11/10 and 11/112 very important days in Mike's life. As a Marine 11/10 is always a day to celebrate - the birthday of the United States Marines in 1775. We were lucky enough to attend a few Marine Corps Ball's over the years to celeb
rate this event. The pride in Mike's eyes knowing all he had accomplished as a Marine was immense. It is safe to say that Mike lived to be a Marine. From a young age it was apparent to his parents and siblings and friends. As an adult he was proud of his service above just about everything. Except possibly his kids :)
Veterans Day 11/11. I feel like this sequence is a double whammy for me this year. Two days I would have been telling Mike how proud I was of him. 2 days we would have celebrated together. Now only me celebrating. Gunnar had an assignment to bring in something for Veterans Day to school. So of course he brought photos of his dad. As both the kids will probably do for many years. Their pride in their father overflowing. Their own private hero.
I think they hit me out of nowhere. I didn't expect these days to be difficult. But grief does that to you. Comes up and bites you right when you least expect it.
I feel you, and I truly support you at those very trying moments. Your loved one was a noble soul, and you should be really proud of him. Not everyone is capable of taking all the slings and arrows for such a sacrifice. He is such an admirable person, worthy of all the respect you can give him. Thanks for sharing that! All the best!
ReplyDeleteVictoria Pierce @ Jan Dils