Remembering With Love

Happy Veteran's Day.

     I know that this can be a bittersweet day.  To remember and honor those that have fought for us; for those that are still fighting; for those who have lost their lives, so that we can live ours. 

     How often do we thank our Veterans for all they have given; for all they have lost; for all their painful memories, admist some of their fond ones?  My guess, not often enough.

     I have family members that have been in war.  My grandfather served this country.  I have uncles and aunts who have served, and some that still do.  As well as cousins.  And, I honor them today.  They chose a path that is not always an easy one.  And, sometimes they get flack for it, too.  Which boggles my mind to no end.

     However, I will remember them with love today, and a sincere heart.  For they have done what so many could not do, or dare to do: protect and serve our country...and for that matter, others, too.

     I have a vivid picture in my mind--a memory.  It stays with me always.  I had an uncle that was in every branch of the service.  This particular time, he was in the army.  I was seven years old, and it was Thanksgiving.  My uncle had come home for the holidays; it was a surprise for everyone.  It was also a surprise for him!  You see, my grandmother had moved, and he hadn't received her letter telling him.  So, he went to the old address, walked in the door, only to be surprised by another family!  Fortunately, they knew him and was able to tell him.

     My grandmother and his wife, were actually at my house.  It was my mom's turn to host Thanksgiving.  I will never forget.  My grandmother, mother and aunt were in the kitchen cooking.  I was in the living room watching Miracle on 34th Street, when someone knocked on the door.  I of course ran to answer it.  (What is it about kids and answering the door?)  There stood my uncle, in his uniform, with his duffle bag over his shoulder.  Oh, what a sight!  I can still see him now, as if it were yesterday. To me, he looked like a movie star, from one of those old black and whites with Carole Lombard and Clark Gable.   I smiled until my cheeks hurt.  He put his finger to his mouth.  I just loved surprises. 

     I can see him now, as he walked slowly to the kitchen.  They asked who was at the door.  I didn't say a word.  I just smiled, and followed my uncle into the kitchen.  He stood there a few seconds before anyone noticed.  It was my grandmother who turned around first.  (A mother knows)  She dropped the knife, her hands flew to her mouth, and the water works began!  I stood there jumping up and down, yelling: "Surprise! Surprise!"  I don't know who got to him first: my grandmother or his wife!  But I know my grandmother had her arms around his neck and cried and cried.  She hadn't seen my uncle in two years!  My mom just stood there crying.

     In that kitchen, that day, I saw so many emotions go forth. The greatest being love.  I sat on my uncle's lap while he told everyone how he got to come home for the holidays, and about how he went to the old address.  Soon, everyone else started arriving.  We have a huge family already; but I swear, my grandmother must have called everyone she ever knew; including her butcher, dry cleaner, and family doctor.  That house was packed that year.  We celebrated for a long time.

     I think about those families that have lost loved ones.  I think about those Veterans that come home, and sometimes, there is no one waiting for them.  I think about the treatment that our Veterans sometime receive; and it shames me to be an american at those times.

     Our Veterans should be honored, and should be given what is due them.  They have earned it.  And, our Veteran's should be Remembered with Love.

©2007 Ruthe McDonald