What is Sacrifice?

Marissa participated in the talent show at school again this year and wasn't really sure what to do to get in. We talked about singing, and that is what she was going to do right up until the day of rehearsal. She sang last year and it seems like that is the most popular talent for kids these days. Who would have known? So I thought maybe she could do a poem to her Daddy and say goodbye to her school friends and teachers all at once and this is what we came up with. I had to call my mom for emergency back-up and she really pulled through. Thanks Mom! Marissa did great!

There wasn't a dry eye in the house. The man sitting next to us said "That's not even my daughter and I had tears in my eyes". Success. Sometimes people need a little reality check as to what our service men and women as well as their babies left back home go through.

This is for all of you who leave their loved one's behind to serve our country in ANY capacity. Know that no matter what, the one's you have left behind love and miss you with all their hearts and are waiting for your safe return home, proudly.

What is Sacrifice?

Dedicated to SSgt. Steven L. Hedrick Jr.- USMC

I'm leaving this country, this country my home to go to a land, a land of unknowns.
I'm going far away to a far away land, I'm leaving my friends, my family for Japan.

I'm sad, I'm scared, I'm anxious but proud. Why may you ask am I proud to be scared? Because what you don't know is the move that I make is a move of sacrifice for everyone's sake.
Sacrifice what does it mean? It is something I have never seen, I've never felt this thing. Sacrifice.

Sacrifice is unknown to me, not much used in my vocabulary. I have food and clothes of plenty - toys and games- I never do without any. Sacrifice is giving my dad, such a big word it makes me so sad. Sacrifice is being alone without my dad in our home. I am free to run and play to go to school and church and pray.

Other kids are not so free to live a life of liberty.

Sacrifice is a big word and has many terms. Some are small and some stand great and firm. Mine although small can not compare to that of my daddies who will be leaving us there.
You and your men give their lives, their everything some making the ultimate sacrifice You will miss my birthdays, holidays and times I need you there to hold me- but I don't mind, this is my sacrifice- my sacrifice of love.

You may not agree with the stand he is making but it is for you this job he is taking. He fights for your freedom, even to disagree. There is no other country in the world this could be.

So Daddy, although I am sad I'm also so proud to be your baby girl and be part of the crowd that thanks you so much for your sacrifice and serving for all of us that are not always so deserving. Know as you go and leave for the war that there is absolutely nothing more that makes me proud and happy to say, "That is my Daddy and he is making his sacrifice today."

So I will go wait on that distant shore until my Dad returns to us once more. The daughter of a Marine holds her head high - stands tall and strong and shall not cry.
Don't cry for me because of what I say, my head is bowed only to pray. Goodbye to my teachers, my family, my friends I will miss you all from where my memories began. Maybe one day in the distant future we will meet again - Always remember your school-mate, your friend.