July 4

Last summer, the Boy and I made a trip to Chicago to visit with my girlfriend, Melissa. She knew about him from countless calls and emails, but this was the first time she saw us together - and saw how real we were together. Our adventure to the Windy City included a Cubs game at Wrigley... and Melissa's first opportunity to witness the "Star Spangled Banner" next to a Soldier.

Afterward, she asked me if I felt differently, hearing those words or being part of patriotic events - as his girl. The answer was a resounding YES.

Last year's Memorial Day, I went with him to "Military Appreciation Day" at the Louisville Bats game. We were lucky enough to be asked to join some employees of a Louisville company, whose seats were a handful of rows behind the dugout. During the game they played songs ranging from standards like "America the Beautiful" to Toby Keith's "American Soldier" - but we were both touched by "Soldier Boy." I was holding his hand, and goofily singing the song to him... but by the end, I was in tears, struck by a song that I'd heard hundreds of times, and how my situation had changed to the point that I understood, finally, the meaning.

When we married, he wore his uniform. It was a visible sign to all in attendance that both of our lives were changing - forever.

One amazing event that has happened as a result of us being together, is that my mother has finally been able to put a face to the Army, that is not the face of her father. She has been able to talk about her father's service - with him - because he has finally opened up to her... because of my Boy. We were so thankful last year to be part of a service back home, recognizing WWII survivors on the 60th anniversary. As they called each Soldier's name, they read a bit about what they did in the Army. My Grandfather served with Patton's 3rd Army, was at the Battle of the Bulge, and even participated in Operation Greenhouse at Enewetak. After receiving his medal, he also was given some pins... but insisted on waiting for his soon-to-be grandson to pin them on. "He's in the Army. He knows exactly where they belong."

July 4 is about Patriotism. For us, it's also about being thankful for the blessings that we've been given as Americans.