Brave and free

If you've been reading my blog for a while perhaps you've picked up on how much I appreciate the brave men and woman who fight for our freedom, today I have a little something different on my mind. Please bear with me as I share what has been quite heavy on my mind and heart these past few weeks. Here is last years 4th of July post if your interested <3

What is independence? Is it having the choice to do what you will, or perhaps its the feeling you get when you complete something without the help of anyone. For many people this might be true, and for others it might not. Independence might even mean having the will to wake up in the morning and live another day.

The land of the free and the home of the brave, these words mean much more than meets the eye. When I hear that little phrase I take a minute to think of all those who aren't yet brave and free. How about all the others here in America who don't feel this applies to them, what can we do to make others feel brave and free?

How about putting a stop to abuse, violence, being judgmental and bullying. The list could go on forever, but my point is that we being Americans must display and portray courage and freedom by being an example to the rest. Shine your light on this wonderful day by being brave and free and by helping those who haven't yet experienced the same!!!

xoxo, Gracie

Freedom is not free

"Freedom is not free" growing up in a military home I heard this saying often, the volumes of truth that it projects to me is undeniably strong. There are so many stories I could tell you right now, but there is one in particular which lays heavily on my heart. *** the names in this story have been changed to maintain some privacy***

"It's just another 4 month trip" I thought to myself, Some friends of mine didn't understand how I coped having my daddy gone for so long. Little did I know this wouldn't be an ordinary trip, As that cold morning in December flew by my friend Brittany and I watched as our dads jumped in the car and drove off to training. Without even giving them a proper farewell full of hugs and kisses they just left.

Before I continue on the story I want you all to know how hard it is for me to write this. When I go to the mall or just anywhere in general and enjoy the simple luxury of drinking a cappuccino or whatever, the thought that often pops into my mind is "How is it possible for a place to be so free when were in the middle of a war" so many people live in the daily rush of life and forget how much our troops and their family's go through to keep America free.

Continuing on with my story. . . I loved playing house with my friend Brittany, we would occasionally play army too! It was so cold and snow had covered our entire neighborhood so we played outside like the free girls that we were. Then one morning as I was getting ready for school I heard the doorbell ring, a sick feeling in my gut dragged me to the door like a magnet. As my mom opened the door the tears began running down my cheeks. A man dressed in formal military attire stood there with a folded flag in his hands.

The memory of that day flashes in my mind as if it were yesterday, The man told us that my dad and Brittany's dad (they were best buds) were setting up some electrical wires and Brittany's dad was electrocuted and killed instantly. The rest of that day is a blur to me, I remember being with Brittany everyday for a month after that and suffering with her.

No it didn't happen in war, and no it wasn't fair! Only God knows why these things happen, but if there is one thing I do know its that In order to keep this country free those brave men and women that sacrifice their time with family and even lives help us be the people we are. This 4th of July I hope everyone who lives in the AMAZING country realizes how blessed we are to be so free.


I hope yall have a fabulous 4th of July weekend, stay safe <3

Veronica grace