A Landmark Day

 

September 11, 2001. Our world would never be the same. The air felt different, as though Earth had been enclosed in a sphere filled with a tragic intimacy that spread over the consciousness of the entire planet in an instant.

Something else happened that same day 35 years ago, but since 2001 my son-in-law has been unable to enjoy or acknowledge his birthday with any gusto. Images of an event that changed the world eclipse any possibility that he will forget for a moment and allow himself a selfish indulgence on this day.

Being a Marine means a lot of things, and I can't pretend to completely understand, but I recognize the intense loyalty and respect that John exhibits daily for his duty to his country. I read something once that drove home the full meaning of the path he's chosen.

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check that read "Payable to The United States of America for an amount up to and including my life."

Our Master Sergeant John has served two tours in Iraq, and will likely go to Afghanistan next year. He is the epitome of the Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" (a latin phrase meaning "Always Faithful").

He's added so much to our family that I can't believe our good fortune. The joy I have as a mother, knowing that my daughter found a mate who brings laughter, love and music into her life (and our lives) is a gift I am grateful for daily.

Happy Birthday John. We love you. Monumental things happened on this day, it's true, but it's a landmark day for us because you were born 35 years ago. Without you in it, our world would never be the same.

USMC ODB (Olive Dog Bryan)

I miss Olive, and it makes me happy when Jillian sends a smiling dog photo my way. A lot more dressing up of the doggies goes on at my daughter and son-in-law's house. Olive seems proud of her military status.

Scott's Blog was Featured

Very nice mention of Scott's blog on the Horiwood.com site.

A great article about his mother, "Miss Elliette", is also at their site.

Bombshell Cupcakes

My daughter Jillian and her husband John are Rockabilly fans, if you know what that is...Their home is decorated like a colorful greeting card from the 50s. They have authentic vintage furnishings and decor throughout, elaborate figural chalkware lamps with amazing lampshades and one of the best collections of Carlo (yes, Carlo) of Hollywood paintings you could find. They're on every wall. John and Jilly also dress the part in vintage and reproduction clothing, which is a sight to see and makes me so happy. It's fun to be immersed in their world.

Jillian's an excellent cook and makes delicious cupcakes for every occasion and theme. She brought these for our Easter Brunch:

Never mind that they're so CUTE! I can't even tell you how creamy delicious they were! I don't really have a sweet tooth, but those ears!

Oh my...dee-rish-shus!

John is Home From Iraq!

My favorite day so far this year! Away for 13 months, my son-in-law is back from his second tour in Iraq.

Military duffle bags and assorted whatnots arrived first. I loved the promise that was held in the rows of bags waiting for their respective Marines!

After a surprisingly short wait at Camp Pendleton, three buses drove up and opened their doors. Hoards of elated Marines spilled out to greet friends and family.

Reunited! Look how happy they are! I love my kids...

Zone Cruise to Bermuda

For my mother's birthday (39th) I took her on a "Zone Cruise" to Bermuda with Dr. Barry Sears and his group. Is it really a vacation if you travel under the guise of a healthy week of the Zone Diet and seminars? Yes! We were joined by Scott's parents and sisters and had a great time.

Along with Barry Sears, Dr. Julien Bailes, noted neurosurgeon, was also a speaker at the seminars. He worked with the sole survivor of the Sago mine disaster, Randy McCloy, to restore his health and brain function using a therapy that included high dose fish oil.

Though Hurricane Bertha was looming, the weather was beautiful and the seas were fairly mild. The subject of the event was "Build a Better Brain." We'll all be giving their theories a try and let you know how it goes!

Bob & Elliette

The crew managed to capture these, and of course Bev found them!
(Kim & Lisa must've escaped the photo op.)

"39-year-old" Bev and Me (39 too, why not?)

Back from Bermuda

Here's Bob supervising Elliette as she's adjusting everyone's lifejacket straps at Muster. We were all safer because of her attention to detail! She moved through the crowd with an air of authority that allowed her to approach total strangers and spend a few minutes on their straps, chatting reassuringly the whole time. I loved this guy's face, he was such a great sport.

One of many highlights of the trip for me (as in getting to know Scott's family so much better) was Elliette's description of the difference between my calm demeanor during stressful times, and Scott's. We were on a very pleasant ferry boat ride back to St. George's after visiting Hamilton. When describing me, she related several examples that she had observed. She was sweet and complimentary and very descriptive.

When she got around to describing Scott, her example was succinct, "A bug flies through the window----World War III!"

It was such a heartfelt, simple description delivered with such sincerity, and so accurate that it caught me off guard. I laughed until I cried, which produced the same result from both my mother and Elliette. Remarkable and memorable...