Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.
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| Tom symbolically handing the flag back as it is passed on to the new Battalion Commander. |
First of all, the roses are still beautiful and smell fabulous. Each time I walk by them I am reminded of the events of last weekend.
My husband, Tom, is in the Army National Guard. He has loved serving as the Battalion Commander for the past 2 1/2 years.
Last weekend we attended his Change of Command ceremony, where he was recognized for all of his hard work, his leadership, etc. and then passed his leadership role onto the incoming Battalion Commander.
His boss spoke very highly of Tom and his accomplishments during his time as Battalion Commander, and Tom had an opportunity to share with the soldiers his thoughts and feelings of their service during that time.
As his spouse, I was also recognized -- hence the flowers -- and Tom gave me, my parents and each of our children (among several of his soldiers) a symbolic coin.
As is typical for Tom, he gave a "history lesson" about the tradition of giving the coins. He said that during the Revolutionary War, officers would give coins to the soldiers who helped support them...paying them out of their own pockets to thank them for their service.
Tom's parents attended the Change of Command ceremony when he received his appointment as the Battalion Commander, and my parents attended his outgoing ceremony.
What an honor to be recognized and to receive one of the beautiful coins. It was...Perfect!
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| Symbolic coins historically given to thank the people who support the soldier. Tom gave one to me, one to my parents and one to each of our sons. |
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| Tom gives his overview of his time as Battalion Commander. |
8 comments:
A perfect AND proud moment for sure. What a wonderful man you have Sherri! He must be such a good example for your boys to look up to.
The roses are beautiful!
How in the world did you keep your buttons from popping?
I love the way Tom's whole system was recognized in his success. The way you are a team invested in each other's success. Perfect.
Words do not suffice. Thank you for what your husband and your family has been so willing to give to the rest of us so we can sit in our little houses, untouched by the vicious fear that drives people to do unspeakable things to each other.
Been there - done that! WHat a touching moment for all of you. Congratulations!
Visiting from PMM.
I am back from PMM. I have been looking forward to the "rest of the story" and really enjoyed reading it. Your husband sounds like a brave and inspiring man and leader. That is so cool that as Lori says that Tom's entire support system is acknowledged. I wish that happened more in our world, as there are so many behind the scenes of great leaders that play such important roles in their loved one's success. Thank you also for sharing the history lesson. Very interesting about the coin tradition dating back to the Revolutionary War.
You must be so proud.
Sometimes moments of overwhelming gratitude (perfect moments) are disguised as pride. This was an occasion for both. What an amazing leader with wonderful people supporting his journey.
Thank you for sharing this special moment. I really enjoyed it. Much love and happiness to you and Tom and the boys. xoxoxo
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