Send off...

Our local National Guard unit is being deployed.
today was the send off...
when I realized that the time was also the same time Reyna's birthday party
was scheduled to begin I was bummed that we wouldn't be able to attend.
Today as I drove thru town and saw the flags and people attending the send off activities
I decided that being a few minutes late for her birthday party wouldn't be the end of the world
and so we went...these little ones of mine have never watched a send off for troops
(rather wish they would have never had to see one)
The first one I saw was when this same guard unit was deployed in 2003, my brother in law was
a part of this unit as was a daycare dad. I had hoped to never have to see another.
Today never arrived...
as we waited I couldn't help but wonder how do you say good bye?
how do you even get through a day like this
seeing the line of firetrucks from local communities watching the police escort lead the line
the freedom riders and the bus filled with men and women who make the greatest sacrifice
just so we can live in a land that is free.
brought tears to my eyes
moments like this make you proud to live in this community...