This time last year

This morning when I woke up, the very first thought I had was, "It's been one year today."

Around this time last year, I was at home preparing for the wedding. The Boy and I were busy making our lists of what belonged with household goods and what was unaccompanied baggage. I finally told my boss that in a little over two months that I would be quitting the job I loved to be with the man I love. Around this time last year, I was still living through Sarah's joy over having her husband home for R & R. I was happily buying Christmas presents, and worrying about meeting the rest of The Boy's family.

One year ago today, CPT Sean Sims was killed in Iraq.

I did not know him, nor do I know his wife or their infant son. What I do know is the courage of his family.

Over the past few weeks, The Boy and I have been "eavesdropping" in on Mrs. Sims, as she recounts in detail how much her life changed last year. It's been one year today. And, in the words of Mrs. Sims: "Sean loved serving his country, he loved his soldiers, and was doing what he wanted to be doing. The end result was not what any of us wanted or expected, but I think Sean probably would not have had it any other way. He was a true Infantryman . . ."

The next time you see the headline about the death toll in the war, remember that NONE of these Soldiers are just numbers. They all have families, friends, fellow Soldiers and perfect strangers that care about them - and are grieving over their loss.