“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
When we have lived with chronic pain for so long, it can be easy to forget the joys we once experienced before they hit.
This past Memorial Day weekend, I got to remember some of that joy when we went to the beach. I don't sit out the sun for too long, because it causes a lot of pain.
But sometimes we forget...I forget...that the gift of freedom allows us to pick and choose when we can enjoy these blessings, and when we can take a break and rest from them.
Because of the countless lives lost by brave men and women, I have the freedom to choose.
Because of the countless lives lost, I got to bury my feet in the sand that day with my precious daughter
Because of the countless lives lost, I got to thank my God FREELY that I got to experience this with her and my church family.
We don't have to allow our conditions and our pain to steal our joy.
Does that mean we will always experience joy through the pain and suffering? No.
But we don't have to let it dictate our emotions and deprive ourselves of amazing memories and experiences that we are worthy to have as well...that many people sacrificed their lives for, so we could continue living.
May I live my life honoring their lives and sacrifice, and ultimately honoring the one who paid the highest price, by living out my mission set before me with bravery, courage, endurance, love, strength, compassion and perseverance.
And sister, may you do the same.
