I'm feeling grateful

Peter and I are currently in San Antonio while Peter does his surgery rotation. The hotel that they put us up in is also the same hotel where many men and women come to stay while recovering from serious injuries from war. It's humbling to see so many individuals in wheelchairs with life altering injuries everyday. Breakfast is free here at the hotel so every morning people congregate to the breakfast hall. It's there that I really see these individuals and their families. It's so sad to see them and understand that their lives have recently changed drastically. My heart breaks as I watch them with their parents and their children every morning.

The other day there was a young man (under 21 at least) talking to his siblings about how he lost his leg. He described in detail how he stepped on an IED while his siblings were captivated by his story. I couldn't help myself, I wanted to hear his story. He then went on to tell his brother (probably 10 years old) to do well in school because there is so much to enjoy in life. He advised him to get good grades so he didn't have to join the infantry. By this point tears are rolling down my cheeks. It's not fair that this young man lost his leg and that his life has changed dramatically. He's so young! My sadness for this young man and all those recovering here also includes a great deal of gratitude. Although I am so sorry and sad that they have to experience such hard things in their lives, I'm also so grateful that they are willing to make these sacrifices for you and me. They are brave and willing to serve. I'm so grateful for them and hope that Peter and I might be able to serve those who have sacrificed so much.