Monday the Fourth Gifts

196. my grandfather, who served in England in World War II, where he met my grandmother

197. my father, who wanted to enlist during Vietnam, but was turned away for a bad knee

198. my father-in-law, who served in the Army

199. my brother-in-law, two tours in Iraq and still serving

200. a friend's son, who enlisted on 9/12, and now flies black hawk helicopters in Afghanistan

201. the countless mothers who have watched their children walk out the door, never to return

202. men and women willing to give their lives to keep me and my family safe

203. those who come back safe, and must live with the memories

204. the freedom to be an Orthodox Christian, when churches are burning in Egypt

205. the freedom and safety to openly pray and talk about Jesus, while others are still being martyred today