Resilience- the ability of a material to absorb energy when it is deformed

We are not materials.

We are the children, who have been raised seeing camo and dog tags on a daily basis; who watch the news religiously for a potential threat that could whisk our parents away to a far off place. The ones who dread the orders; who lie awake at night, terrified of the day they are called to leave and who put on a brave face because everything is “ok”.

Resilience- an occurrence of rebounding or springing back

We are the children who wave flags as the planes leave and are the ones already praying for a safe return; we are the children who overlook missed birthdays, Christmases, dance recitals, school plays, and ball games because it is normal. We are the ones who understand that our parents are needed somewhere else and do not question otherwise.

Resilience- the power or ability to return to original form after being bent

We are the children who proudly stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance because it is our parents, who are fighting for that right; who count down the days until we are in their embrace again and we know they are safe. The ones who hang yellow ribbons on the doors and who are proud of our hero’s endeavors

Resilience- the ability to recover readily from adversity

We are the children who grow up too fast; who are taught strength, bravery, love, responsibility, and honor in infancy. We are the ones who are resilient and we are the ones who will stand even when our worlds tremble. We are the children who will overcome adversity and are the backbone of what makes this country free.