We Will Never Forget

Today is a very special day. It is a day where we take the time to remember and thank those who so selflessly served in the military; many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

My Grandpa Cliff served in World War II. For as long as I can remember I have had the privilege of listening to my Grandpa's war stories and looking at all his war time photos. Some of his stories are of pure bravery, some are just plain heart breaking but all of them leave me with a feeling of gratitude. Unfortunately the war took two of his brothers but their memories have lived on through my Grandpa and his family. My Grandpa is my real life hero.

I don't have words to describe the feelings I have for my Grandpa and his service. It is a strange mixture of pride, humility, gratitude and sadness. I know I will never quite understand what my Grandpa and his fellow soldiers went through but I sure am grateful to have the opportunity to try.

It was during the war, in England, that my Grandpa met my Grandma. My Grandpa once told me that the moment he laid eyes on my Grandma, he knew she was going to be his wife. They have now been married for over 64 years and are wonderfully cute together. My Grandmother is also such an amazing person who gave up so much during the war; including her first husband Dennis who was killed in action.

I had the absolute pleasure of going for lunch with my Grandparents today. My Grandpa looked so wonderful all decorated in all of his medals. It really warmed my heart when a complete stranger walked up and shook my Grandpa's hand and thanked him for all that he did. The best part was the little twinkle in both my Grandparents eyes as that man walked away. They made eye contact with one another and gave each other a little smile. Only they truly understand the sacrifices.

As my Grandpa was explaining his medals to me, he pulled the chain (in the picture above) out of his pocket. He told me that this was his good luck charm he carried with him in his pocket throughout the war. I looked at it and realized it was a picture of my Grandma. I had to pretend I was looking at it very closely to hide my tears.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa and your stories will be passed down by all of your children, Grandchildren, our children and forever.

This is a picture of my other hero. This is Nathaniel my brother-in-law. Nathaniel recently got back from serving over 8 months in Afghanistan. I remember the day he left along with every day of those eight months as if they were yesterday. The worry and heart ache you carry for a loved one overseas is difficult to describe. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for my sister and all the other wives, husbands and parents of service people overseas.

This is Nathaniel serving in Afghanistan; he is the second from the left. Nathaniel is one of the strongest, most loving people I know. I have had the privilege of hearing his eye opening war stories as well. He returned from this war with a true appreciation for the little things in life and understands more than anyone the importance of family.

This is a picture from when Nathaniel arrived home safely. He was looking at my sister for the first time in a VERY long time. It is so neat that in both my Grandpa's and Nathaniel's case, they both had strong, amazing women behind them, keeping them going in times of despair.

My Grandpa Dave also spent his entire career in the Canadian army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer and my Uncle Dave served in the Gulf war. The strength, dedication and courage a person must have to serve is unimaginable. These are all my hero's, along with the service men and women that I have never had the pleasure of meeting.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you have sacrificed. We will never forget.