Olivia's World

Tonight, the Hubby and I, along with the rest of the world, learned that Osama bin Laden was killed.

It’s definitely not quite sunken in yet. As I write this, we haven’t heard the President speak yet. We don’t know all the details. It’s overwhelming news.

I’m always appreciative for members of the U.S. military and law enforcement, but tonight take an even greater sense of pride in those who choose to fight for our freedoms – those who fight for the life my daughter has the opportunity to live.

Though Olivia will never have the same emotions tied to events like Sept. 11, 2001, that I do, she and all children born since that day and in the future, will have a different view of the world than I did as a child.

Because of vile people in this world – such as Osama bin Laden – Olivia will never be able to stand at an airport gate and wave to someone as they walk down the boarding hallway. She will grow up under the watch of a color-coded security label (or whatever new system they’re using now). She will live in a country that nearly 10 years ago was in a matter of moments changed forever by fear.

There will always be wars. There will always be bad people. Horrific things will undoubtedly happen again in the future. As much as I wish I could spend my life shielding her from these things, I know that’s impossible.

But, tonight, I’m thankful for people – police officers, firefighters, prosecutors, members of the military and more – who have dedicated their lives to protecting her from all the things I’ll never be able to.

Thank you.