HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Okay, so I know it is just a little crazy, but I am me and this is another one of those me things. I like to say "Happy Independence Day" instead of Happy 4th of July. I do often say "Happy 4th", but I prefer the other. I think it is important to acknowledge that the 4th is not just about hot dogs and fireworks, but about celebrating our independence and freedom, which was not "free". People gave their life for the freedoms that we have here in our United States of America and there are many who continue to risk their life to protect those freedoms. So, I have gotten that out! Now, on to Grayson which is the reason most of you even log in to look at this website.

Grayson's second Independence Day was great and we had lots of fun with family doing all of the traditional things (cookout, fireworks, etc.) at Lake Gaston. Grayson spent lots of time with Granny and Grandpa Royal and the whole Royal/Tart family at my Aunt Audrey and Uncle Tommy's house on the lake. He had a blast swimming, playing with his cousin, fishing with grandpa, and watching fireworks.

There was one very important person who did not have the opportunity, even if he had wanted it, to celebrate this holiday with Little Gray Bear. Grayson's Pa-Pa Jack is currently deployed. Yes, Grayson has his very own hero serving and protecting our county right now. Pa-pa Jack has been gone since January. Although Grayson doesn't really understand where Jack is or why he must be there, we try to remember to talk about him often, show Grayson pictures of him regularly, and make sure he has the opportunity with Aunt Meg and Nana to talk to Pa-pa Jack via Skype. I am starting to think that Grayson thinks Pa-Pa Jack has moved into a computer.

I can't tell you how proud we are to say that we know such a fine man. Yes, it stinks to have him away for a whole year. Yes, it is scary to think that he risks his life to protect this country we call home. However, the bottom line is that our freedoms need protecting. Our Independence does not come without cost. We feel very blessed to have a such a man in our family and the opportunity to show Grayson, even though he may not fully understand, that the freedoms we often take for granted require sacrifice.

There are many families and individuals who have sacrificed a great deal so that we can live freely. I hope that on your Independence Day you took time to thank God for the blessing of freedom, time to pray for the men and women who are protecting those freedoms right now, and time to pray for the future of our country and it's leaders.