This weekend we will be going to the Patriot Ride in Hamm Lake. It is a ride that is a fundraiser for the Patriot Guard. This will be our first trip to this gathering. Last year, when Curtis was to be one of the honored, we were headed to Hawaii for his units memorial.
When we found out Curtis was to be stationed in Hawaii, we made the decision to travel there once, after his deployments. The expense was what held us back, it disappointed us he wasn't stationed in California, a place that was easier and less expensive to get to, we would have been there several times in 3 or 4 years. So, the night before Curtis was killed, we thought it was safe to purchase our airline tickets for our 2 week family vacation. The very next day, our vacation to paradise turned into a trip to hell.
Leading up to the trip, I couldn't talk to people about it. Anytime I mentioned it, it was met with enthusiasm about what we should do, where we should go, some could not understand how I was not excited about such a 'vacation'. My only thought was I was going out there to bury my son again.
We went with the intentions to make the best of it. We traveled around Oahu, went to Pearl Harbor, visited beaches, snorkeled and enjoyed a luau, but all with a heavy heart. The beauty of the island was lost on us. The positive part was meeting and spending some time with many of Curtis' friends who could tell us stories, it was healing for both them and us.
Many times we would mention that we would have rather been at the Patriot Ride we had been invited to. It not only is a ride, but a gathering of Gold Star Families. It is a wonderful event, I understand, to make and solidify those relationships that help to heal and help others. I am looking forward to the weekend, and can't wait to write more about it, I know it will be with more enthusiasm than last years 'trip'.
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