JustinRuiz.com

I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a great family, great friends, good health, and freedom. I’m very grateful for all of those warriors that fought to keep the United States free and served their country. I also mourn with those who have lost their loved ones in battle. War comes at such a high cost.

I have a friend that once told me a little bit about the war in Iraq and some of the things that he endured as a soldier. The things that he witnessed could give me nightmares for the rest of my life. He talked about one particular instance that I still remember and think about especially since the story involved a child, and I have two small children of my own. He told me about how the enemy had taken a baby and duct taped a bomb to it. The enemy then left the baby out in the road in the hot desert sun waiting for US troops to come save the baby so that the enemy could then detonate the explosive as the soldiers came near. My friend was there to save the infant. The baby was sunburned so badly that as he and his team tried to remove the explosive, pieces of the baby’s skin came off with it. The story makes me sick as I think of someone willing to do something so atrocious and despicable to a helpless child. However, on the other hand, I have the utmost respect and admiration for my friend and others like him who risk their lives to save and protect others. How many others like my friend have risked and given all but never had the chance to tell about it?

There were plenty of times during my wrestling career that I got nervous. Some times were worse than others, but usually after I stepped out on the mat that feeling would go away. I never liked that feeling of nervousness. I can’t imagine how that feeling would be intensified if I knew that I were going into a combat situation that could possibly result in death. The worst outcome for me in a match would be a loss, but I could always wrestle another match. You only get one chance at life. What a sacrifice our soldiers make! May we take today to remember and honor those who fought for us valiantly but never came home.