Letters Home: Section 1, Letter dated July 4, 1999

In Letters Home, the letters from the final six months of Christina Allgood’s life provide pictures of her life throughout the years, displaying the love that she had for her sister, Katrina, showing the differences between the child she once was and the adult she later became, and revealing the truth within her heart. As Christina’s life is revealed in the letters, she shares the lessons she has learned through her victories and through her struggles.




July 4, 1999
Katrina,

How does one say, "Thank You," to the men and women, soldiers, some who are family, some who are friends, and some who are strangers, who have unselfishly sacrificed for us, for this country? How does one say, "Thank You," to the souls, both the souls that have passed on and the souls that are still amongst the living, for leaving behind their families, their friends, their homes, and their familiar to answer the call of their country, the call of the people? How does one say, "Thank You," to a group of people who willingly risk their lives, some of whom have given their lives, to create this country, to help it grow, to protect it, to protect us? And, how does one say, "Thank You," to all of those left behind with hearts full of loving pride and souls that pray each night for another’s safe return home, for those who are left behind to fill the absence in their life of a loved one?

No deed, no word ever seems to be enough to express this gratitude. Yet, the gratitude is here, and it’s real, a thankfulness that exists deep within the heart for those who have sacrificed, who have watched over us during times of peace, who have faced the fear of war or the fear of death. And, there, in a quiet corner of the heart, is a peaceful recognition for those who have lost their lives in the process.

Where would we be without them? Because of them, we can walk about this land, breathing in the air of freedom and witnessing the result of opportunity. Because of them, we can sleep each night knowing that this country is protected, safe in the hands of people who care for it dearly and respect its history and its liberty. Because of them, we can look to the sun each morning and the moon each night and feel safe in the warmth of their glow, knowing no retaliation for admiring the beauty of either. Because of them, we can watch an eagle soar through the blue skies above the mountain range and truly understand what it represents. Because of them, all of them, I can sit here at Father’s old desk and write these words.

Courageous, brave, and honorable seem insignificant words to describe such heroes who individually have brought respect to a nation and when teamed together have constructed a new way of living, a new kind of freedom.

And, though, words truly are not enough…"Thank You," to them all.



Always,
Christina



This work is fictional. Any resemblance to actual situations or persons, living or dead, is coincidental and unintentional.