On my way home this morning I got a call from a friend who has had a really rough time of late. I braced myself. No doubt more bad news, the only question was what would it be.
I was truly and pleasantly surprised that he had simply called to wish me a happy Veterans Day and thank me for my service.
Very nice, and humbling.
I found this link via the outstanding blog at Blackfive (http://www.blackfive.net)
If you don’t read Blackfive, why not? Start today. It’s worth the trip.
Go take a look at how this one man’s service left his perspective slightly different than most civilians. I served in the Navy, not the Marines. But I recognize the feeling. It never completely goes away.
Happy day to all my fellow Vets. Especially my wife, Kip, who is the most important person I know. And, special thanks who went before me to lead the way and those who came after me to pick up the torch. My eternal gratitude to my brothers and sisters who have fallen along the way. Your payment keeps us free.
So, toddle over and read the article:
http://blog.usni.org/2011/04/05/what-ive-learned/
Happy Birthday, Marines. Dad – don’t know if you read blogs up there, but Happy Birthday to you, and Harry and all the other Leathernecks guarding the streets.
My life has been blessed by knowing Marines, starting with my father, Oliver.
So, to all my friends around the world serving in the U.S.M.C. I hope you are having a blessed day. You’ve earned it by your service.
My mother is perhaps reading this blog today. I hope she likes it. I suspect she’ll be my first “troll” if history proves to be consistent.
And, thus, “Hi, Ma!”
Yes, they are here. Soon they will attempt to eat my brain. Over the next five months they will build their forces relentlessly. One by one they will occupy every open space, push under doorways that were slightly ajar or have bad weatherstripping.
They will try to steal our brains by means of freezing our flesh. And only through wearing the appropriate armor and huddling with other besieged members of the tribe in the lee of the wind will we triumph over their onslaught.
Finally the forces of light will bring a temporary fix in this northern clime, forcing longer days in between the little white zombies and my brain. But like a Romero movie, it never lasts and they will be back before we even know the wheel has turned again.
My only hope is to sharpen the blades of my beloved snow blower and charge them with the engine roaring and the discharge chute aimed downwind.
Pray for all of us, for it has come at last – Winter.
*(Then again, it’s supposed to be 50+ on Saturday, so the shorts and flip-flop look will be back in at the mall.)*
