Today was one of those memory-making days. I will pull this memory in close and cherish it for as long as I live. I am so blessed. This morning Darrell and I picked up my Dad and drove to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. On the way out I was privileged to listen to several of Dads stories. I never tire of hearing those stories and I always laugh and smile once more. I am so blessed. When we arrived, John was already there. Soon we met Johns commanding officer. Our other sons had arrived as well as Johns wife and children as well as Monicas mother and aunt. We gathered in a reception room and John explained how the ceremony would procede. It wasnt long until a young man told us to follow him. He escorted Darrell, my father and myself to the front row. Monica and the kids came in next and then the rest of the family. Everything was done with such ceremony. I was duly impressed. I was elated when we were asked to stand for the pledge, the national anthem and the invocation. The room was full of airmen and they all stood so tall looking towards the flag. Soon Johns commander was telling us of Johns accomplishments ans the places he had served. He talked ofJohns time in Afghanistan. Of course we knew John was there. Darrell and I had sat here night after praying aloud for Johns safety, but when I heard that man say in detail what John was doing my afib kicked into high gear. I realized once again that John like many others could have lost his life there. I am so blessed. Soon the time came for John to receive an award, medal whatever they call it, for his time in Afghanistan. Then Darrell and Monica pinned on the bars? On Johns jacket and his brothers placed his new stripes on his shoulders. John then walked over to me handed me his old cap and I gave him the new one. Needless to say from the beginning I was shedding the tears. Then it was Johns turn to speak. He thanked all of his family for being there commenting that he looked to his brothers for guidance and they had always been his biggest cheerleaders. I am so blessed. Finally John made my mascara run when he talked of God, his family and his country and service. I loved hearing of Johns accomplishments and the responsibilities he has had leading hundreds of men, but nothing made my heart fill with such joy as hearing John speak those words to the men and women he worked with. That was a double blessing So you might think thats the end of my blessings. Oh no friends. Tomorrow John and his family are coming home for a few days and tomorrow evening my other sons and their families are coming out. It will be the first time weve all been together since Christmas. I intend to sit here and listen to them talking and laughing. The kids will be playing. And like today Im going to gather those voices and the evening up and place them inside my heart to keep for as long as God allows. Im telling you people God has blessed me abundantly. Days like today Im reminded of those blessings. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I promise no extraordinarily long posts for a while.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 03:27:27 +0000
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