Day 79: Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend.-- Bagheera

Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend.-- Bagheera, The Jungle Book

This gem comes to us towards the end of the film. Bagheera says this beautiful and true quote when one of the major characters makes a huge sacrifice during the final battle to save Mowgli from Shere Khan. I won't give any more spoilers than that just incase you've not seen The Jungle Book. If you have I'm pretty sure you rememeber who it was.

I have always loved this quote and it speaks volumes even now. It speaks of such a deep love for someone it is hard to find, because not everyone is strong enough to do such a thing. It sadly reminds me of all the people of the recent shootings over say the last 20 years and the bravery those students and teachers who protected their friends from those sick and twisted people.  When I hear about history repeating itsself in a place that is supposed to be safe, it makes me feel sad and try to understand why someone would be so evil and cruel to hurt someone in such a way or ultimately take the life of another. Yet I cannot find one reason why someone would or should. It is wrong to do that to another person, especially if you wouldn't want it to happen to you. I don't know why something like that would keep happening, but I do know there are some special people who give their lives to protect their friends and family in scary times like that.

This quote also reminds me of all of the veterans we have lost over the years. It takes a special person to go through military basic training and see combat. Over the yeaers there have been many wars and with each war our country sends our friends and family to fight battles in hopes of making life better for us or for other countries that need our help. Many of our friends and family come back but some do not. Those that don't paid the highest price to protect their friends and family. Life is such a precious gift we are given and should always be cherished because tomorrow is not always guarenteed. Those who give their life for their friends and family's safety are the rarest breed of people.

Do you know someone that's in the military or thinking about it? I myself have friends and family who have served, from WWII to the latest Iraq war. I've been one of the lucky ones where my friends and family all came back, some injured others not. Do you ever see a veteran wearing a hat of the war they served in? Do you ever thank them for their service, even if it's just in words? I try to every time because I know how special they are and just how thankless they may feel their job is, even though I wish I could do more. 

To all my veteran readers, thank you so much for your service and welcome home. To the survivors of those horrible things, thank you for surviving and doing what you can to live again. To everyone else, always remember to say thank you every time you see a veteran who's come home and thank your family and friends for even the little things for you never know when they may not be there to thank again. As always Keep Cooking with Character!