During the week of Veteran’s Day I salute all those who have served in any war or no war.  Where would this country be without these people and the sacrifices made.? I always think of one of my favorite uncles, Uncle Buddy, who was a prisoner of war during World War II. He was that uncle to me who could make me and my brothers and sisters laugh and could make each one of us individually feel special. Being from that “John Wayne” era he used to do some wild things with us like take us out in his little Volkswagen bug through the sandy woods of central Florida for what he would call “A rattlesnake and alligator hunt”.  He was my Indiana Jones before I ever knew there was one.  Yes, Uncle Buddy was always our favorite baby sitter and he could cook good too. He must have learned that in the service, I guess, because he used to make these giant pots of  german stews and soups.  My mother’s side of the family (her grandparents) came here from Germany.  As a child it always confused me when I thought about Uncle Buddy possibly having to have killed some of our fellow Germans. Yes, war can be very confusing to a child and I’m sure adults also. Anyway, before I get too deep my Mother used to tell us all the stories about her brothers all being in the WWII and all the things that went on back home during this time. There was this old song out during this time  “My Buddy”.  The main line from it said , “My buddy, my buddy, Your buddy misses you.”  She said during the time my Uncle Buddy was captured my Grandmother would sing that song every evening praying for his safe return.  So I am thankful that God spared my Uncle Buddy’s life so that I might have that favorite uncle.  He is gone now but I always get a smile on my face when I think about him and for that I’m thankful. 

Thank you to all the troops, past and present,  who have bravely served and are still serving this country and  the citizens of this great land. Lord, heal our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14  if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways , then I will hear from heaven , and will forgive their sin and heal their land .

 You can enjoy some more Thankful Thursday posts over at Grace Alone where you’ll meet this month’s gracious hostess, Iris.  God bless!