Unless.....

My girls are obsessed with the movie "The Lorax" of late.  I think in about a 48 hr time frame they viewed it 8 times.  Thank goodness Aunt Carolann to the rescue and got it for Maya & Riley for their birthday!  My favorite line of the movie:

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better.  It's not."

I am thinking about all the people in this world that care.  That care an awful lot!  I am talking about the people that do amazing things every day for the good of everyone around them.  Doctors and nurses, fire and police, teachers, coaches, clergy....and even down to those of us that volunteer our time and talents, that spend time with the less fortunate, those in pain....or just those ordinary people that do extraordinary things each and every day.  I think in the history of the world, to be someone that cares an awful lot, you are a member of the military.  To give of your time, your freedom, your life for the selfless sacrifice of others....to put your life on the line every day.....to me that is someone that MORE than cares. 

Today marks a very sad, hard, extraordinary day.  A day to remember and honor one of the most caring people I have every had the pleasure of knowing.  Three years have passed since our friend Damon gave his life to protect the very freedom we sometimes take for granted.  Growing up with the Winkleman family as neighbors, members of our church and our "family" we were blessed to be in the company of such caring people.  You never had to worry about someone being on your side, they always were.  You were always welcome in their home.  They were always one of the first to answer a call for help.  I remember countless times playing with Jason, Nathan and Damon at their house.  We'd go over their grandma's house who lived next door for warm-from-the-oven oatmeal cookies.  MAN, I love those cookies....I still use her recipe to this day.  You always knew where you stood with their family.  You always knew the sense of pride from being a military family.  So it's not surprising that all of the boys followed in their family footsteps and joined the military.  I remember numerous times growing up of the community support when Wink would be deployed.....and then Jason....and Nate off for his service....and then Damon.  Special church services were held.  The community would come together to offer support and help to Pat and the boys.  We were a community of caring people because of the care their family always gave.  It was time to give back.

Three years ago today we were at the Winkleman house for a celebration.  A beautiful, sunny afternoon with kids playing in the yard, good food and great company.  And how all of that can change in an instant.  I remember in vivid detail learning about Damon.  And in that moment knowing that life would forever be changed for their family so many people that care for their family.  Damon was such a caring person.  Funny, energetic...infectious laughter and comic relief!  It just didn't seem possible that he could be gone. 

Nothing seemed to make sense.   And certainly nothing seemed better for any of us.  But after some time, you realize his sacrifice does make it better for us.  And for the countless men and women that have made that same sacrifice, it is better for us.  And those that continue to serve because they care it is better.  For us. 

Damon lead the life he was destined to live.  What a good soul.  A truly caring person that made all of our lives better.  So today, in honor of Damon and in respect and appreciation of the entire Winkleman family and all of the other people in this world that care, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our lives better.

Because you cared, Damon......