I didn’t know what I wanted to say on the anniversary of 9/11 last week, so I didn’t post anything here on the blog. Instead we watched a little bit of the coverage in the morning and I explained the story to the boys again. The older boys were only 3 and we didn’t have the younger ones yet so telling the story is an annual thing around here. The boys ask questions and I answer. Then I get all choked up and they get all, “Moo-ooommm, stop crying” and we move on.

I am sharply aware of the possibility that one or more of my own children will go off to war someday, seeing as how there’s plenty of it happening all the time. The magnitude of that sacrifice-for both the soldier and his or her family-just floors me. Here are young people completely putting their lives on hold in the pursuit of service to their country. That’s so huge.

A friend sent me a link to the Gratitude Campaign and I just knew that this is what I wanted to talk about this year.

It doesn’t matter what your politics are, or whether you’re for or against current military campaigns being undertaken. Bottom line, these brave individuals have given up a lot for you and me. Please thank one (or a hundred) if you can.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want to show their gratitude.