Thursday, November 22, 2012

OLD ARMY BUDDIES

I got a telephone call this morning from an old friend. Tony was in the army with Gee. We met him when Gee was stationed in upstate New York, Seneca Army Depot. Gee was stationed there after coming home from his last tour in Korea. I always refer to the little town we lived in as Hooterville. Romulus, NY had one variety store, one gas station, a post office, and a ton of churches.

Tony was one of a group of guys attached to Readiness Group. They spent the weekends training reservists. During the week these guys were at our house playing cards. We played Pinochle for a year, almost everyday.

Tony had a heart attack while playing volleyball, from then on he was forever known as Bad Heart.  Gee would tell him all the time, we don't do CPR here so you better not get excited when I kick your ass with this hand, Boston coming...

Those days were some of the best days we ever had. Tony, Flo, Anthony, Faulkner, some great guys. They would come over loaded with food and beer. We shared all we had, no matter how much or how little we had. We looked out for each other, Tony is still looking out for me.

Monday, November 19, 2012

I went to the cemetery today. It was a bright crisp day, sun shining, bit of a chill in the air. The guys were cleaning up old flowers getting ready for the wreaths that will be laid on the graves for the holiday season. The local VFW co-ordinates this venture. It really is quite the sight,all that green and red.

Gee's second year anniversary is coming up in a few weeks, December 18th. I think of him all the time, I can hear his voice in my head, his laugh so loud and genuine. I see his mannerisms when I watch Clayton. Rachel is so like him, she doesn't see it.

I have been having a bad time this past week. Not really sure why. Just haven't been feeling myself, just sad. These waves of sadness are not as frequent as they were in the past. I seem to manage them better when they do occur. Maybe that is what they mean by "Time heals all wounds", they don't really heal you just learn to cope with them better.







Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Passing of a Matriarch

Babygirl has gone home to her God.  Gee's sister Rosella passed away today.

The woman who held the family together since her mother died in 1938. She was the most godly woman I have ever met. She spent her life caring for others, as God's will. She came to care for her brother when he came home that last time, bringing with her oils, food, and prayers. Everything she needed to bring him comfort.

I talked with her just two days ago. She was so concerned about how we were. Did we make it through the storm, Sandy, alright. Still holding the family together.

She lived her life as God commanded. She has earned her rest.

I will miss you so very much.