I have had a few hours to think and reflect about the past thirteen years. So many things,so many experiences so many people have come and gone. There was happiness, sadness, triumph and failure. A son was struggling in college not really wanting to be there, for his calling was to serve, coming at a young age. Yet he chose college to begin his life outside of high school. When that terrible day came, it was not long before he was home sitting with me and discussing his sorrow and decision. He was sorry he had not already joined the military so he could take IT black to the enemy. He would soon leave and begin his new life as an Airborne infantry man. He would touch the lives of so many more serving our country. He would come to marry the love of his life and they would together become parents of three of the most awesome of grandawesomes. I remember the last time I spoke with hi. He had just arrived back in country from leave on his fifth tour in the kitty litter. He called and said dad I am scared and I dont know what we are going to do and I have to tell you something. He paused and began with Rosie and I, and paused again. I chimed in and said Are pregnant again. Amazed he asked how I knew. I told him of the amazing dream I had about it. He took a deep breath and asked the question all awesome dads ask- how are we going to afford another child right now? My response was a simple one. We as parents always grind a way. He chuckled and our conversation changed to that of a soldier and a father can only have. This will forever be one of the many I will not share, but made me more proud of him. We often talked about family and also his army family. At home or on deployment we would always talk about both of his families. He loved those he served with, with very few exceptions. I dare not. Attempt to add their names here for I would forget one or more and that would be something I could not bear. You know who you are and you will see this and for the others who I dont have as FB friend I sincerely ask my army sons to pass it on to the others. Then on Feb 27 2010, I received the call NO father wants to get. Believe me it was not at all like the movies with the exception of one - we were soldiers, ironic to say the least. But please note IT IS STILL A WONDERFUL LIFE. For you see we never know who we really touch during our short time on earth. We never know the time nor day we will move on to eternity. Yet in that dash located between the years so so much life abounds. I close in saying for all of those who have entered my life since and after 9/11/2001 I am truly blessed to to have you in my life. To Kevin Meyer. I love you as a son and am the most blessed man on earth. For you see God sent my boys and their precious mother Rosie Ricketts my daughter -in-love, for love is more than meet flesh and blood. Through love one becomes family to those who are family by blood. Love ties true families together regardless of DNA sequences. I am continually blessed with a wife Sandi Hearne Ricketts daughter Tiffany Ricketts Graham son-in-love Brett Graham, son Ben Ricketts and all my grandawesomes. So please FB friends NEVER think you do not matter. FOR IT TRULY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE, though full of mountains and dark valleys May God protect you and your. Families.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:52:07 +0000
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