Do you ever realize how much we take for granted? We live in the greatest country in the world, one that shines the light of freedom for all the world to see. That light continues to shine brightly thanks to the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. And just to be here, to walk on American soil, is something that I think we take for granted most of the time. Sure, most of us here reading this blog are patriots who love their country and the troops that protect it. But day to day, how often do you think about it? How often do you stop and think, "Wow, I'm so lucky just to be here, on American soil"?

Our soldiers don't take it for granted. I received the following e-mail from my friend Brandon Darby:

This soldier had his wife ship US soil and grass seed to him in Iraq. This touched me and I hope it touches you as well.

When the men of the squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass and the American soil.

If you notice, he is even cutting the grass with a pair of a scissors.. Sometimes we are in such a hurry that we don't stop and think about the little things that we take for granted.

Here's the photo:

Amazing, isn't it? Something so small that we take for granted can mean so much to the men in Afghanistan fighting to keep us safe.

Count your blessings, and remember that not everyone is as lucky as we are, to be able to do something as small as tread on American soil every day.

Cross-posted from Cassy's blog. Stop by for more original commentary or follow her on !