V-day ramblings

Yesterday was February 14th, most commonly known as Valentine's Day. I really didn't celebrate it, other than giving my kids small boxes of chocolates. It's also my state's birthday, so Happy 103rd Birthday, Arizona!  And Happy Valentine's Day, too.

The kids and I attempted to go to the movies on Friday. The theatre I wanted to go to is next to the football stadium and hockey arena (Go Cards & 'Yotes) and with Friday being the day before V-Day AND the Coyotes playing that night, there was no parking, so we altered the plans and rented movies and got Chinese take out. So, we went back yesterday instead and saw American Sniper.

The fact that Bradley Cooper stars in the movie was a selling point for my daughter. I didn't want to tell her much about it because I knew she wouldn't go. I had prepared myself for the tears to come at the end of the movie because I've read about Chris Kyle's story and I know how it ends (again, something I didn't tell the kids). I knew this movie would hit home for my kids because my dad was a sniper in Vietnam and my son is serving in the Army now, but I wasn't sure how they'd react. My son was fine - it fired him up to join even more when he gets out of high school. My daughter was in tears, so much so that we couldn't leave the theatre until after the movie was over and she had calmed down. I know this sounds mean, but it's nice to see her 'soft' side once in a while.

For those of you who haven't seen it, you should. It's a great movie about an amazing person who fought for our country. I don't care if you for or against the war and I am not getting into a political debate, but our men & women voluntarily join our Military (by the way, less than 1% of Americans even try to join) and they put their lives on the line for you and me. We're one of the only nations that have a Military made up solely of volunteers - pretty amazing if you ask me.

I'm very proud of my dad.  He served from 1962 - 1970 in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received 4 Purple Hearts, 3 Bronze Stars and many other citations.  He was also on the July 2, 1965 cover of Life Magazine, helping fellow wounded Marine. Oddly enough, the injuries he got the first time he was wounded ultimately contributed to him dying over 40 years later. 

My oldest son enlisted in the Army in October 2013 at the age of 18, and left for BCT (Basic Combat Training) January 12, 2014, less than 2 weeks after he turned 19.  Luckily, he has yet to see combat.  I am not looking forward to the day I hear he's deploying.  I'm extremely proud of him.

 
To all those who have served and are currently serving in our Military, Thank YOU!  I appreciate all you do for us.  And to all those family members who they have left behind, I know and understand your sacrifice as well.  Thank you too, because without your love & support, their jobs would be harder than it already is.  Stay strong!