Lone Survivor

The real Navy SEALs portrayed in the film

Last night Tim and I saw Lone Survivor, based on the true story about one Navy SEAL's survival amidst the death of his brothers. I realized I forgot to bring tissues as soon as we sat down, something I had planned to do ahead of time due to the emotional content. I actually like seeing these war movies, whereas most military wives I know avoid them, which I completely understand. However, for me personally, it's important that I read literature and see films with accurate portrayals of the war in Afghanistan so I can understand what my husband experienced during his deployments. 

The movie did a fantastic job of depicting the true fight in the middle East and the collaboration of our military to fulfill a mission. Tim kept whispering about the accuracy of the film, or when something minor was incorrect. He worked with special forces during both his deployments, so he was able to comment on that collaboration that appeared in the film. When Apaches appeared on screen, I felt proud of my husband for flying that aircraft and protecting the "ground guys," but also a resurgence of fear seeing a snippet of what he faced every day--death.  I know his aircraft received fire, and he encountered rocket attacks, but still I can't fathom how much danger he truly was in at war. I wish I could spend just one day at war to fully comprehend the impact on a soldier.

I survived the film without crying, until the end, when they showed pictures of each of the 19 men that died in this compromised operation. To see their newborns, children, wives, and pets was heartbreaking. As a military family member, you KNOW you could be in their place, that it could easily be a picture of your spouse in his uniform, and an image of the two of you on your wedding day playing on a screen.  I understand that any moment during a deployment could lead to a knock on my door that changes my life forever. 

Thank you profusely to our nation's Gold Star Families and our soldiers who have died protecting America. Your sacrifice is remembered every single day of our lives. I pray for your comfort, healing, and your trust in God's plan.

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