Monthly Archives: November 2013

Salute a veteran

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As many of you know, veterans and all things military are very close to my heart.  My Dad was a Marine and a Korean War veteran and he is the man I admire most in the world.  I am a lucky grown woman to be able to say that!  He never really talked about his service as we grew up.  It was by osmosis that we picked up traits of respect for the flag, others and so on.   I have many friends and family members who have served our fine country or are doing so now.  And I know that they do it with dignity and sacrifice.  And they never talk about the hardships.  The emphasis is always on the pride of being able to serve.  Can you imagine such selflessness?  I have a deep respect and admiration for all those who have served or are serving our country.

Last year my daughter was invited to speak at the Korean War Memorial in my hometown and honor all veterans with a speech written by retired Army Col. Mary Quinn.  Eva was so nervous.  But once she got to the microphone, it was in a beautiful, clear voice that she spoke.  I had chills and such a pain in my adam’s apple (yes, we all have one) from holding back my tears that I thought my throat or my thyroid would burst.  I am not kidding.  It hurt that badly.  Looking back, I don’t know why I didn’t just cry.  I felt I was in the presence of all these soldiers who had held it together during adversity and my crying at a speech would be a sign of weakness?  I don’t know.  I looked from my daughter to my Dad to all the fine men and women in uniform and it was one of those moments in my life that I will cherish forever.

I think we all (myself included) should do more than attend Veteran’s Day parades and services.  We should volunteer at a VA clinic.  At least once in a while.  Donate your time or money to any one of the fine programs that support our troops or their families.  Send a Christmas card to a soldier.  Salute the flag.  Say the Pledge of Allegiance loudly and proudly.   It doesn’t matter if you agree with the politics of war, show the troops that you honor and respect them.  Help a family member of an active duty military person.    Salute a veteran.  It is the right thing to do.  On Veteran’s Day.  And every day.  God Bless America!

 

Happy and proud at a military event despite the weight of the gear they let me try out. It is so heavy!

Happy and proud at a military event despite the weight of the gear they let me try out. It is so heavy!

Let’s begin at the beginning

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I used to work with someone who would constantly say to a client upon meeting them, “Let’s begin at the beginning”.  This would set the stage for how the company could help them and so on.  Truth be told, it got on my nerves.  Not like the sound of flip flops do but pretty close.  Maybe because she said it too often?  Maybe her voice was a shade too loud?  It doesn’t matter.  Then one day I got to thinking….begin at the beginning.  Our parents are the beginning for all of us.  My parents are my beginning.  Without them, I don’t exist.  Nor does my sister.  Or our family that continues the generations.  The past.  The future.  I know.  You get it already!

My parents are celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary this week.  I get teary eyed thinking of that statistic.  What an accomplishment.  How did they do it?  Commitment.  Love.  Loyalty.   All of these things and more?  When I think about my parent’s relationship it just seems easy and natural.  My father always lets my Mom be her own person and my mother does the same.  Well, mostly.  (Just kidding Mom!)  They are a united front.  Solid.  And they will both say marriage is hard work but I never really saw that.  Of course, I was a kid so my radar was hardly on work, right?  Or anyone else for that matter!

Anyway, I know we always talk about being proud of our children.  But we can also be proud of our parents.  As strict as my upbringing was at times, I am proud of the way my parents raised my sister and I.  They did so with consistency, values, humor (although not nearly enough!) and a blend of ‘Semper Fi’ that my Dad mixed in and the three ladies in his life just bought into.    My parents have always been faithful and respectful to one another and to their family.  And that respect just spreads to all areas of one’s life.  If you have parents like this or one parent like this or a person in your life who provides love, leadership and security, be thankful every day.  These are the true gifts.  Enjoy them.  Embrace them.  And pass them on to others.

My Mom and Dad on their wedding day. So cool...51 years ago...

My Mom and Dad on their wedding day. So cool…51 years ago…