Wow, it has been ages since I updated. I’m sorry everyone, I know some of you have been a tad worried about me and I appreciate that more than you will ever know.
The Sunday after my birthday was the Buddy’s race, that Hailey and I had diligently collected money for. It was a beautiful day and the walk was lovely. That Sunday was also Veteran’s day.
Before the race, Hailey and I attended mass. When we arrived, the congregation was singing America the Beautiful. It was…lovely, but that doesn’t even begin to describe it. After mass had ended, Father asked if the veterans could stand up. There must have been about 10-15 of them. Everyone started clapping and whistling. It was so moving, I was almost in tears.
That afternoon, as we lined up at the starting line, the announcer called for a moment of silence. 3,600 people bowed their heads to show respect. It was an awesome feeling, until someones cell phone started ringing. Out of the corner of my eye I could see people surreptitiously trying to get a fix on who’s phone it was. I figured the offender would silence their phone and be done with it, but no. This woman, two rows back from me had the audacity to answer the phone and begin a conversation!
I swear I should have taken that phone out of her hand and hung it up, but I only have courage like that in my head, not in my actions. I did comment rather loudly to my friend, Beth who was walking with me, that it was sad that some people couldn’t understand the meaning of a moment of silence. I also gave the woman my best evil-eye as she walked by. Somehow though, I don’t think she got the hint.
This is what I would have liked to say to that woman.
Ms. Talkie McTalkerson;
“I think sometimes that we forget there’s a war going on. I know I do. It’s almost like a bit of a shock when someone mentions it, and the light bulb turns on in my head. There are so many angry feelings about this particular war, and a lack of support for our troops that is truly disheartening. Why aren’t we crying out “Bring our boys & girls back home!” like they did during WWII? Why aren’t people marching on D.C like they did during the Korean war?
Instead, we have so called Christians protesting at the funerals of soldiers who laid down their life for us, and this country!
I understand the right to free speech, hell, I’m exercising that right at just this moment aren’t I? But those families are grieving! They have a right to that grief, without being heckled or called out, because their son/daughter stood up to do what they felt was the right thing.
We need to support our men & women in service not only while they are away, but when they come home as well. I watch my mother struggle every day to care for someone who has been damaged, not only physically, but mentally by his tour in Vietnam. My step-father has PTSD. It causes him to not be able to sleep, to be paranoid, and to get angry over trivial things. He also has health problems from the chemicals that our government spread across the jungles of Vietnam. Often he is absolutely miserable to live with. These are just some of the realities of what war can do to people, even years after they’ve come home.
So next time, Talkie McTalkerson when you’re asked to bow your head for a moment of silence, don’t answer your cell phone when it rings. Silence it, and be glad that you have the right to have a cell phone, thanks to everyone who has fought in every war to ensure your freedom.”
I shall get off my soapbox now. Thank you for allowing me to get that off my chest. The walk was nice. I only had to carry Hailey twice this year. Beth mentioned that she found it much easier this year than last. We even shaved about 10 minutes off our race time. I think we crossed the finish line at 1:02:54! I cannot wait to do it again next year. As soon as they release the pictures, I’ll try and post a few here.
