Memorial Day – Living, Loving, Laughing….

Two years go by, but I’ll never forget. I still remember like it was yesterday. The day we held your service and placed you to rest.

I look back on this day, as if it were crystallized in my mind. The hot August sun. The crispy graveyard grass. The beautiful spray of flowers across your handsome gray casket. I try to be strong for my mom. I know she needs me, but when Charley Pride’s, I’ll fly away, plays at the service. I lose my composure a bit. I have memories of riding in your big yellow Lincoln town car listening to Charley Pride sing, Mountain of Love. The first song I ever heard by him. It was one of those I could hear over and over, as you did when you were seven. You really got a kick out of that. To hear his voice again brought such happy tears, and sad ones.

You flew away – oh glory – to a home on God’s celestial shore. A piece of my heart flew with you – is still with you. Always.

The comfort of today is that you are free, just as your beautiful gravestone says.

I’m free
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
good friends, good times,
a loved ones touch.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now;
He set me free.

Father, confidant, supporter, encourager, most patient man in the world – stepfather and treasure. Times goes on….but your memories are alive in my beating heart.

I see the sun and you are in it.

Pedaling two miles behind this six-year old child.

She would stop, grab her water bottle take a big drink, and say, “We gotta hurry. We can’t waste any time.”

Of course being who I am, the fact that’s it’s Saturday with absolutely no plans – I can’t resist, “Of course we can. We have all the time in the world.”

She snaps the cap closed on her water, attaches it firmly to her bike, saddles up like she is riding a hog, and even grips the handlebars. With a look back at me, in all seriousness, she shakes her head, “I don’t.” She takes off on her ~~little Harley~~ bike with training wheels spinning as fast as her little legs will go. I guess that’s how she made it over two miles – with guts and drive. What a kid!

After our bike ride, I told her she could be my riding partner anytime. Her face lights up with joy, but she immediately gets cool, and sticks her fist out for a bump. Adorable.

Another memorial moment – Japanese Gardens. This time no one fell in the Koi pond. Didn’t matter since we got drenched from the humid heat. Jason said it felt just like Okinawa when he was stationed there. Hot. Probably as beautiful too.

Hot dogs, pizza, Purple Cow ice cream and the next day, a first swim of the summer, at our local public pool. All part of our memorable weekend that wouldn’t be possible without our countrymen and women.

I would like to pay tribute to the fallen heros of our great nation. May we remember their service and honor them with the recognition they deserve.

Let us, also, support our troops in current service. Pray for our brave defenders of freedom and the families that love them.

Lastly, I’d like to remember those lost in the last few years.

They are still shining brightly from the hearts of those who miss them.

In Loving Memory,

Daddy Gary – Dec. 2009 Uncle Bub – May 2007 Poppy Carl – August 2008 Grandma Owens- December 2008