Sunday, July 5, 2009

Happy 4th of July!

Wow. It's been a busy weekend! I hope you all had a wonderful and safe 4th of July. My mother in law took the girls for the weekend and I spent it with friends. We had a blast and, once again, feel so blessed to have such amazing people in my life. It's hard to believe that on July 3, Rob deployed for Afghanistan. If I'd only knew it would have been the last time he hugged and kissed us, I would have held on longer. Through this whole experience, I've learned to cherish the times with the ones that are important to you. You never know when your time with them can be cut short. Although Rob is gone, I still continue to feel his presence among us. Although, it was a tragedy to lose him, I'm recognizing God's blessings surrounding me. I've "slowed down to smell the roses". Even though my days are hectic, I cherish the time with my girls and know that all too quickly they will grow up. I cherish my family and friends and how much they love and support us. And I also reflect more on the meaning behind holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July. Our military men and women fought for our freedom, some making the ultimate sacrifice. It's easy to take that for granted until it smacks you right in the face. I'm proud to be an American and I'm so grateful that I live in the land of the free. I will never take that for granted because as I now know without a doubt: freedom isn't free.

11 comments:

Heather said...

Dena!
Happy 4th of July to you as well! I spent my day announcing baseball games. What a perfect day, America's game on the 4th. However, through all the innings and pitches, dust and runs, I couldn't help but think of you, the girls, and Rob. He truly gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow me and my family the freedom to live as we do. Thank you for being so strong and recognizing the blessings in your life. Take care of you and the girls!

Heather in Helena, MT

Nancy Christian said...

Bravo girlie. Truly a wonderful way to explain the true meaning of those holidays.

Been thinking about you.

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Dena -
I am glad you posted. I think of you often and wonder how you and your girls are doing. I'm so glad to hear that you have good friends and family close by to help you through.

July 4th has always been special to me, but since the wars in the Middle East, it is so much more special. Your family paid the price for my freedom. I'll never take it for granted. I am so grateful but so sad that Rob lost his life protecting our freedom.

My own son is currently in Afghanistan. I pray that the day will come when our young men and women are no longer needed over there. I know it will come, because of the work that your Rob and our military have done there.

Your girls are to young to understand it now, but one day they will know that their Daddy is an American Hero.

God bless you!

Carol Dzurenko

JihadGene said...

This 4th of July I remembered you and Rob. I sent him an Army Ranger T shirt when he was hospitalized. God bless you and the girls. Glad you had a good 4th.

The Bender's said...

As I have said many times, you and your families will never know the extent of gratitude and love that will forever surround you, Ylescas girls. As proven over and over, we are a strong nation that unites to show our love and appreciation. Hug on all those around you and know many hugs around the World await you anytime, anywhere!
Love to all,
The Bender Bunch

Anonymous said...

Hi Deana,
So good to see you for lunch a few
weeks ago with Barb. You look fantastic, as usual, and the girls are so precious and cute!
Barb is such an awesome grandmother and she loves you all so much. I know she loves spending as much time as she can with all of you and the 4th of July and Father's Day were especially meaningful to her.
Take good care!
Joan

carol said...

Rob truly gave the ultimate sacrifice along with the other men and women that lost there lives for our freedom. Not only did Rob give the ultimate sacrifice the families that was left behind also pay for the price for our freedom. You all are our heros. Take of yourself and those two beautiful girls. God bless and God bless all of our men and wommen that are figihting for our freedom.

Unknown said...

Dena,
We have never met but I wanted to thank you for your courage and strength. And I want to thank you for the sacrifice that you and your family made so that I may live in a free country. Not a day goes by that I don't recognize how lucky I am that there are men like Rob who are willing to give their lives for the priveleges that so many of us in the United States take for granted. Know that I am keeping you and the girls in my prayers. God bless you.

1776 said...

Thank you for this, you have such a gift with words!

Donna said...

Dena,

Happy 4th of July to you as well. We hung out with some friends and of course thought of all our friends and family who have given so much for our freedom. I am glad to see your doing well and please know you and the girls are always in our thoughts and prayers. No matter what you are still family! We love you and if you ever need anything please don't even blink an eye.

Love,
Donna

Jodi Lilly said...

Dena,

I think about you and your girls often. I love coming to the website to catch up on your lives. You are such a rock and a role model for all women! Take care!

God Bless,
Jodi (Seifert) Lilly