This past Memorial Day weekend was certainly a memorable one for my family! It began on a busy street corner Friday night with a group of wonderful folks waving our American flag in support of US troops. Directly across the intersection from us was a group of people protesting the war. Tacky, I thought, during a time when we should all be expressing our gratefulness to the brave men and women who've given their lives for our freedom. My phlegmatic side reasoned that the Anti-War folks could have been observing Memorial Day by exercising their Constitutional right to peaceful protest. Still, personally, it felt like a jab to all of my friends and family who have served in the armed forces.
The evening was not simply an exciting time of patriotic support, however. While we were happily smiling, waving, and 'woot-wooting' to the happy drive-by honkers, a huge camper stalled out in the middle of the intersection (right in front of the Anti-war protesters)! While the other drivers were cautiously trying to navigate their ways around this massive RV, Jess just hustled out to offer help! The man driving the camper was more than happy for the help, so Jess ran to his own truck, pushed the RV out of the intersection, gave him a jump start with borrowed cables (from another of our flag wavers), and had the frustrated weekend warrior on his way just as the police were arriving to direct traffic. What a guy!
Saturday was spent as an unusually mellow day with the kids. I took the opportunity to involve them in some little home projects and teach them the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines anthems. It's so sweet to see these tiny people trying to sing out phrases like, 'From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli!' Especially little Joseph, who's Ethiopian accent only comes out when he's really excited, tired, or singing. The Army song was a tough one for them, but they all knew exactly when to sing '...And the Army goes rolling along!' Very loud. I've come to learn that my kids tend to get louder when they're really having fun. Saturday was a very loud day! The Navy song was the favorite by far. So much, that Sunday morning Jed asked if we could all sing the 'Angers Always Boys' song together. It took me a couple minutes to figure out that he meant 'Anchors Aweigh, my boys...' So adorable, I had to laugh out loud before I could kiss his little blond head and remind him what the correct words are!
As cute as it was to hear my babies singing the Armed Forces Anthems, it was also quite emotional. The girls are just old enough to start understanding the greatness of sacrifice it is to serve. Teaching them that this is the day we have set aside, as a nation, to honor men and women who've been killed in battle was not easy. Reflecting on the lives of my personal friends and family who have been courageous in service while listening to my innocent boys singing 'we will fight for our rights and to build our nation's might...' Emotional. Of course, I partially blame pregnancy hormones for the sudden well-up of tears. I'm not usually the weepy type. Yet, how can one not be overcome with gratitude at the thought of all that's been given as the price of our freedom? Wow.
By Sunday afternoon, we were back on the campaign trail! The Mason County Republican Party had a picnic at Robin Hood Beach in Union. We rolled in with all four kids in tow, and set out to have a beautiful time making new friends. It seems to be Pacific NW 'uniqueness' that to properly pack for a Memorial Day picnic, one must bring gloves and scarves along with sunscreen and shades! As it turned out, we had no use whatsoever for the sunscreen and shades... it rained almost the entire time! And between the wandering boys and dare-devil girls, we were certainly kept on our toes! I consistently have to remind myself that childish curiosity is a blessing, not a curse. The intensely competitive search for shells on the beach or exuberant attempts to communicate with the passing deer should serve as sweet endearment, not irritating misbehavior. There was a brief moment, when I lost track of one of the boys, that I nearly had a panic attack! It was short-lived, however, as we quickly found him following his Daddy away from the crowd to help display campaign signs. Trying to contain my overwhelming relief, I brought our little wanderer back to the kids' area and promptly re-lectured him on the importance of staying close! We will all get more practiced in the arts of keeping the young curious ones collectively focused. This time, I just felt blessed that our hosts were gracious, the other guests good-humored, and Grandparents were with us. (Thanks again, Mom & Dad!) We've taken our notes and have made preparations for the next outdoor campaign adventure!
All in all, it was a meaningful and memorable time spent with family and new friends. To me, Memorial Day should never just be about bargain hunting and barbecued food. While those things are nice (and the 3day weekend a fun perk) the true meaning is remembrance. For all of our freedoms and for everything our military has endeavored to protect, I am personally very thankful.
No comments:
Post a Comment