Freedom Found

It's a few days past the official Independence Day, but I'm quite certain I've found my meaning of freedom. It comes in several shapes and sizes. Each meaning has its own history, but let me share with you my thoughts.

On the surface, freedom is being able to say I love you to that special someone(s) anytime you want, as I referred to in my last post. At any given moment, I am fortunate enough to have someone I can whisper "I love you" too and know that he - or she - can whisper something that at the very least, mildly resembles a loving response. That my friends, is not just freedom, but the truest love I know on this earth.

As a worldly view, freedom is fighting for the blessings we see in America each day. I have a very special friend who's husband is about to go somewhere overseas to protect the very freedoms that we - as humans - sometimes take for granted. For my friend, freedom is a sacrifice. It's saying goodbye to her truest love, but standing strong for all that he believes. That is not just freedom. That is not just love. That is strength. And if you're reading this my friend, I admire you and will be here for you whenever you need me.

But what I've ultimately learned these past few days, is that freedom goes beyond our wildest dreams. Okay, yes ... I may have had a tough morning with Kendall as she went to her cardiologist. She screamed, kicked and cried when the stethoscope came her way. But the end result ... "We'll see you in a year!" is what the doctor told us. What that means is her heart is strong, she is healthy, and he sees no need for further intervention for at least 12 more months. I have a sense of freedom in knowing that she is quite healthy. I pray for the children who don't get to hear those words and my own heart goes out to the parents, grandparents and friends who feel let down at times. Know that there is hope. Look closely, and you will find a glimmer.

So here's my heart-2-heart for today... Look around you. Take stock. When I come home from work, I may feel tired and exhausted, but I know the best part of my day is just about to start. And though the "mommy, mommy hold me" statement can make me crazy at times, I'd trade it for nothing. You know why? I can tell her I love her and my hug gets even tighter. That's what I fight for. That's the freedom that touches me to my core.