and with grandma as an adult, has shaped me in a variety of different ways.
As I walk through the cemetery, I can visit my great aunts, uncles and grandparents, as well as recognize the names of friends I grew up hearing as my family told stories. Last year James and I joined my grandmother and uncle in perusing the Riverton cemetery where many of mom's family members are buried. Though honoring veterans in general is important, the message hits home as you are told about the wounds and scars your family carries from their service to our country. In Montana, I'm sure we'll find our own way to honor those who have served our country, but it just won't be the same as wandering the headstones in either Hudson or Riverton, surrounded by names we know and love where our family's history is interwoven with that of this nation.
(Aside from Uncle Jerry, Uncle Johnnie and Papa, Uncle Jack and Uncle Julius served from dad's side, as well as Uncle Bob, Uncle Jay, Uncle Ed and countless others . . . unfortunately I'm behind in my old picture scanning). And though Matthew will never know grandma Jennie, today he joined me as I went to "talk" with her and papa Vince. Though I know that she'll "hear" me wherever we are, over the past 3 years I've found solace in sitting in that little old cemetery "discussing" my problems, hopes and dreams with her. (I imagine Papa Vince enjoying a Buckhorn and listening in as he read one of his favorite westerns.) I hope one day when he's old enough he'll be able to go back and visit with us and adorn the headstones with flowers himself. Though I never really "got" it when I was younger, I appreciate the many, many years my family headed out to the cemetery and explained the family relationships over and over to me.
So, thank you to our veterans, past and present and thank you to our many, many friends and family who have served and continue to serve.
Heather, thanks for writing this. It's one of the most moving things I've read in a long time.
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