A Minute To Be Thankful!

April 25 ... Anzac Day. A time to remember. A time to reflect. A time to be thankful.

I don't only remember my Gramps, Ted Paten, on Anzac Day, but it is a day that particularly brings him to my mind. He was only in his 20's when he joined the army during WWII. Young, optimistic ... and just a bit cocky! ... like so many who joined up with him.

He was sent to New Guinea with the Ordinance Corps. Unlike so many others, he came home ... though not completely unscathed, as his health was never 100% afterwards. I was fortunate that Gramps came home to Australia to be a husband, a father, a grandfather, when so many young men ... and women ... did not. The sacrifices made by our armed service men and women to enable us to live in the freedom we enjoy are huge ... and can never be repaid. So, on this special day or remembrance and commemoration, I am thankful. Thank you to ALL who have served ... and continue to serve ... their country in any capacity with our armed services. Thank you to the family members who support these men and women ... YOUR sacrifice is noted and appreciated, too.

Gramps is no longer with us, but the thankfulness and respect he taught us lives on in his children and grandchildren.

Thank you Gramps. We miss you still.

If you appreciate living in a country that is at peace and the freedoms we so often take for granted; if you appreciate the efforts made on our behalf by men and women in all arenas of war, past and present ... then please join me today of all days to take a moment to be thankful and appreciative.

LEST WE FORGET

CHEERS!
KRIS