Walking Down Memory Lane

This time of year usually begins "the reflection". Right around the 4^th of July and coming up on my dad’s birthday. My thoughts go back to my childhood and the reality I had then, and the memory I have now of my dad.

I didn’t have the perfect childhood. Really, how many of us do? But I choose to leave that firmly in the past having moved on some time ago. I like to remember now the good things. I dwell on the things my dad accomplished that make me so proud of him. I directly attribute my love of country to him. Also my love of God. God and country.

My dad served in the Army’s Second Armored Division in the 1950’s. Now he rests at DFW National Cemetery. When I visit him there, I feel a connection to my country and to those who served it so well. I’m passionate about it. Maybe even a little obsessive. Someone used to tell me if I cut myself, I’d bleed red, white and blue. I take that as a compliment.

I’m so proud of my dad and his service to this great country. I wish now I could be just as proud of my government, but we have a huge mess to clean up first.  As I stand looking out at row upon row of graves at the cemetery, their lines in perfect symmetry, it’s really beautiful. It also breaks my heart when I see the direction this country is heading. This is not what my dad fought for. I pray for my country. I pray for our brave servicemen and women. They do far more than they ever recieve credit for.

I hope someday I can find a way to serve my country too. Aside from sending a few care packages here and there, I’m not sure what my purpose is yet. Until I figure that out, I’ll keep beating the drum for our veterans here, and gone.

God Bless America.