Today is veteran’s day, and a few days ago a story to share with you guys came to my heart. I wear one necklace on the regular. It’s by far my favorite, and I really enjoy when people ask me about it. My husband gave it to me in our first year of dating and to me it’s the most precious and most expensive gift he has ever given me in the 10 years we’ve been together.
I often get asked about it. I only take it off when I shower or for a brief time if I need to wear something else for an occasion. Which is not often. It’s not fancy, it’s not gem encrusted, not made with any fine metals. This necklace is much more valuable than that. It costs 8 years of military service. It costs drowned memories that resulted in PTSD. It costs 1 TBI (traumatic brain injury) and a plethora of other physical ailments. It has costed walking through hard times and walking through healing separately and together.
Most people wonder if I paid this price. I, with a smile, tell them my husband gave me this precious piece of tin, and that it is much more valuable than anyone could imagine. The fact that he was able to gift this necklace to me means he returned safely from his times overseas. It means he served his time, not knowing the lasting repercussions it would have not only on his life but the lives of his family and friends.
My husband is my favorite veteran. I am grateful to God that he brought us together to walk this journey out. Good times and bad! I am grateful for my family members who have served our military. I am grateful for veterans I will never meet. I pray for all of them because they didn’t leave the battles behind them when their service ended. I pray for their families because they walk through those as well. Just differently.
Hug a Vet. Pray for them. Honor them for they know of things they may never share.
I share with you one of my husband’s favorite scriptures. This verse was highlighted in a particularly tough time for us both. I pray it encourages you today!
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Ray, thank you babe. I appreciate you more than you know.
Faith Knitted Living 
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