As the Calendar Gods grant all Americans (except my mom, as usual) a rare Wednesday off from work and school (or, for some of us, from not neglecting the care of children), I think it's important that we all take at least a few moments to remember who this Veterans Day is really about: Me.
How is this day about me, you ask? In what branch of the military did I serve? Well, that's a complicated question, in one sense. In another, more realistic sense, the fact that I never served is not complicated at all.
But let's look past that technically unanswered question to the most pertinent issue-- I work really hard, kind of, and I sacrifice a lot day in and day out, kind of. I've been the victim of so-called friendly fire as well as, more commonly, heavy enemy fire, in the form of fists, feet, land mines, food, toys, and bodily substances.
I don't think I need to remind you that many of these missiles have been aimed at my eyes and/or nuts.
So for obvious reasons, I could really use this day off, from... sitting around the house with the kids..... dammit.
Now that D-'s in kindergarten, this "day off" school actually means I'll be facing an even greater armed resistance, with reinforcements even better trained in the deadly and disgusting arts.
This makes me fear that while you sit at home yourselves today, you'll be wondering the whole time if I'll survive long enough to post on Friday. I assure you, though, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, and treats in my belly* (thanks, Halloween!), so I'm sure I'll be fine no matter what they throw at me. Literally or figuratively.
So I suggest you change your usual plans for that time from focusing on me to an even more worthy cause-- remembering and thanking those men and women who have so proudly volunteered** to continue sheltering this American experiment that has led the world to a brighter future over the last 233 years.
They sign up for the ultimate sacrifice, and we should always make sure they never have to make it.
* The latter will help me outlast any forced starvation efforts before the kids themselves need their next meal prepared.
** I include in this, of course, those who were drafted into service or involuntarily reactivated.
NOTE: While you're remembering the sacrifices of our armed forces, also remember that today would be Madeline Spohr's second birthday. Please stop by her mom's blog to help celebrate Madeline's short but eventful life.
2 comments:
"treats in my belly*" They say a true campaigner never misses a chance to eat, as he never knows when the next meal will be available. Kind of like when I'm the cook.
I thought I was the only one who tried to make Veteran's day about me. I'm happy to learn I have a partner in complacent self indulgence. :)
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