Memorial Day 2014: "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

I love to write.  I love to travel, and most times, I write best when traveling.  I wish I wrote more (because that would say I'd be traveling more...)  Some of those words are not meant for anyone but me, but today, I'm not traveling, and these words are still mostly for me, but in case someone else happens across them, then Welcome.  It's a rambling kind of day, so you can find another use of your time if you wish.  :)
My mind is all over the map:   Need to go to the nail salon, Need to clean/declutter the house, What should we do for dinner, Wish Cassidy was with Jeremy, Do I need to microchip our dogs?, Starbucks has extra stars for orders after 2pm, the Rangers play baseball in a few minutes, and today is Memorial Day.  Hmmm.. Today is Memorial Day.  I realize it's a day to honor and remember the men and women who died for us - for our freedom to say and do what we think we are smart enough to say and do.  This morning, Facebook acknowledged that - and it warms my heart seeing so many people giving thanks to those who serve.  Although today is for honoring the dead, many honor those still alive - who are veterans, and those still in uniform.    Which brings me to this... this post.. these thoughts...  Remembering....

I have 3 uncles and my dad who all served in WWII.  Two of them are still alive, and being honored today.  Two have received their ultimate reward - in heaven.  I miss my Daddy - everyday, not only today.  All Daddy's girls understand.  He never spoke of his war time experiences.  Most men from that time don't.  It must have been worse than I can imagine.  But my memories today haven't landed on those men... it has gone to a much more recent time - the times I remember being a military wife.

Most of you know - I was/am a military wife twice.  The first time, I was a Security Policeman's wife.  I ironed camo's and he wore the blue beret.  The memories of those days are still sweet, and strong.  And some of the people I met are still very dear to me, and part of my life today.   The second time, I was a Helicopter pilot's wife.  He wore the "green bag" - the flightsuit that required VERY little laundry care.  (THAT was a nice part of that uniform!)  We saw beaches and mountains and loved all of the places in between.  The people he flew with are still part of our military family - and still very dear to me, and part of my life today.  Fast forward - from Joel's retirement in 1990, to July 2012.  My son-in-law tells us he's ready to make the commitment - to join the greatest group of men and women, and become an Airman.  My heart - leaps, screams, cries, rejoices and is bursting with pride.  It is so odd, seeing the massive changes from my first introduction to the military in 1977 to 2014.  In some ways, it's the same, and in others - it's almost unrecognizable.  But the pride I feel is the same as it was when I received my first ID card.  Life is odd, in how it can come full circle.  Jeremy now wears the blue beret, and wears the camo uniform.  Our family recognizes the oath he has  made:  "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."  
And we couldn't be more proud. Of him, of Kristi:  Tyson's most special girl who gave 6 years to the USN, and of all the family members and friends who have served in all branches.  My thoughts land on Nolan, Teddy Joe, Wayne, Dan, Mac, Geoffrey, Michael, Kristin, Jacob, Jordan, Steve H, Rick A., Ricky W., Ricky A., Terry, Bryan, Scott, David, Eddie K, Eddie R, Ed, Joe, Chris, Dave T, Raymon, Bill D, Steve D, Bill Dennis, Paul, Rhonda, Ron, Kyle, Mark Judy and Ron Martinez (who both left this earth much too soon) and a host of others I have failed to mention.

I wouldn't trade one day of my experiences being a wife and supporter of all who served.  Yes, some days were harder than others, some caused great amounts of anguish, tears and grief.  And some brought wonderful times and memories with people I'm thrilled to still know and love.
I hope Cassidy feels the same - in the years following her AF travels.

For the living, Thank You for giving more than asked of you.  For the families of those who died valiantly, and with honor, Thank You for being their faithful support during and after they gave their oath.  And in the most humbling words of Abraham Lincoln, I'll end:
"The world will little note, nor remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.  And that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."