Freedom..

Okay so tonight I need to leave the world of stitching, motherhood and nursing a bit. I think on everyone's mind is the anniversity that comes tomorrow. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. I remember the terror of knowing that last plane went down somewhere in central PA but not knowing where(I grew up in central PA and most of my family still lives there). I remember it all and I'm sure the media will play plenty of more reminders tomorrow. But tonight I had an interesting conversation with an angry 7 1/2 year old. He was upset cause he had to go to bed. Today he got a kid's magazine in the mail that was about the country and our independance. He looked me in the eye and said "what's the big deal about freedom anyway?" I got angry. More than I probably should have but maybe I am a bit sensitive about the fact that I get to send dh off to fight for our freedom. Maybe it was the memory of all who have died in all our wars for freedom. Maybe it was just a long day. But I looked him back and said "I know you don't understand what freedom means because you have always been free. But in other places in the world, people can't shop somewhere without permission, kids can't go to school without permission and maybe we wouldn't live in our home if a government decided they needed it." He looked me in the eye and said "I guess we're lucky." Yes Matthew we are. But in the end I have to explain why daddy has to go to Afghanistan and listen to a child say "mom, he could die. What if that happens?" Knowing he has a point. But I always explain we will pray and hope that doesn't happen.
Whatever side of the war you stand on, I hope everyone remembers that military men, women, and families are willing to take that chance because we know that freedom is just not free.