Pause

Here is a heartbreaking article I came across today. It reminded me a lot of a gal I worked with many moons ago, early on in the war. She was a single Mom in the National Guard and was set to be deployed to Afghanistan. She understood the risks, but when one joins they rarely think they'll have to go to war. She had no one to care for her son and had no idea how she would get out of it. As it turned out, they took pity on her situation and agreed to give her an honorable discharge from service. Things worked out well for her, but it is sad to think how many families have been affected by this war that just won't end.

Last night, I was watching an episode of Food Network Challenge that focused on "Thanksgiving Family Feasts." There was one family that was competing that really caught my eye and had me rooting for them. The husband had been deployed four times, so he gone so much that this holiday was going to be an extra special one for them. Most wars ask soldiers to serve an average of two tours of duty. These wars that we've been fighting in both Iraq and Afghanistan have seen multiple families sacrifice for literally years. Kids are growing up without their mothers and fathers. I have some dear friends that have or are currently serving overseas, and you can be sure it has been a struggle for all involved to get through each day. It truly gives you pause.

Obviously, there are many arguments for and against this war. I no longer know where I stand. I want it to be over for the sake of saving lives, but how and when that should happen is still unclear. The tide is constantly shifting in the Middle East, so there just doesn't seem to be end in sight. No matter what side of the fence you are one, we should be supportive of our troops and their families. While we may not yet have the right answer on how to end this terrible war, we can be sure of one thing this Thanksgiving:

Be grateful for loved ones close enough to hug this holiday season.