Respect the Sacrifice

Approximately 10 days ago I received a phone call from a good friend of mine. Its not one I'll soon forget. I was making breakfast when my cell phone started ringing.
I knew it was her by my ringtone, Sarah Palin's Redneck Woman speech. It was just almost 830 am, being so early it sent a bit of concern through me. So I quickly answered the phone, only to have my fear realized.

The first thing I hear, are tears. The next thing, "can you please come over?".
Of course, I could! It took me a minute to fully understand what was going on.
She had just recieved a phone call from Rear Detachment. Her husband, who is also stationed in Afghanistan, was seriously injured in the line of duty.
She didn't have many details at that point, just that he was stable. So I called the babysitter to stay with my kids and arrived about 1 hr and 1/2 later. By the time I had gotten there the news was a little more clear. But not much less frightening.
Her 2 children greeted me at the door, they seemed in wonderful spirits despite the news. They went on to play as she filled me in.

Jason, was with other soldiers when he stepped upon an IED. The idea of what could have happened is overwhelming, and makes what did happen seem like a miracle. He lost his leg, and was still unconscious. The extent of his injuries were not yet known. It took nearly a week before injuries could be confirmed.
He lost sight in one eye. After a surgery they determined he could keep the eye, but he could never see again.

I spoke to her a few nights ago, she said he was in great spirits and joking around, making the best of things. Its been an absolute hell on her. The stress, has literally made her ill. But the spirits are high! Its one of those situations you have to literally THANK GOD. There is no way he would have made it through that situation without some sort of divine protection.

Tammy, is one in a million. I say good friend, only because I can't think of a better term. She's the type that you know you can count on, and Jason is in good hands.

Now on a lighter side....Just because Jason was injured does not get him out of programming my DVD player and all other electronics for me. The day before he left for Afghanistan they came over and hooked up my Wii to netflix, and figured out my DVD player for me after I tried for 6 months. I threatened to send a Red Cross message if it messed up again. He promised he'd catch the next flight home if my Wii busted. (Somehow I don't think he was serious)lol

You don't have to like the war, you don't have to like the military, you don't even have to like the man. But always respect the sacrifice.

You know these two people must be pretty awesome. They have me as a friend.