Broken camera

My nifty little digital camera, that I bought with some guidance and help from my son-in-law just before Lily was born almost four years ago, is in critical condition. Its little lens opens only part way, and only closes part way, too, unless forced... I'm a little sad. I am not a great photographer. And this camera was basically 'point and shoot' simple. But it was the camera I bought to take pictures of our newest grandchild when Tom wasn't going to be present for at least two weeks. See, Tom usually takes the photos for us. When I realized his not being there meant I had to do it if I wanted our own personal photos of this monumental event, I bought the little Kodak. And I took my favorite photo I have ever taken with this camera. It was brand-new Lily asleep in her Mommy's arms, and Tom told me she 'looked like an angel' in that pic. I have it framed on our mantel in the living room. So losing that camera will be a sad thing for me. Having it repaired is an option, but it will likely cost more than the camera is worth. And I did see an article on AOL saying that digital cameras are 'as cheap as they are going to get' right now.

And because it isn't working, I haven't taken a picture of my lovely Saint Valentine's Day roses. When we arrived home from church that morning, there was a box from Pro-Flowers on the side porch. My darling husband had sent me roses with babies breath! The roses were gorgeous, and opened beautifully. They looked lovely on our dining room table, especially in the afternoon with the light coming through the draperies. I smiled every time I saw them. And for some reason, the scent reminded me of my 9 1/2 years working in a floral shop.

Tomorrow is going to be another day I would wish for a camera. We are finally celebrating my parents' 60th Wedding Anniversary! The event was originally planned for Feb 6th--the day of the first of two blizzards to hit our area in two weeks. We rescheduled, and there had been the possibility of more heavy snow, but we were lucky that most of the snow passed us by. So tomorrow is the day we all gather to celebrate Mom and Dad and their marriage. Wish us luck--we hope to make our parents feel special and celebrated. :)

'Clinic' Soccer

I had a blast last night watching Ryan play Indoor Soccer in the 'clinic' league. 'Clinic' doesn't keep score as the purpose of the league is to learn to play, rather than to compete athletically. They start the session with some practice, then play a two-period scrimmage against another team.

Tom and I sat in the stands with Jen, Jay, Zach and Lily. First period, Ryan played goalie. I was nervous about this, but Ryan did GREAT! I think one goal got past him, but he made something like 11 saves. He wasn't at all timid, came out of the goal to get the ball if necessary and was just generally a good goalie. I was wishing his Uncle T.J. could be there to see him play.

The second period started with Ryan on the bench. I thought he might be annoyed by this, but he seemed to understand the need for one player to be off the field. He watched his team play until he was called in as a replacement. Once he got on the field, he was all over the place! He did a great job--I don't know if he is a natural or if he retained all the skills he learned at the British Soccer Summer Camp he did. He lead the ball, was assertive without being overly aggressive, and he played the ball. He made at least one really good pass - and considering no one else on the team actually passed the ball at all, I was impressed! I heard some bleacher chatter that praised him, too: "Great pass! Did you see that?" "Yay, Ryan!" (Not from family) "#3 is our savior--he's everywhere we need him to be!"

I also enjoyed watching all the kids. They were so cute! They were ages 4-7, I think, and obviously this was a first soccer experience for some. We had one or two attempts on our the players' own goal, obvious reluctance to challenge another player, a few tears at bumps and falls...At one point, near the end of the game, two little guys were so tired they lay on the field, on their tummies, just chatting while the game continued around them. A coach had to go out and get them on their feet. Speaking of coaches, I was impressed. The coaches did a really good job of coaching. At one point during the game, Ryan was being really determined about getting the ball from the other team. He was doing a good job of it--so good a boy on the other team expressed his frustration by pushing him down! I was proud of Ryan--he just got up and went back to the game. He didn't retaliate and he didn't fuss or cry, even if he was a little reticent to 'mix it up'. A coach came out the the offender and gave a serious talking-to. The coach didn't yell, but he did get down eye-to-eye with his player and explain the rules. He also explained that the rules apply even if the other player won't 'let you have the ball.'

