My Favorite Veteran

I never had a shortage of important women in my life.  I've had many "moms" growing up.  From the mothers of my friends that would consider me one of their own, to my aunts that I've always looked up to, and most especially the woman who gave birth to me.  A lot of women have always played an important role in my life.  And it has made me realize that I haven't focused enough on the important men in my life.  Though today has made me reflect on a few of those men so dear to me.  And I thought it appropriate to take pause and honor them.

Growing up, I never really knew the importance of Veterans Day.  Sure, when I was in elementary school, I remember Grandpa showing up to have lunch with me one time when our school was honoring veterans.  And I liked to look at the old black and white photographs of him in uniform.  I even thought the gun salute at Grandpa's funeral was cool.  Especially when his grandchildren were given a shell casing from the salute.  And one time I drove to the cemetery around Veterans Day just so I could see flags that graced the graves.  I did smile with a little pride that my grandpa's grave had one of those flags.

But for some reason, it didn't all resonate with me all those years.  Maybe it's because of the state that our nation is in now.   Maybe it's the division of patriotism; the lack of unity in our country; or the lack of proper leadership we've had and continue to have.  But today... today Veterans Day is special to me.  It only took me a few decades to really comprehend, and maybe I still don't fully.  Tonight, I sit and stare at my veteran and maybe my eyes are a little moist, and my heart a little tender.  Maybe I'm longing for a sweet embrace.  All I can really is say is that I'm thankful for him.  I'm proud of him.

This day actually makes me think of two men in uniform that I love and miss.  Though, I'm not sure the other would be considered a veteran, I still like looking at his black and white picture in uniform.  My Grandpas were both handsome in their uniforms.

Irvin Butler, WWII

Grandpa Butler served as a pharmacist's mate in the navy during World War II.  I was so young when he was alive that I didn't think to sit down and ask him about things like this, so I never got to hear stories from his time in service.  But I wish I had.  I do know that he has a special veterans gravestone, and it says "PHM2 US Navy World War II Korea".  I thought about him when I visited a naval destroyer on my honeymoon and some old sailors sat around and told us war stories as we wandered the lower decks and stopped for some hot chocolate in the mess hall.

David Heideman 1957

Grandpa Heideman was in the ROTC in the late 1950's.  I don't know much about his time in the ROTC, but I love the smile on his face as he stands in his uniform.  I think his parents took the picture and this moment is one of the main moments I picture when I remember him.  I know that just being in the ROTC doesn't make him a veteran.  In fact, he didn't finish the ROTC because he found a pretty girl, got married, and started a wonderful family.

So Happy Veterans Day to all those Veterans out there and their families.  Thank you for your service, and for the sacrifices you all made.  We remember you.  We love you.  And we miss those of you that are no longer here.