Thank dog, it's over. The whole "I'm old and I get to plan my own party, but you and your sister get to do all the crap for it" party. As expected only a smatering of the guilty and true showed up to make it a memorable occasion. Wouldn't it be a pity if the honoree had dimentia, then we would have to do it over, and over, and over.
I put on my best game face, but thoroughly delighted in seeing my two lovely nieces, whom I hope have either resolved themselves to, or forgiven the fact, that I have been and am really absentee in their lives (sort of like the outline of the person on facebook-your's for the viewing--if you dare). Maybe it is a blessing, since too much of family that can take you adrift from what you want is need, is really counter productive to peacefulness and harmony with the phases of the moon.
Anyway, the day is over; the holiday is now defunct; and it's time to get back to work. Wahoo, turkey left, too.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Yesterday in History
Yesterday, the newspapers noted the 30th anniversary of Jonestown and the terrible mass suicide. What I did not see in the paper, was a mention of the numerous Air Force Rescue & Recovery Squadron fixed wing and helicopter pilots, pararescue, and airmen (55th ARRS-Ft Walton Beach, Fl.), or a mention of the many Special Operations personnel from Ft Bragg, N.C., who were part of the massive effort to search for potential survivors in the jungle, protect the troops on the ground, clean up (sanitize) the site, and pack up and return the bodies back to the United States mainland.
I can tell you, that when our squadron members returned from Jonestown, they were changed in a way that only compassionate, caring and loving people can be changed. The terrible incident in Jonestown affected our lives through Thanksgiving and Christmas as our personnel dealt with the memories of the traumatic and dramatic loss of life, especially innocent children. For reasons I won’t explain here, candy canes or anything mint was verboten.
From now on, when you read of Jonestown, please remember the unspoken heroes who performed a job for their county that was far beyond their call of duty.
I can tell you, that when our squadron members returned from Jonestown, they were changed in a way that only compassionate, caring and loving people can be changed. The terrible incident in Jonestown affected our lives through Thanksgiving and Christmas as our personnel dealt with the memories of the traumatic and dramatic loss of life, especially innocent children. For reasons I won’t explain here, candy canes or anything mint was verboten.
From now on, when you read of Jonestown, please remember the unspoken heroes who performed a job for their county that was far beyond their call of duty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
