What is Sacrifice?

At 22 years old, I was a college graduate....working as a nurse, a big-girl job with a big-girl paycheck. I thought I knew what sacrifice was....I thought I had "sacrificed" many parties, many nights out, spring breaks, and more. I finished college in 4 years and thanks to HOPE scholarship and other scholarships, didn't have to pay a dime for my education as the result of those "sacrifices."

Turns out.... I had NO IDEA what sacrifice really was.

Then at 23, I met J...a soldier with deployment looming in the next few weeks. I took a chance, started dating him... eventually moved up the "ranks" of girlfriend, fiancee, and now, wife.

Sometimes, I think I have "sacrificed" a lot during our relationship. I "sacrificed" having a whole year to plan my wedding because of his crazy work schedule. I have "sacrificed" and gone alone to weddings and family functions. I am "sacrificing" my first few months of marriage because he is deployed. 

But the truth is, none of that is real sacrifice. It's the life I live....the military way of life.

 I take the time I have with him and cherish it like no other....make memories to think about during his times away at training, at schools, and during deployments.

SO, WHAT IS SACRIFICE?

Every single one of those men in the photo above have been killed in action while actively defending our country. They died with honor, forever a hero.

 THAT IS SACRIFICE.

They all have different, yet similar, stories. Some of them left behind children, some of them left behind wives. One of them never even got to meet his son. At least one will celebrate his first wedding anniversary in Heaven, where these men sit in a Hall of Heroes. Another left behind a fiancee.  One of these men never even got to experience his first homecoming....another had make it home safely over ten times before.  All of them left behind hopes and dreams for the future.

THAT IS SACRIFICE.

June 14, 2012 marks the one-year anniversary of SSG Jeremy Katzenberger's death. He left behind a wife and a baby boy.  His wife is an inspiration to all, such a strong, beautiful lady that was shares her journey of healing after losing her husband. She is the epitome of a role model...she has stood tall and presented herself with grace and honesty.

“I wish the American people could truly understand the dedication and SACRIFICE that Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger made for his country. Since early 2005, Jeremy has either been in combat or training for combat. This was his eighth combat deployment,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regt. “Jeremy was the epitome of a Ranger squad leader; he is a hero to our Nation, the Army and his family.”

SSG Katzenberger will never be forgotten, nor will any of the other soldiers who laid down their lives defending our flag, our country, our Freedom.

 My heart goes out to those who wake up every morning and face the loss of their service members (whatever branch of the military). I appreciate your sacrifice. 

To those of you who pray for these families and also pray for our men and women who are still over there, fighting the good fight....THANK YOU!

At our local Wear Blue/Run to Remember