It's close to midnight, the wife of 22 years and the remaining 4 children at home soundly asleep, the cat is on my son's bed sleeping seemingly to watch over him. The small drip of a leaky faucet in the kitchen slowly drips, hearing the soft subtle sound as it splashes into the kitchen sink. A gentle reminder, time to repair the gasket so not to hear the drip, drip of the water's soft steady flow of fix me for I may soon let more go. The quiet times of the house this late at night brings time of reconciliation of times past, memories of those who've made us whom we are, a gentle laugh as we think of good times with friends, family and the occasional stranger we may speak with while standing in line. We may oft remember the daydreams of grand events we so wanted to be, the hero, making the game winning touchdown, or saving the day as we used to play cowboys and Indians growing up, riding in on our horse, saving the damsel in distress, as yet we pretended to have a serious but not life threating wounds as we struggled to win the day. As we played soldiers, we may have wanting to be the hero, being the last man standing, defeating a platoon of men, bring the survivors in as prisoners of war.Nevertheless, the quiet time may be a perfect time to reflect in retrospect of our own accomplishments, failure, and sometimes when we had dreams, but did not have the courage to act upon them. This past weekend, I was able to speak with my nieces husband whom shall be deployed soon to Afghanistan for his first tour as an officer and never being in a combat situation. I pray for his safety and all others who serve this great nation of ours. When seeing a post of a video of a soldier coming home surprising their families, the tears of Joy of being reunited after a tour of duty across the sea's making sure, we are free to live here, The United States of America. My Nephew-in Law, if there is such a term, as we talked about other we have known who have served in the armed forces, the respect we have for them. I never did have a chance to do such, as I had other dreams, D1 football, but it was more of the water boy who got into the game once in a while. Many in my family, both sides of my parents made it their careers, others just to put their time in to help pay for school etc, Not to long ago, an Air Force award was made known to me from a family member has been honored for his service and valor, The Schow / Donnley award. I am related to the stranger of the two names, yes, Schow. My father also served, and as my uncles, cousins and friends. Nevertheless, as we continued talking, we got onto the subject of the wounded warriors project. He told me about how his neighbor, a retuned vet who fought in Iraq and the help he has received. The program was praised highly by my niece and her soon to be deported husband....but the news slipped out, she was pregnant with her first child.. For some reason, I do not think they are the first to ever have this happen. **grin** I know for those of who whom have served, have many stories, have lost close friends, seen other things I and many other will never fully understand. I remember how I felt when I learned of my good Scott Lundel was gunned down never to see his wife or 4 children ever again on this earth. I also hear of the stories of those wounded in battle, the trials they go through, not being able to comprehend fully....but I want to help those who serve our country by giving back to those who help keep this country free. For the rest of this year and beyond, I have decided to donate up to 5% of my commission checks to the wounded warriors project to help those who help us remain free. I am not doing this to be praised, or for recognition, but for me, it's a small way to give back and to say thank you for your service.