A Special Day

To most of us (myself included), it was always the first holiday of the summer.  Not much value except to be out of school or off work.

A day of picnics, entertainment, barbecue, and whatever else makes for a great 3 day weekend.

I understand it better now.

Although you are not one of those that died that we may be free, you are one that lived for us to be free.
Your reward is the honor of your final resting place, and this day.

I know it was hard, to be away so much - to be in harms way, but you made it home, and we were blessed with you for many more years.

You have joined your comrades, a thousand salutes will forever be yours.

There will be tears of gratitude, and when the fireworks dance in the sky for generations to come, you will be one of those heroes we honor.

Thanks for serving, thanks for being strong enough to do the right things.

I understand it better now.

How great a teacher, that your lessons endure long after you are gone.

Sometimes I want to awaken from this dream, and like the Hollywood story we are all so familiar with, return to a day before all of this happened, and learn my lessons from the imaginary pain in the night.

This is real, and I can't make it go away.

This is one of those times it hurts...it will pass...I have to get busy again...stop slowing down...perhaps if I run a little faster, a little harder, work a little more...perhaps I can outrun the pain.

Time to refocus - no time for this.  I intended to honor you  by recognizing this day, not feel this all over again.

I'll be okay.


This I know, this I believe, that one day...I will see you again.

But until then, I will continue growing, learning, and healing.

Happy Memorial Day.

We are proud of you, and proud to be "of you."