A Hero Remembered

Over the last several years, as war has continued to take the lives of our American soldiers, you may have noticed our men and women in uniform wearing a black memorial KIA (killed in action) bracelet. During their first deployment to Afghanistan, Tim's company lost one of their soldiers and friends in a helicopter crash. Tim ordered one of these bracelets to honor Chris and remember his sacrifice. He wears it daily and even had to order a replacement last year because the original one broke in half from so much use. 

When Tim comes home from work one of the first things he does is empty his pockets and remove his military items--patches, pens, notebooks, keys, dog tags, watch, and Chris' bracelet. Addie now looks forward to grabbing an item from this pile when "Da-da" comes home. Recently, she is into wearing objects on her arm or wrist, so naturally she enjoys sporting Chris' memorial bracelet. It's bitter-sweet to see her happily wearing this bracelet, oblivious to what it represents, a piece of love that aids us in remembering the sacrifices Chris made for his country, the wife he left behind and the child who will never get to meet his hero of a daddy. At the same time, I picture Chris smiling at the sight of Adeline waddling around, proudly displaying his name on her arm. 

Dear God, please help us to remember daily the men and women who have died in service for our country and pray for the loved one they've left behind. In Your Son's name, Amen. 

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