1st Anniversary

Leading up to this important date was tough.  We had many phone calls all week wondering what we had planned for the first anniversary of Curtis' death.  We decided in the last week what we were going to do.  Dave was making a small memorial that he wanted to place at the Soldiers Field Memorial Wall, which Curtis' name is on, then we would head to the Hamm Lake VFW, where the Tribute to the Troops group was meeting, to be with some other Gold Star Families as well as some great patriots. 

The gathering at the wall was going to be just a few people who we felt have been there for us over the last year.  As the week passed, a few more were invited.  We gathered at our house to caravan to the wall.  As we approched the downtown fire station, I could see the fire engine out with it's lights on.  I didn't know this was for us.  As we turned the corner, we were overwhelmed by the sight, the VFW color guard, the hook and ladder truck with the flag on top of the ladder, the police cars lined up with the drivers respectfully saluting, and the many citizens waving flags lined up for the next two blocks to our next turn.  Dave recalls almost tipping the bike over he was so shocked by the sight.  I could only wave and mouth "Thank you" as I drove passed them.

As we approched the wall, there were around 30 Patriot Guard, without their flags because this was not a true mission, along with some very important people in our lives that lined the sidewalk to the wall.  I was stunned.   My only thought was to hug every one of them, and I did just that.  There wasn't a program planned, but we placed the memorial Dave made, and had Michael, our church youth director and great mentor to Curtis, say a prayer.  After we made a few comments of graditude, a couple of our guests presented us gifts.  I guess it was a program after all.  We then made our way to the VFW to raise a toast to Curtis, all the fallen, all who are still fighting, the Vets and their families.

The visit to Hamm Lake was just as moving and uplifting.  How far we have come in a year.  A date that we regretted had turned out to be mostly possitive and good.  Curtis had his hand in this I'm sure, he brought so many wonderful people into our lives.