Thursday, September 11, 2014

Good News Amidst Sad Remembrance



This always will be a sobering day, as we remember horror which we'd like to forget. Everyone has their story of Sept. 11, 2001, and in every heart, the retelling is nothing short of poignant.

I've retold mine a time or two and will probably do so a few more times, just as I tell of Kennedy's assassination, Mt. St. Helens eruption, the Challenger disaster and other horrific events that have occurred in our lifetime. 

This day is similar to that morning in 2011, except it's a heckuva lot colder:  a four-layer day, to be exact.

It's a Thursday, not a Tuesday, and, on Facebook,  a lot of folks like to post photos of "Throwback Thursdays."  

Ironically, many posted this morning were probably not intended to be a throwback, but they are----those images of 13 years ago, firmly planted in so many minds. 

So, what's the good news on this day of sad remembrance?

First thing this morning, I enjoyed seeing the video of a delightful man in our extended family who hails from the quickly fading generation whose minds were filled forever with memories of Pearl Harbor Day in December, 1941. 

Like so many who responded to the 9-11 attack, that generation answered the call to action when America's homeland was attacked in Honolulu.

And, now the nation honors them for their service during WWII with trips to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.  

This morning's video of Bill Short and several other WWII veterans coming home to Chicago from their honor flight to Washington, D.C. was moving and uplifting.

His proud and loving family was there with welcoming signs and flags and stirring patriotic music was playing.  

My mother's first cousin Bill (the Irishman and the last of his generation from that family clan) rode down the ramp in a wheel chair as did most of the veterans.  

Before Bill appeared in the video, though,  one tall former soldier proudly walked, almost strutting and coming close to beating his chest with pride as the crowd chanted, "USA . . . USA." 

I'm sure a tear or two of familial pride was shed at Chicago's O'Hare last evening as Honor Flight No. 59 returned with its precious cargo.  What a day it must have been for those veterans!

And, so this morning, watching the video certainly started off the day with some good news.  

Other good news:  the tomatoes and cucumbers survived yet another cold night, which is good because the wind blew one of the sheets off from 'maters in the big garden. 

Another positive or two came during my morning walk as a jogger and her dog came running past me.  We enjoyed a quick chat about how cold it was.  Gary Finney also stopped to talk.  He's wearing an extra vest this morning.

On my way home, yet another car pulled to a stop behind me.  It was April May who lives on Forest Siding Road.

"She's following you," April said.  

I turned around, and sure enough she was.  I had stopped to take a picture of Baby Percheron across Gary's field, but black on darkness doesn't show up too well. 

Apparently when I started walking, she thought we needed to have a conversation.  So, after April headed on to town, Miss Baby Percheron came along the fence line and stuck her nose over my way several times. 

I'm thinking that's good news because we've never enjoyed a visit that upclose and personal.  I'm thinking someone must be working with Miss Baby Percheron, and she's decided she likes people. 

The piercing, cold wind from yesterday has quit, and it looks like a mild and lovely day ahead.  So, there will be moments of remembrance blended with the usual moments of gratitude around here----gratitude for the opportunity of living in an area where it's relatively peaceful and the worst news usually involves the weather.  

Let's hope it stays that way, and let's give thanks for those, like Bill Short who have always worked so hard over the generations in our behalf to maintain the life that we so enjoy. 

USA! 

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