Wreaths Across America

On Saturday, my family and I went to Arlington National Cemetery to help with Wreaths Across America. It's one of our most favorite things to do. I hope I can always go and lay a wreath for my brother. When all the wreaths are placed in front of the headstones, the cemetery is transformed into such a beautiful Christmas sight. There are thousands of people who volunteer their time to turn Arlington into one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen. Everyone is there for a different reason and yet we are all also there for the exact same reason... to always remember! 

This was my fourth year doing this and I can not believe that fact. It's sad and heartbreaking. Yet, the people we have met along this hard and rough road have been so wonderful and a true blessing. Here we all have these sad stories of missing our loved ones, stories of their lives, memories of happy times and tears of longing to see them again. But, when we meet other families who share our pain and completely understand our need to honor, remember and share, it is then that we can bond over a loss that is so devestating. 

Arlington has become a second home and to those who don't understand that, there really is now way to explain it. It's kind of like Montana being at St. Jude and us missing that hospital so badly. At Arlington, we have made friends, our loved ones are there, we share stories and memories, we take care of the grounds, and we help friends who can't make it so often. When we are there, we don't want to leave. We truly are surrounded by so many people who completely understand our loss. 

So, thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who came out to make Arlington and Sec 60 look absolutely beautiful during this time of year. There is nothing more important to Gold Star Families than to know that their loved one is still remembered. 

Blessings to you all.