I normally let Memorial Day pass as a picnic with my friends. This year, I have been thinking about my Grandfather...My Mom's dad. I did not know him as well as I now wish I did and I have only recently begun to see his life in an encouraging and enlightening way. We were never particularly close and I have always considered myself a pacifist, so the fact that he served in 2 wars was lost on me until more recently.
I still believe non-military action is the best recourse for settling disputes, but sometimes justice requires action and I can now appreciate those who chose to act when necessary for the rest of us.
So, today and tomorrow I want to remember my Grandfather. If my memory serves me well, he was in WWII and Korea before he settled down in his home town and started a family. He lost his first wife when his children were young and married his second shortly after. He worked for the highway department until he retired to support his 5 children.
I have always thought of him when I went to Myrtle Beach because my Mom used to tell us when we were kids how he was the the crew that built the bridges from Georgetown to the beach.
He liked to hunt. He gave my brother and I our first pocket knives and used to show us the right way to sharpen them when we visited. He used to breed his (he started as my Uncle's, but we always thought of that dog as Granddaddy's) cocker spaniel and one time when we were between dogs, he gave us our cocker spaniel, Taffy.
I know almost nothing about his Spiritual beliefs. He was a member of the Baptist church, but I don't recall him ever attending church or talking about God.
There is not much else I honestly know about him even though I knew him for 38 years. However, I remember him today and challenge each of you to remember those who have gone before you and served our country. I also challenge you to learn as much as you can about your family and friends today while you have them with you.
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