard ensign daughter who serves on a ship in Miami,
and my new Coast Guard ensign daughter who will serve in Oregon. They put Country before Self,
sacrifice before pleasure,
large scale freedom before personal freedom. 
I am grateful that though they have been in harm’s way,
they have been the lucky ones. 

Today, I think of
all who served our nation,
from every military branch,
at every level,
in every location,
in every capacity,
and made the ultimate sacrifice. 
I am grateful for their bravery and honor,
but heartsick that war and hatred
took their lives
and continues today. 

Photos: Rehoboth Beach, DE and Cape May, NJ. 5.25.25 and 5.26.25 by LA