Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Freedom

















As I enjoy the beauty surrounding me, I think of those who are serving our country. I eat when I want to, read the books I chose, and speak the words upon my heart freely each day.

While visiting Skyland Lodge last week, a gentleman came to our table. we did not know him. He simply came up and began to talk to us. The lodge was full and there were many lovely people around, but he chose to speak with my husband and I.

As he chatted about hiking trails, bears, and other wildlife, our conversation turned. He asked about our children. He smiled as we briefly shared a little about them. Soon our conversation took another twist. He thanked us for our son's service to out country. Seth, our oldest son is a U.S. Marine.

As it turns out the older gentleman was a WWII veteran and a Marine! We were shocked. He had an altered gait and some frailties, but looked young for his age. In fact, despite the deformities in his leg and hand he hikes and enjoys other adventures in his beloved America.

I was touched deeply by the compassion this gentleman had for our soldiers and all Americans. My son always says, "Once a marine, always a marine."

Our discussion ended on the note, "Freedom is never free."

I leave you with the same thought: "Freedom is never free."

Blessed to be an American,

Andrea

33 comments:

Mocha Momma said...

Great words & what a neat conversation with the Retired WWII Vet.

Thank your son for me. Tell him I appreciate the time and sacrifice that he has given for our freedom. God bless him and those he serves with.

Love the picture and the music you have on your sight tonight. God bless you and Happy Veterans' Day!

Nannette

Anonymous said...

Wow...what a great conversation. I thank your son for serving our country as well....and all those men, women and families that do so, too.

Mary said...

How beautiful that moment must have been for you and your husband. I'm praying for yourson, Andrea..my brother was a marine for 25 years, and yes,he's still a marine. We are so blessed to live in freedom, and we owe it to our brave soliders who are willing to sacrifice all for us. Freedom is not free.

blessings,
Mary

Cathy said...

God bless your son and the troops who are fighting for our country. And they are in living in terrible conditions in Iraq and other countries.

Formerly known as Frau said...

Beautiful story and bless your son and all the men and women fighting for us.

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

God bless your son and all those who have served and are currently serving our country to protect the freedoms that we so often take for granted!

God bless the United States of America!

RCUBEs said...

May God protect your son and all of them who willingly risk their lives to preserve our freedom. Thank you to them! That man must knew something deep inside that he would connect with you and your hubby if he started conversing with both of you. God bless.

the wild raspberry said...

how truly we are blessed to live in this country with all its freedoms....
have a wonderful day~
chasity

He & Me + 3 said...

So true...some one always pays for freedom. Please tell your son thank you from our family for his service and dedication to our country. We are so blessed to have him protecting our country.
Hugs,
Mimi

Wanda's Wings said...

I am so blessed to be an American and thankful for our freedom.

Saleslady371 said...

Yes, I am grateful for your son's service. Thanks for sharing this memory at the lodge. It touches you when people are thankful. Imagine how God feels when we thank Him!

SmilingSally said...

From the story, I suppose your son was with you and in uniform. Thank him for me, please.

E @ Scottsville said...

Praise God for those young and old who are willing to serve and who have served!

Praise God for our freedom!!!

Denise said...

What a precious conversation, bless you dear.

Anonymous said...

Morning Andrea, :) Hope your having a great week :)

Deborah Ann said...

My son is in the Navy. I love meeting these retired military people! I feel such a connection with them.

Christina said...

Thank you to your son and your family for your sacrifice to our country!

That picture is absolutely gorgeous!! It'd be nice to wake up to that view every morning!

It's amazing how God leads certain people into our lives for quick conversations!

Tracy said...

I feel blessed to live in this country as well. May God protect your son and all who serve.

Edie said...

What a wonderful encounter. I am so thankful for our freedoms in this nation. I pray that my grand-girls will live under the same freedoms.

vanilla said...

Freedom is bought and protected at great price. I, too, thank your son for his service. And thanks to all those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

christy rose said...

Thank your son for me and my family Andrea! If it weren't for him and others like him our lives would not be what they are today!!!

Andrea said...

Sally,
No our son was not with us. Only GOD could have led the gentleman to us. There was nothing about our outward appearance that was different from anyone else eating lunch that day.
Blessings,
andrea

Heart2Heart said...

Andrea,

What a great story to share today! Thank you for all you and your son do for us and our country each and every day.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Karen said...

What a sweet experience...thanks for sharing with us...

COUNTRY MOM said...

Andrea, Thank You for your Prayers. I pray for your son and all those serving our country. Beautiful photo. Blessings, Audrey

Mimmy said...

Andrea, I'm once again catching up with my blogger friends. Scanning your last several posts have left me with many touching thoughts. None were greater than your statement that "Freedom is never free". Thank you for sharing your conversation with this wonderful veteran. There is so much we can learn from those who have experienced so much more than we. All we have to do is listen.

Thank you and

God Bless,
Mimmy

Christine said...

Isn't it amazing that God knows the Who,What, When,Where and Why!
Thank you for sharing your conversation.
God Bless America, the home of the brave who serve our country.

Diana Ferguson said...

A great story. Thanks for sharing as well as coming over for another visit on this special day.

Always a mom said...

Andrea,
I have an award for you at my site.
Check out the post "Who Needs The CMA's".
Congrats.

Mari said...

What a wonderful meeting, and I think it blessed both you two, but him as well!

Just Be Real said...

Blessings dear sweet one. May God's continued protection be on the brave souls that protect our country. Thank you so much for sharing the story. Hugs....

Beth in NC said...

You're right. Freedom is never free. God bless our military and their family.

Thank you for your comment on my post. I'm sorry to hear about everything that happened to you. :o( This weight thing can certainly be a struggle sometimes.

Bless you!
Beth

travelmom said...

Hi Andrea - just stopping by - thank you for your kind words and thoughts on my post - I appreciate them more than you know and I posted a response.

Have a lovely day,
Blessings,
Lori