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This is an older photo (above) of my cousin (Army Reserves) when he was in Iraq. I've actually been trying to locate this photo for a long time, and I'm glad that today was the day I found it.
There is no title for today's post. Not because I can't think of one, but on the contrary, because there are too many things to say, and I cannot possibly come up with an appropriate title.
Rather than to go on about loss (9/11 loss; NOT my cousin, just to clarify), though, I want you to think of important things that are in your life today. Look around you. Everything you see...some day it won't be there. Understand the blessings that you have in front of you; the things you can hold, touch, and love. Treasure them. Don't fear the loss of them; just be certain to honor and appreciate them. Right now.
Remember to thank a soldier for the freedom you're enjoying.
Well, it's not "free candy" but it's a good representation of patriotic spirit. :)
This poem always makes me think of the losses we've suffered throughout our history, and the brave soldiers who serve their country. I think we had to memorize it in 5th grade or so, and it left an impression on me. Please take the time to read it. Thanks. Reference:In Flanders Fields
This is what my charming husband got me for my birthday.
I was planning on making a stacked crepe cake, like the Martha Stewart recipe, but we'll see whether or not I'm gonna be that ambitious today....I'm thinking, "no."
Just plan to grill some ribeye steaks and maybe watch some movies later.
Keepin' it low-key, the way I like it. FYI: here's a picture of the crepe cake:
Above: Fearless family member who served in Iraq. I cannot even tell you how proud I am of him!!! God bless you!!!
Compassion is the basis of morality.~ Arthur Schopenhauer
Happy 4th of July to everyone!
I just bought this online—it is the book written by now retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. Most likely, I will read the whole thing tonight, but if I get distracted, it could take me two days. Got to remember, though, that the Blackhawks play Calgary tomorrow night. (Go Hawks!!!) What prompted me to buy this book was the story about Mr. Luttrell's dog (Dasy) being shot, which I found to be horrifying and heartbreaking. Honestly, it has been bothering me ever since. As I read more news stories about the strong and honorable character of Mr. Luttrell, I just had to get the book and read it. So, maybe tomorrow, you will see a book review here…but, again, the Hawks game…it's the play offs now, ya know… And I need to bake something. I'm thinking about bread recipes. How about Russian black bread or a likewise dark and hearty bread?
For the most part, I'm a quiet person and I keep my nose out of other people's business. I try to be a good person, I don't bother anyone, and I avoid conflict. If you know me, you know that's true.
But this story got to me. It really, really, really got to me.
I first became aware of it because my husband was watching the Glenn Beck show. I listen when Casey is watching, but I don't have an opinion formulated about Mr. Beck at this time. However, I do very much appreciate that he made this a very public story, and that he refers to Marcus Luttrell as his "friend." I hope that's true because it sounds like Mr. Luttrell needs a friend right about now.
LINK: Teen punks murder American hero's dog
Marcus Luttrell is a retired Navy SEAL, and the only survivor of his squad to return from Afghanistan. In his ordeal, before being rescued, he suffered several fractures in his spine and injuries from a blast which left shrapnel in his legs. And worse. Of what I've read so far, it is amazing that he survived at all.
In and out of the hospital, surgery after surgery, he has continued to survive at home now in Texas. As a part of his therapy for healing the emotional side of his trauma, he was given a Yellow Lab puppy, which he named Dasy (representing the names of him and his three other SEAL team members).
His heart has been broken; shattered time and time again. Yet you give him a puppy, and he smiles and hugs it, and promises to take care of it. Proving he still has the capacity to love...in spite of all he has endured.
Marcus Luttrell has now lost this dog because of some f***ing idiots who decided it would be a good idea to drive around and shoot some dogs. People's pets, for God's sake!!!
WTF?!!!!
So, above is the link to the story on Glenn Beck's website, if you can stomach it.
Mr. Luttrell had chased them down and kept them from getting away until the police showed up. They are, apparently, now facing charges.
How they are still alive is beyond me. Had I been in Mr. Luttrell's shoes, those jackasses would be full of holes. How he was able to shut off the 'soldier' part of his brain, and not just shoot them, is just amazing to me.
I'd have shot them. I'm certain of it.
But he didn't. They killed his poor sweet dog in cold blood, and yet, he spared them.
That, friends and neighbors, is the definition of "humanity." I hope some day I can learn to be that good of a person.
God bless you and keep you safe, Marcus. You have ALL of my respect and love.
References:
Glenn Beck Interview: Lone Survivor (book)
Amazon.com
note: I just ordered the book from amazon.com
