With the recent election, and today being Veteran's Day, I wanted to say something about how awesome it is to live in this country. I have to be honest and say I was one of those that was just glad that the election was finally over. I was so sick of the debates, ads, signs, campaigning, etc. I hope the leaders of the country will finally get to work and try to fix some of the messes our country is in right now.
That being said, yesterday the Chorus Club at our school did an assembly for the 3-6th graders. (I'm in charge of it). We sang patriotic songs and had a Veteran from the local VFW come and speak. I hope the kids understood why they had today off and appreciated more than just because they didn't go to school.
Because I've been planning that assembly, it got me thinking about the Veterans I know. I really don't know that many. But every year at Veteran's Day, I think about one in particular that has been a great example to me. Brother Lulloff (I just can't bring myself to call him Earl, even though I'm an adult now) is the father of some friends of mine from childhood. They live down the street from my parents. He was shot and paralyzed in Vietnam. Jel and I went and visited him today to say thanks for your service, but also just to see him. He has colon and liver cancer (I think) and isn't expected to live much longer. He looked great, but I'm sure he's on a lot of pain medication. He has always been so positive about his circumstances. When we were kids and he was in a wheelchair, I never heard him or his kids complain about his situation. His wife has taken care of him all these years with nothing but a smile on her face. I was still a child when he had to have his legs amputated. At first it was a little weird, but he never let it phase him. Over the years he's had many health problems and probably should have died on a number of occasions. He has been spared each time and continues to live as an example to all of us.
I just wanted to write and say thanks to all the Veterans who have served our country. I'm proud to have known one who has been such a pillar of strength to those around him. It would be nice if he could live through yet another trial. But if not, I will have been glad to know him and his family.
So next time you get one of those annoying address labels in the mail, think twice about chucking it in the trash. Just a small donation to the Veterans can go a long way, if not only to show your appreciation for what they've done. (We also get the yellow bags to donate to the Vietnam Vets of America every month and I always find something I need to get rid of. I don't even have to take it down to the charity--they pick it up!)
3 comments:
Thanks Nancy, that was so nice ! And HOORAY on having a Boy : )
I just realized that I left a comment on the wrong post! Oops!! I left it on the second to last post.
It looks like we do a lot of the same reading!
Nancy, your bolg about Dad are very kind and loving. Thanks! I know he loved the visit!. Our families have been and always will be close. Did you ear both of our parents will spend the rest of time together too?? I laughed so hard when I heard they bought plots next to each other at the Mesa cemetery. Guess we'll be connected for a lot longer.
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