Memorial Day - Remembering Paw Paw!

Today is Memorial Day!  A day to remember and reflect on those brave men and women who served in the Armed Forces, both in war and in peace, and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live as we do. But don't forget the ones that are currently serving because they are standing guard so that we can continue to live the life we lead. 

I remember the stories my grandfather, I called him Paw Paw, used to tell of fighting in World War II in Europe. How they came ashore at Normandy after the initial waves had secured the beachhead. How he remembered looking at the men who didn't make it off the beach and thinking, "I know him!" With tears in his eyes, he would tell me stories about fighting along side brave men, people he didn't know a year before but who were now his closest friends. He would tell about how some were there one minute and then gone the next. When he would tell me these stories, you could see the pain in his eyes. Later in life, when Alzheimer's had taken his mind and ravaged his body, Paw Paw no longer remembered even his closest family members but he still remembered me and he still told me those stories. He couldn't tell you what he had for breakfast but he could still relive those moments from WWII and you could still see the pain in his eyes right up until the very end.

So for all the soldiers, past and present, who took to arms and heeded the call, like my Paw Paw, I salute you and want to say thank you! And Paw Paw, I know you're looking down on me and still protecting me, I just want to say I love you!