To Protect & Serve

Float I Built for Veteran's Day Parade

"No harm will come to you...not on my watch." These words have come to represent for me all of those who would "lace 'em up" and defend to the death people, ideals, and that which is "right and just". The promise of those words is also something that whispers quietly through the halls of my soul, because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, unable to defend myself, and desperate for someone, just one someone who would stand for me without hesitation, restrictions, or conditions. And perhaps all of us, to some degree, are familiar with the fear and pain of being helpless.

I learned the hard way that if I was going to be saved, I'd have to find the strength and courage to become the hero of my own story. Fortunately, I had a great group of people along the way who showed me how to tap into my inner warrior (...I mean, I didn't even imagine for a moment that she existed, but was extremely relieved to find her sitting in there waiting for me to call her up!). I've also learned that most people who are driven to "protect and serve" don't do so for accolades, or thanks, or even recognition. They go about the business of doing what is necessary in a quiet, methodical, steadfast way, usually in the shadows. And when they sleep at night, they carry the backlash of demon battles into their dreams.

We woke this morning to a President elect and in-coming Commander and Chief who represents the absolute opposite of the values surrounding service to country. It is my most fervent hope that those who do stand for others above self and do so with dignity and honor will teach their President a thing or two about how to be a human being of true value over merely being one who takes up space.

To all of the Veterans of this great Nation...thank you for your service.