Good Morning 🙂

Today I was all set to talk about my new favorite movie and how I believe within it I’ve found the perfect example of “revealing character”. At last month’s Washington Romance Writers meeting, the brilliant author, Alma Katsu, spoke to us about that topic in relation to conflict in a story. I’ll save that post for my slot next month because this morning, as I was about to schedule my post, I received an email from my baby brother letting me know he is set to deploy soon.

When someone you love and care about writes that email or leaves that message, “I’m deploying”, how do you respond?

For me, it’s a mix of pride and understanding. I think the reason for this personal reaction is that I’m extremely proud of anyone who serves their country so selflessly. I find that type of courage comforting. Having sent my hubby off on several deployments, I know first hand of the ways a person will grow from the experience in a way I think only this can do for them. There is also a part of me who believes with everything I have that each person on this planet has a distinct journey in life that they were meant to travel. For some of us, that includes deploying to conflicts around the world. Having negative thoughts in my heart about a loved one’s deployment seems counterproductive. So that is where my heart lies as I let it settle in that baby brother will be setting out on this part of his journey soon.

On November 11th, Veteran’s Day, who will you be celebrating, missing, appreciating? Please share, I’d love to celebrate them with you.

My list includes the following for their courageous service in:

Hubby, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Dad, Vietnam War

Grandpa Barney, Korean War

Grandpa Wiley, World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War

Family friend Susana, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom

Baby brother…fair thee well and see you when you get home 🙂

To all of our Veterans, past and present, I appreciate you all.  And above all else, Thank You.

Fishy Kisses,

Carlene