Mommy Musings

Last night was a special night that I'll hold dear to me forever.  I had the opportunity to attend a speaking event with Taya Kyle....widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle.  To say I was excited was a complete understatement.  Taya has given a voice to military wives, in a way that was never done before.  Her story is all of our story.  I wanted to stand up in the middle of American Sniper and yell, "Yes!  Thank you. I have said those exact things.  Finally I'm not alone." I loved her additions to American Sniper, and I was looking forward to reading an entire book of her own words. I got there as soon as the doors opened and was lucky enough to get a front row seat.  I read about a third of the book while I waited, in awe of the grace and strength she showed throughout the book.  At 7:00 she came in, and with tears in her eyes, graciously received the standing ovation we gave her.  The co-author of the book, Jim DeFelice was there as well...

I have been known to share my feelings on movies before.. ie The Hurt Locker .  It's no surprise that I have seen just about every single military movie and documentary that has come out recently.  But none, none  has stuck with me the way American Sniper  has. I have known the story of Chris Kyle for years, way before he died.  Skip knew of him by reputation and articles in the Marine Corps Times.  Almost two years ago, we mourned the loss when we heard of his death.  Our country had lost a true, American hero. I knew the story would resonate with me for a few reasons.  Chris Kyle served in Iraq at the same time Skip did, both of them close together.  The Iranian sniper they talk about in the movie, had killed someone at Skip's base just before he got there.  And sadly, we have personal experience with a friend surviving the war, only to die shortly after coming home.  When things like that happen, you can never, ever understand th...