Faith. Women. Empowerment.

…And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night,
That our flag was still there.
Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the F R E E, and the home of the B R A V E…

Light glared back at me from the screen.

Eyes tinged with a hint of red now, I’ve been staring too long.

What now moved my attention is the hum of the first blow.

The transition into the second.

Three times a day we hold our breath, life is put on pause.

It’s one of my favorite things about this place.

It’s quiet in those minutes. We halt. Focus. Remember.

But alas, it gets me in the end__ a subtle and timeless ending.

Three last blows and its lights out, for some of us. Others, back to the grind.

As for me, tonight, I take another moment.

I honor your bravery.

I remember.

You laid down your life. So that I could have my own.

Every evening at 2100 (9pm) Military bases play “Taps” over the giant voice box  ____ and we remember the lives of fallen soldiers.

***This blog was written on 23 February 2018. I went on to enlist active duty Air Force in March of 2018. I graduated BMT in June of 2018 and went on to serve 3.5 years, until 01 October 2021. At this time I separated so that I could be at home with my soon to be 2 year old and daughter who is due to enter the world in 6.5 weeks. I am honored to have worn the uniform and served. I am grateful to the Airmen who continue to press on so that I can step back and serve the purpose that fulfills my heart. ***