Day 39

February 8, 2012

First off, I'm caught up on the blogs.  I had taken the pictures, but didn't take the time to sit down and write the posts to go with them.  I'm thinking I can't do it this way too often, as everything seems to run together, and my thoughts are not the same as they were at the time I took the picture (or even the day of).

But because of the excitement of today, I wanted to make sure I took care of this.  This is a day that a very special friend has the right to shout from the rooftops.  She is an inspiration to many, and finally is receiving not only a pat on the back for all the wonderful things she does, but her peers have made sure that she receives a very special honor.

I can say this because I was given this honor last year.  When I was told that I was chosen, I am sure the caller thought "Wow, does she even care?  Where is the enthusiasm?  Does she not realize what a big thing this is?"  And she would have been right to question it, because I didn't have a clue.  I hadn't heard of this magazine, nor had I heard of this honor until I was nominated.  So, one of the things I set out to do was make sure that my fellow Coast Guard Spouses knew of the magazine and the recognition they give to military spouses.  My goal was to make sure that the next person to be honored would know that this IS A BIG DEAL!  That they would be excited, that they would feel honored, that they would care!  I'd like to think I have accomplished that.

So...to Jennifer Bassett, newly announced AFI 2012 Coast Guard Military Spouse of the Year, a heartfelt congratulations.  Shout your accomplishment from the rooftops!  Tell everyone you meet; you have EARNED this recognition!  Be excited, the next year will be an exciting time for you!  Enjoy every minute of it, savor it, take full advantage of having that title...you will now have it forever.