I just took a trip to Washington DC with my husband and parents. It was a very educational and enjoyable trip.

This trip made me see my mother in a whole new light. Of course, I've always admired my mother and loved her dearly but, this trip showed me a glimpse into her past. My mother's first husband died in the Vietnam War. I always knew about him and his death but, as we visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall I could feel the patriotism, emotion and fear my mother lived through. She was just 20 years old and they were High School sweethearts. He died in a bomb explosion.

As we walked up to the Vietnam Memorial I felt the emotion run through us all. We checked the archives to find his name. His name was etched in the middle of the wall. My mother quickly spotted his name. She walked up and touched it and said a prayer. She placed a laminated letter written from the US Government near his name. It read something like this "We are sorry to inform you of the death of your husband...etc."

We watched as dozens of people walked by stopping to read the letter. Some people had tears in their eyes others just stood quietly. I watched as tears ran down my mom's face. My dad, husband and I stood there with her and felt the pain she felt so long ago. She was just a young woman at the time but, the memories raced back.

As we stood there and honored all the veterans, I realized how there is a much bigger plan for our lives than we know. My mom went on to meet my wonderful dad. They married a couple years later and had three children (including myself). She now has three Grandchildren who adore her. My my mom is happily married and loves her life. How how things work out if you just have faith.

Have a great week everyone and God Bless all the veterans this Veteran's Day!