Heavy Sad Heart

As we prepare to attend and participate in different Veteran's Day celebrations I can't help but feel like it's a little bitter sweet.  I'm so thankful to all our men and women in uniform and the daily sacrifices (physical, emotional, and mental) they give each and every day past, present, and future.  Some suffer in silence and others not so silent.  Then I think of not only myself and my family, but other families of the fallen heroes that aren't here to be recognized for their ultimate sacrifice.  All I can do is pray they would know how appreciated they are for laying their lives down for all of us.
It's sad as well, because there are still people in this world that actually believe our Marines/Soldiers deserve to die.  I can't tell you how many times I've seen emails or posts stating that very comment.  I also can't tell you the rage and hurt I feel when I see or hear something like that when my son is one of those fallen heroes.  These ignorant people will get what they deserve in the end and I refuse to allow them the satisfaction of wasting any of my time or energy being angry with them.  Like it is said all too often, you can't fix stupid.
I do have a heavy heart.  I miss my son and even more than that my heart is heavy for his brothers in arms.  I know they have a heavy heart especially this time of year.  Not only is this time of year Veteran's Day, but we are coming up on December 1st (the anniversary of Chad's death).  They have so much to endure on a daily basis with all they have had to witness and experience overseas in a war zone so please remember these young men and women not only this weekend, but every day. 
They aren't asking or wanting a hand out, but they deserve to be appreciated every day. 
If you are a Veteran or a spouse or family member of one or of those still serving, thank you for your sacrifices and commitment to serve and protect.  We love and appreciate you all!