Twenty two years ago today I married the love of my live. Dave and I had started our romance long distance while he was serving in the Marine Corps in California. You learn alot about a person when you can only talk from that distance. When he got out, I knew he was the guy I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
Two years ago today, Curtis and Katie followed in our footsteps. They too, started their relationship long distant, and decided to tie the knot in Honolulu on our anniversary. I was ecstatic! How blessed we were to share the same date as our son and new daughter in law. I had ideas of spending time with them on our date, whether they wanted that or not, but I could dream. Sadly, they never made it to their first anniversary.
Last year this date was very difficult, I am struggling with it this year as well. It has turned out to be a bittersweet day. I celebrate the love of my life, and mourn the lost love of my daughter in law. The original plan for Curtis and Katie was to wait until after his deployment to marry, but in the excitement, they went to the Justice of the Peace instead, and it landed on August 26th coincidentally. I can't help but think that it was God's plan so that Katie would be remembered each year, she doesn't have to face this difficult day alone.
Like last year, Dave and I are getting on the bike and riding without much plan. I do a lot of thinking on the bike, but with much more freedom and peace than while cooped up at home, as if my thoughts can go out to the universe and escape, instead of banging around on four walls. I know Curtis and Katie will be in many of my thoughts, some happy and some very sad, but hopefully with a joyful heart.
Happy Anniversary Katie, I hope you find happiness today.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
You Aren't Really Living
A few weeks ago we were told of a service being held at the Soldiers Field Memorial Wall. The Khe Sanh Veterans were having their annual reunion in Rochester this year, and were having a memorial on Friday night. After the service, we were introduced to one of the vets from New York. Neil was an energetic, passionate man. He invited us to be guests at the banquet that rounded out the weeks events, the following evening. Never ones to turn down a free meal, we accepted.
We had a wonderful meal and nice conversation with Neil, his wife, and another family who had lost their husband and father only a few months earlier. There was a short program after dinner. Neil, being part of the board of directors spoke, and invited us up to the front to introduce us. This was not expected, and with a room full of Vietnam Vets who served in a very volatile area, we were humbled that they would give us a standing ovation, when it was US who should be doing it for them.
This display is only one of many of the times we have run into service members and vets that have showed how humble they are. For people to give their all for our country, then downplay what they have done, says so much about their character. Another time we met a WWII vet who's first introduction to war was the Battle of the Bulge. During the fight he was captured. When I thanked him for his service, his reply was, "Why would you thank me? I only made it through 3 days in combat!" As if the 13 months as a POW didn't count!
I am continually awed when I meet these hero's. To be in their presence makes me look at my situation in a different light. I can take some of their strength and wisdom to make a tragic incident in my life and make something good of it. I can straighted my back a bit more and hold my head high and vow to make the life of the next parent, next wounded warrior, or the next person who is suffering a bit better.
Another quote from the WWII vet rings true, "If you haven't had some pain in your life, you aren't really living." I guess it takes some pain to truly understand what life is really about.
We had a wonderful meal and nice conversation with Neil, his wife, and another family who had lost their husband and father only a few months earlier. There was a short program after dinner. Neil, being part of the board of directors spoke, and invited us up to the front to introduce us. This was not expected, and with a room full of Vietnam Vets who served in a very volatile area, we were humbled that they would give us a standing ovation, when it was US who should be doing it for them.
This display is only one of many of the times we have run into service members and vets that have showed how humble they are. For people to give their all for our country, then downplay what they have done, says so much about their character. Another time we met a WWII vet who's first introduction to war was the Battle of the Bulge. During the fight he was captured. When I thanked him for his service, his reply was, "Why would you thank me? I only made it through 3 days in combat!" As if the 13 months as a POW didn't count!
I am continually awed when I meet these hero's. To be in their presence makes me look at my situation in a different light. I can take some of their strength and wisdom to make a tragic incident in my life and make something good of it. I can straighted my back a bit more and hold my head high and vow to make the life of the next parent, next wounded warrior, or the next person who is suffering a bit better.
Another quote from the WWII vet rings true, "If you haven't had some pain in your life, you aren't really living." I guess it takes some pain to truly understand what life is really about.
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