Welcome to my little written world. This started out as a sweet little blog, but, as time goes on, this little blog of mine, has turned into anything but sweet... usually I write about things that are happening in my little corner of the world.. I hope that you enjoy your time here, leave a comment.. thank you for your time
We all know someone who is a Veteran, whether they are a proud one, or a humble one. My Grandpa, Grandfather Dannie, Great Uncles, and my dear cousin Adam, they are humble Veterans. It was something they did, to help others, to keep our own country safe, or to protect freedoms that most take for granted. Thousands of miles from home, not sure what the job is at hand, whether they fought in trenches, fought out in the middle of an ocean, the jungle, or desert... They had a job to do, and they did it. Whether they agreed or not.. Sometimes, they would disagree quietly, or within their unit.. Rarely did it ever make it home.. Letters home were always positive, and how much one misses another and to hear stories about home, and school... not of the firing of guns or rockets off in the distance....
My Grandpa served during WWII in Italy and France, he never talked about it, never spoke of the bonds he made, the things he saw, or did... . Grandma told me several times, to not ask about it... and to this day I still don't truly know but, I do this with my own cousin, I tell family who may not know, not to ask him about it. Maybe to protect him from reliving painful memories. One thing Grandpa did bring back, was a little French nursery rhyme... and I still remember the words, and I wondered, did he learn that song over there, because he saw children that needed comforting? And was it something he used to help gain their trust? I know that he was an MP. In the picture below, his hat is offset, this is how I remember him, but instead of a military hat, it was a cowboy hat... even as I type this, the tears come... yes, i miss him, somewhat more now than I did when i was younger. The things that have happened to our country, he would be so pissed and ashamed of how young people see things, looking for a handout... get off your ass if you want something would be his advice. I have another picture of him, he's 16 years old, serving with the C.C.C. he lied about his age, and went to work to help his family in South Dakota, building one of the roads in the Badlands. At this time, it was in the late 30's, into the early 40's and then, just shy of his 19th birthday, the Military Drafted him. And then, so many thousands were drafted along with him. Many would not return, and they are honored on Memorial Day..
They are our heroes, some still living, and some not, but regardless, they do deserve heartfelt thanks. And to think one in 4 homeless people are Veterans. That is so terribly sad, I understand that for some it is a choice they made years ago.... but we as the People, have we some how failed them?
I do my very best to visit the cemeteries on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day... visit with my Grandpa and just take in the things he had taught me, shared with me in my short time with him. I think about him every day... not mournful, but missing, and in hopes that the great wisdom he gave to me, still holds a bit of magic... For In times of strife, I look to his simple words, and reflect on them.
My cousin Adam served in a war that to this day still doesnt make sense to most.. and probably never will. He joined when he was just 16, and each summer he would do his Basic and Advanced Trainings and all his weekend warrior stuff. Then 9/11 happened, and he was nearing his enlistment date, but was delivered a letter saying his unit would be put at a stop-loss, a new term to me,.... so hard to imagine, to be done with your duty and to be told you have to wait, because they might need you later. He left for the Middle East, and when he came home, I will never forget the day we went to the demobilization ceremony a chilly day in 2004, but bright sunshine... the Governor of Oregon was there, and that was precious, so many units coming back and he was with this one. I remember walking into the ceremony, I was excited, I hadnt seen my cousin in almost 4 years, and as close as we were before he left, i was really looking forward to seeing him. And out of the corner of my eye, I see a solider making his way down the aisle of crowded seats, and I turned, and there he was. Huge Hug, and there were some tears, I was just so happy to have him home. Grandma faithfully reminded us, that we had never lost anyone in any war, since she began doing genealogy and had records from the Revolutionary war... we are a lucky family.. but some times journeys take them places, dark places, and i wont write where his journey took him, but it is 2012, and though these memories are several years old, he is now safe, home, and happy... The things he learned in his time of service, helped save his life, and the lives of his buddies...
Thank you all for your service and devotion to our country... politics aside, we are a grateful nation!!!
I have been in daily contact with a friend who has no power, and who is down to his last can of fuel... he's letting people into his home to shower because he has heat.... in trade for a little gas... this is just one of millions of stories going on right now.. some scraped by, some dodged a bullet.. and others, have lost literally everything but the clothes on their backs...
At the local level, im seeing some great things, but on a federal level, im seeing the same ole "lets wait and see attitude".... this is such crap. If you want a country that is built on a strong foundation of do-gooders, then let them do the good. Let them help, start working together, but instead, we are creating a bunch of enablers saying.. well, we should plan for this better.. well better is RIGHT NOW!
Put the military in, lets get to work.... and dont tell me we dont have the resources because i've been told my whole life by my family, the "system" that we are the greatest country in the world....
I am so hurt, angered and just downright pissed off that people are still without power, still without clean dry clothes... a little food.. i've donated and if i could, i'd be out there as a volunteer... someday... but lets hope that at the local level things get done faster, its not like they didnt know that the storm was coming..
I started Pinterest several months ago, and i lasted one day... it was just one more thing to add to the list.. but.... then i tried again, several months later, and wow... it is MY LIST. Just with pictures and links, and how to's. Little notes get attached to pictures of things I want, or Make, or do... the list is endless.
I have been using Pinterest lately as my Christmas guide for homemade gifts and yummy stuff... I am currently making at least 4 things I found on Pinterest for gifts this year and I love it... The Vanilla Extract is my favorite... I am very eager to see what it tastes like in the next few weeks
I cannot say enough good things about Pinterest...especially since I dont have to keep adding to my binder of ideas... i can now go thru the binder and find stuff and see if its on Pinterest.com
I got my first summons, and here I sure and wait. But you know out is the right of the American people to serve. Yes, there is alot of waiting, but it's one day, unless you are chosen. I won't mind either way... Got lots of time to catch up on this blog.
