He always entertained us with his stories,
"The Big One" he recalled. With beer in hand
and a booming voice he mesmerized us. But this
time things were different as he fumbled through
his thoughts. “He lost his edge” I thought. He seems
human, almost old as he wrestled with his emotions.
"What is the matter" I wondered? I wasn't willing to
prompt him or interrupt him. "Aging minds need time
to open" I thought. But the crowd before him grew
anxious in that moment. What great story did he wish
to share with us? I looked lovingly at the man before me
and watched his eyes well up. He grabbed his beer and
chugged a good bit of it. He looked around, straight
through us as he mumbled something about how we’d
never understand. “Understand what?” I asked him as
the room filled with stares and impatience. He whispered
his pardon as he excused himself and went to his room.
Christmas Eve was always this hard on him. It was always
hard on his family too. But we loved the man for all that he
was, not for all that he wasn’t. 1944 must have been one
hellish year for next 50 years. I wish I could appreciate him
and what he did more. I looked at him as a father figure. I
often wondered if my Da was still alive what stories I could
have heard from him. But they are all gone now, long gone.
I am left with fond memories because they gave so much for us.
This coming Memorial Day I shall remember them with special
thanks. Thanks to them for all their unheralded sacrifices. I will
also look to my children and pray that their grandparents sacrifices
will be enough to spare them the nightmares of war. That the price
that has been paid thus far has a wee bit of balance left before young
boys are sent to be slaughtered once more.
Please observe Memorial Day for what it truly is? A holiday of PEACE
In memory of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in hope that we
Don’t have to.
PEACE ON EARTH, GOODWILL TOWARDS ALL HUMANKIND!