Exchanging Watches

I can remember it like it was yesterday, I was a senior in high school and I heard through the grape vine that Chancho was heading overseas. He joined the Air Force straight out of high school, in fact he skipped out on graduation to go to flight school. He became a pilot and therefore was needed in the war. I was nervous and anxious. I never heard any good stories about people going over there. They all ended with tears, so there was a lot of uneasiness going through my head. There was of course a going away party before he left and at this party we exchanged watches. He took mine and I took his. He made a promise to me that he would return this watch to me one day. Hearing him say that meant that he would be coming home. Thankfully, by the grace of God he was able to come back home, unlike a very close friend of his. We never did exchange watches back to one another, he says he has it somewhere in his storage. I'm not sure where his is, it must be in a box somewhere in the attic. I do know that I didn't toss it. It's funny how a simple exchange made me feel a whole lot better, that because he had to return my watch to me, he would definitely make it home safely. I am very grateful that he was able to make it home and I am able to be with him today.

So thank you to those that served, who are currently serving and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and to keep this country free. We are all greatly indebted to you. Please come home safe. Happy Veteran's Day to you all!