Veterans' Day 2012

It is coming up on 4 years since I last went to the cemetery that my dad is buried in.  Lexi had early dismissal from school on Friday, so I decided that it would be the perfect time to head up there.  Even the weather was nice - sunny and warm.  I definitely wanted to avoid going there this weekend or even tomorrow.  Since he is in a Veterans' Cemetery, I knew it would be packed.

My kids never met my dad.  Lexi was born almost 2 months after he passed away.  I probably would have enjoyed the peace and quiet of visiting the cemetery by myself, but I think it is vital for kids to understand their connections to family members both alive and deceased.  It is also essential for them to get a glimpse of the numerous graves of soldiers that truly cared about this country.  I am sure the significance of the moment did not sink in fully, but kids (and adults) learn bit by bit.  I hope they are gradually building a realization that they will come to appreciate one day.         

Goodbye to my Aunt

My dad died of brain cancer almost exactly six years ago.  Today, his younger sister lost her battle with breast cancer.  He was 56.  She was 54.  The worst part is that my grandparents have now lost 3 of their 5 children.  His older brother died last January.  It doesn't matter how old you are or how old your children are, losing them is a nightmare.

My Dad's Brother Died

My dad's brother died this week.  I am not really sad, but I am in shock.  It has been five years since my dad passed away and I can't believe his parents are burying another child.  Both of their sons are gone now.  I think losing a child is the most horrible thing ever, no matter how old you are.  Here is his obit (minus some details):

Lloyd, 62, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, due to complications from pneumonia.  Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8.  Burial with military honors will follow at the cemetery.

He was born in Logan, Utah, on April 9, 1948, and was the oldest child of Maurice and JoAnn.  He graduated from Kuna High School.

He served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 and was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service.

Lloyd will be remembered for his passion for his cows, horses, dogs and grandchildren. His lifelong dream was to be a rancher, which he was through and through.

He had a great sense of humor and was always teasing everyone.

He is survived by his wife, four children, and his 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents and his sisters.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry.

National Cemeteries

Veterans Day evokes a lot of national pride for most citizens of the US and reminds us to be thankful to the soldiers that fought for our freedoms.  For me, National Cemeteries really bring that reverence home.  My mother and grandmother (her mother) have instilled in me a general appreciation for cemeteries.   We used to spend Memorial Days driving around to various cemeteries to drop flowers off at the graves of deceased loved ones. 

It wasn't until 2005 that I grew to have an additional appreciation for National Cemeteries.  That was the year that my dad passed away and was laid to rest in the Houston National Cemetery.  The grounds and ceremonies are an amazing tribute to the soldiers.  I have also visited the National Cemeteries in Arlington and South Florida.  They are all impressive and humbling. 

Several weeks ago, I started thinking about when I took my kids to visit my dad's grave in December of 2008, which was three years after he died.  If we were living there, we would definitely go this year too.  I think it is a tradition that I will start as soon as we move back.  What a wonderful way to kick off the month of December and also teach my kids a great lesson in life.  Here is a photo I took then:

Sad Day

Today, the world lost a very lovely girl. I blogged about her in June shortly after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. I received news that my friend's fiancé passed away this morning. It is difficult to understand why a stunningly gorgeous, sweet, and fit girl in her mid-twenties would fall so quickly. Two years ago, everyone was shocked by how fast my seemingly healthy father deteriorated and died from the same thing. Cancer has no favorites.