Day 76 - Sep 25

A very relaxing day.  It's good though because we both need the rest to get over from these colds. 

The maid came to clean our room (they have to clean the rooms every day here), so Jake and I decided to go outside for a bit.  It was a beautiful day--not too hot or humid.  It was nice to get out into the sunshine.  As I was sitting on one of the benches, I looked around and saw these amazing soldiers (with their many different injuries) going to and fro.  It's a totally different existence here.  We seem to be secluded from the outside world.  Being here every day, we see the effects of war.  It's sad.  I then realized how many people do not even know of this "other existence."  How many people don't even realize the cost that this war has had.  Before Jake was injured, I had no idea that there was this "other existence.".  I knew, from the news, that there were injured soldiers, but they didn't have a face, a name, a family....

I am so grateful to each of these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country.  My heart and gratitude go out to them, to their families, and to those families who have lost loved ones.  We are truly blessed to be in this great country, to have the freedoms that we enjoy, and to have such amazing men and women serving our country.

Every Friday evening, outside the gates of the hospital complex, there are people standing there with signs and flags.  They are not protesting the war.  They are there to honor and support our military members.  Their signs have nothing written on them against the war.  What is written on them are words of support, love, honor, and encouragement.  It's nice to see that type of demonstration.

As we were flying back down here yesterday, we saw other members of the military--some in uniform, others not.  Jake went up to these men/women, shook their hands, and thanked them for their service.  He later told me that a lot of people come up to him to thank him for his service because they see his injuries, but he said that all soldiers need to hear the thanks also.  So, he makes a point that whenever he sees any service member, he thanks them.  What a great example to follow.  I'm going to be more aware now of all service members, veterans included, and thank them for the service they are rendering and have rendered.

I owe it to them.