My Goal is Simple

My grandfather passed away on December 2nd. He was 87 years old. His obituary read, “[he] was a brave and honorable man who served his country with pride, approached his life with faith, and embraced his family with love.“

To be honest, I didn’t really know my grandfather. His health was in decline for the majority of my life and my parents left Michigan when I was a toddler. We would visit every summer, but a true close relationship was never formed.  But he was always kind and always willing to draw a picture for his grandchildren. I remember the first time I introduced Clay to my extended family in Michigan, he was the only one not to make a big deal (jokingly) about me marrying an Ohioan. They talked about football. My grandfather loved classical music and had a wall of CDs to prove it. And most of all, he loved my grandmother, whom he had been married to for 60 years. They eloped a couple of weeks after meeting and the rest is history.

Not much is known about my grandfather’s World War II experience. He was colorblind so the Navy passed him over and he enlisted in the Army. He never talked about his time in the military but the story goes that he was in Whales to heal an injury while the rest of his unit went on to Normandy. I want to know his story. Maybe it is because I am the only member of our family with military ties or maybe it is just because I am fascinated with his generation, but I can’t let his story go untold. The World War II generation is dying. Their stories can’t fade away. They just can’t. I am looking forward to researching his military paperwork and seeing what I can find about his experience.

My grandfather was buried yesterday with military honors in Michigan. My mom and her three sisters were able to attend and to be with my grandmother. I am told that it was a beautiful service and filled with memories. Rest in peace, Grandpa.

“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,
Is their monument to-day, and for aye.”Thomas Dunn English

War and service is a part of our life and not just because of Clay’s career choice. Our brother-in-law, Edward, is currently in Afghanistan, and we have countless friends ‘over there’ as well. Both of our grandfathers’ served in WW2 and one of my great-grandfather served in the Canadian Army during The Great War (WW1) and one served in the US Army during WW1. Our church is filled with Vietnam veterans and since we live in a military town – there are veterans all around us.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Clay is home this Veterans Day, and not at war, like last year. He is one of over a million United State citizens who have fought for this country. If you haven’t already, thank a Veteran. They’re your family, your friends, your co-workers, and the strangers you encounter every day. Happy Veterans Day to past and present service members. And to my favorite veteran – I love you so much. Your commitment, integrity, and honor continue to impress me beyond words.

For your entertainment, here is a picture of us, circa 2001. We were going to an ROTC Dining Out. I am showcasing the infamous freshman 15  25  and Clay has enough gel in his hair to rival Marc McGrath. I am afraid that Extra is going to be calling any day for him to host a new segment.

And here we are 10 years later. I like to fancy ourselves as improved models of our 2001 counterparts. We’ve been through quite a lot together since our first Dining Out. And you know what? I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Every deployment, every separation, every military experience is woven into who we are today. We’re better people for it and I look forward to what the future holds. Happy Veterans Day to all veterans and their families!