You wouldn’t think of NBC’s Las Vegas as a show that would bring tears to a grown man’s eyes. But it did last night. Okay, I am telling about a private moment that only I witnessed last night, so if you read this, don’t call Jimmy and tell him to read my blog.

If you watch the show, you know that Josh Duhamel portrays Danny McCoy, head of security at the Monticeto hotel in … you guessed it, Las Vegas, and a United States Marine. Throughout the show’s history they have made Danny’s military service a real part of his storyline, in fact, he was deployed at one point, and upon returning he dealt with the challenges of returning from war. Now, I will by no means try to say that this dramedy accurately portrays the military or, more specifically, Marines. But in last night’s episode there were two lines that captured my former Marine’s heart for a moment.

Gunny, an old Marine Corps buddy of Danny’s, is visiting and the two enjoy a great reunion. Gunny tells Danny’s coworkers embarrassing stories about their time together. (Jimmy’s told me a lot, but I’m sure there are more stories out there to hear if I knew who to call.) By the end of the show, his buddy is going back into service. As they say goodbye, Danny takes his friend’s hand and says, “Semper Fi, Marine,” to which his friend answers, “Oorah.”

It’s funny what sticks with you after you go through a life-changing experience, a long one or a quick one. It’s what stirs emotion in my husband when a TV character mutters one word (is it even a complete word?) or what stirs my heart when I sing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” (You’re not a member of ACU’s Big Purple without that song taking camp in your spirit.) It’s why I am haunted at the memory of finding a friend of mine on her couch about two months ago and it’s why the word paisley makes my heart sad. Good or bad, all of these moments shape who we are and who we will be tomorrow.

I am very proud of my husband’s service to his country. I am proud that he is again considering military service. And I am proud that he loves so deeply that two television jarheads can bring tears to his eyes. It’s not wimpy. It’s recognizing that something is a part of you and that you are a part of something. “Once a Marine, always a Marine” is more than just a pretty statement. “Semper Fidelis” means “always faithful.” And he is, to his God, his wife, his children, to the country he served and the men he served with.