Yeah, like that's going to happen. I'm not even sure where I left off, and I know I wanted to be able to post the pictures with the talking, but there are too many and too much has happened, so I'm just going to say SOMETHING!!
Lar and I went to DC in November for his VSPA reunion. He joined that organization well before we left Andrews, but we had not made it to any of the annual reunions in spite of encouragement from next-door neighbor, Steve, who is the President of that organization. He has been in it almost from day one. Finally we could go, and we are really glad we did. That was one amazing trip. I was so clueless, I didn't even realize we would be there for Veteran's day and I didn't realize until the day we left there would be a lot of celebrations we would be involved in and that the 25th anniversary of "The Wall", Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, was also going to take place. I was just excited to go to DC again as I have been there a couple of times and was inspired by what I saw then.
Little did I know what we would experience. Many of you already know the stories in detail, so I will try to make this brief. The first place we went was to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay a wreath. There was already a big crowd of students when we got there, so I couldn't see much. I did see the guards marching and handing off duty. All of it is really impressive. We were probably there a good 30 - 45 minutes in cold, misty weather. We got back on our trams to head back to another building at Arlington National Cemetary. When we disembarked, the students were standing around as they had gotten there first (there were maybe 200 + -)of them. Someone among the students started to clap spontaneously, and then it spread throughout them. I don't think any of us realized right away they were clapping for our guys, but when the realization hit them, some of them just broke down. Most had never been honored in any way and some had really been dishonored. That was how it all started and it really started a healing in many. The entire weekend was highlighted with honors. The parade was amazing and we family members got to march along with the soldiers. I think they looked great (especially considering age, etc.). All along the parade route people cheered, clapped, had banners, etc. There were events all around the Mall honoring all the soldiers. The WWII Memorial and the Korean War Memorial were both built since we were in DC last. The are also very moving and I think appropriate for each event. We were invited to Andrews AFB for an exhibition of how the soldiers who are the current counterparts of the Security Police do their job now. Wow, it has changed. Just the equipment alone is something else. They were all so kind and honored what our guys had done before them. The commemoration at the Wall was something too. The nurse who spoke actually was the most moving, I thought. Some seemed as though they were there for political gain, but over all the point was well made. Some had started a 24 - 7 reading of the names on the wall several days before. We went down there the first night we got to DC. Steve wanted to be there when a particular name was read of one of their own. His mother and former fiancee were there to read and also joined our group and were honored all week by them. Then, because of there being so many events, we weren't scheduled as a group to place a wreath at the USAF Memorial, but Steve, Larry and another officer in the organization decided to do it on our last day there. It was really cold and raining intermittenly. We walked from the hotel. They placed the wreath and Lise & I took pictures. No one else was there, but as we were finishing up, bus loads of kids came in. They were being typical kids and laughing, etc. One of their teacher/chaparones noticed us and told them to show some respect. Then one of the boys broke out of the crowd and came and greeted our guys and thanked them for their service. That was followed by several of them following suit. It was very much appreciated. We got some pictures of some of them before they had to hurry off. Steve exchanged contact information to send/receive pictures. The final thing that happened to Lar and I (as we flew home a day earlier than Steve & Lise) was on the flight home. A woman in first class gave her seat to a soldier (young pretty black woman) who, as it turns out, was recovering from being wounded in Iraq. The person who gave up her seat sat right in front of us, otherwise we might not have even known it happened. That just capped it for us. I didn't really realilze how impacted I was, let alone Larry, until all this happened and kind of both uncovered emotions and helped heal them. We will never forget it, but more importantly, we will not forget to pray for those who are having a harder time than us and who also are currently serving.
Since then, we had an awesome time at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Good times with friends and family and such fun with Sadee and Isaac here now. I am looking forward to next year when Isaac will be so much more aware. Both Sadee and Isaac are changing so fast it is incredible. I know that is old news for anyone with grandkids already, but I am just amazed when I see them changing so fast. Sadee says such fun stuff now. I wish I could read her mind because much more is going on in there than she can express, I assure you. Isaac is crawling at the speed of light. I am enjoying all my breakable pretty stuff that is down low for probably the last weekend. He clearly will be rushing around too fast to control all the time, so that stuff is going to have to move somewhere for a while. Got to have a "game day" with family and then got to go to Wendy & Tom's for the same. I really enjoyed seeing Wendy's new office/store. I am planning a trip back as their are lots of areas unexplored up there.
We have had some good company too during the months since I last spoke. Expect more this week and weekend. We always enjoy that. I have made a couple of trips to Fredericksburg on girls' weekends. That was fun. Hadn't been there in probably 8 or 10 years. Time flies. Then last week made my second trip to Gordon/Hannibal to meet and reconnect with some cousins. That was fun. I'm expecting more contact from that. We have reconnected with several friends from our past lately. Then to top that off, we just got back from the 3rd PHS Mega Reunion held in Austin this time. That was really fun. We were joined by both Bob & Becky since we were all part of the great old tradition of PHS. We reconnected with friends and acquaintances from so long ago. It was really fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing them again as most of us live in the same general area of Texas so It won't be so hard. Some of us girls talked about getting together here as we have other classmates who didn't make it to the reunion who live near me and we have a lot to do around here.
I've been working a little more as my friend (whose store I work in) is now the President of the local Chamber of Commerce and it is really eating up her time. I don't mind, but I do have to really think about what I'm promising to do now...ha.
Speaking of that, I need to go clean house. That never ends. I don't mind. Ya'll come see us!!