After the game, Ryan was quite pleased to tell us his team 'won' 5-3. He received lots of compliments from 'family fans', and a nice compliment from his coach, all while sucking down Gatorade. Jen posted on Facebook last night that, when tucking Ryan in last night, she told him " 'Awesome game today, Bud!" and he immediately responded "Awesome cheering today, Mom! ...plus Daddy! ... plus Grandpa!' " I'm so glad he felt the support.

And I loved that, during the game, Lily sat with Daddy, then with Mommy, then with Tom, then with me...she's so nice tohave around! Zach sat next to Daddy and seemed to enjoy watching his brother play. Fun evening.

Blizzard 2010

In the beginning...

At bedtime...

Walkway ... as the storm starts.

...at bedtime.

The next morning...

With Military Honors

I have hesitated in writing this post. It's not my story, it's personal and private...but I was there and it touched me. Scenes have been running through my mind, some so poignant I tear up all over again. Some back story: two weeks ago, I received an email from a friend at Tom's last duty station. The email was titled "About Ginett" and included two Internet links and one introductory sentence--"Didn't know if you had seen this or heard about it." The links went to an article in the Military Times about the death of TSgt. Adam Ginett (he was killed in action by an IED in Afghanistan) and to the Patriot Guard website, which had been asked to serve at the funeral. I never met TSgt. Ginett, but he worked with EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) in the same Squadron Tom supervised. Naturally, we both felt the loss of 'one of our own' and began making plans to go to the funeral in NC. The funeral was hard--as is to be expected when someone is taken much too young and in such a violent way. Following are some of my observations.

The Patriot Guard is a wonderful organization. Their presence added to the entire event in a very positive way. When we approached the church, the motorcycles were lined up in the driveway along the side of the building. There was a cordon of riders acting as an Honor Guard at the doors--they were lined up on either side, each holding a 3' x 5' flag on a staff. It was emotional for me just to enter the building.

Once inside, we encountered some people we knew from Tom's last duty station, along with a multitude of others gathered around a display in the lobby. Central to the display was the traditional memorial to military fallen--boots, helmet, rifle and dog tags. In a semicircle behind this were three tables laden with flowers and other mementos from Adam's life, to include a television that scrolled through photos from his life. The whole this was very touching.

The funeral Mass was celebratedby the parish priest, accompanied by the Bishop. The homily spoke to the Fraternity of military service. This is especially true of EOD.. those folks face so much together and they are really tight.

At the cemetary, the casket was placed on a horse-drawn caisson to be taken to the graveside. Once there, all movement stopped as the casket placed at the grave. Tom and I were standing just opposite the graveside, near a group of flagpoles. We were alone when we first stood there, but as I looked behind me after the transfer there was a line of about six Marines, all at attention.

Once all the words were said, the family stood up and, one by one, approached the casket for a personal goodbye. What touched me most was an elderly man (grandfather?). He was feeble and walked with a cane. Ha made his way to the casket slowly and with some difficulty. He kissed the casket, then stood as straight as he could and saluted.

The Patriot Guard had escorted the hearse to the cemetary, then provided an Honor Guard of flags for the Caisson. After the family departed, they left unobtrusively. This left the other mourners at the graveside, civilians and members of the Air Force, Army, Marines and I think Navy, too. That's when I saw a tribute I had never seen before. The other mourners began to file past the casket for personal goodbyes. The military members there formed an impromptu line and each approached the casket, left a memento (usually an EOD pin from the uniform they were wearing, but sometimes a coin...maybe something else), they saluted -- slowly, and with great dignity and emotion -- then they walked to the other side of the canopy, turned and waited. Each and every one waited until the final tribute (Tom) before departing.

If you've read all the way through this, I would like to ask you to say a prayer for Adam and all those killed in service to our country and their families...and remember. Please remember.