This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Monday, May 31, 2010

Happy Memorial Day....


I called Dad this morning to wish him a happy Memorial Day. The nurse told me he had a visitor. She described my sister, Holly. I called her cell and she put me on with Dad.  He sounded wonderful!
So happy, I could hear his big smile. She emailed this picture of Dad to all of us.  She took an American flag to him and attached it to the back of his wheel chair.
Dad told me it was a beautiful day and he was having a wonderful time with Holl Doll, Dad's nick name for her. I told Dad how much I loved him and I wanted to thank him for all he went through, fighting for our country. He said he was so happy and proud to be a Marine.  I told him we were proud of him as a Marine, but also very thankful he is our Dad.  He thanked me as his heart poured over with love as he expressed his love for the entire family...

He told how much he loved all the great grand children, grand children, his children and all his family and friends.  He was very PROUD, PROUD, PROUD, PROUD of his boys and girls.... When Dad says 'his boys & girls', he not only refers to his four sons and two daughters, but also his six grand sons, six grand daughters and his two and a half great grand sons.

One of his most precious possessions is a white sweatshirt with the first names of each of his twelve grand children, listed down the front in two columns. 

Dad served in the Marine Corps and was in the Second  Marine Division fighting in the Battle of Tarawa.  It is known as one of the bloodiest battles in Marine history.  None of his six children, grand kids or great grand kids would have been born had he died on that beach over those three days of constant battle.

Thank you Dad for who you are and for the untold horrors you experienced fighting for our freedom and our country. It is a happy Memorial Day, having you.

8 comments:

麗娟麗娟 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mari said...

It makes me smile when I read about your dad being so Happy!!!
Glad he had a good day, and I know that after hearing that from him, you did too.
I thank him for his service - he is a hero!

Wander to the Wayside said...

You have every reason to be proud, as does he! I know the conversation and the photo brightened your day!

betty said...

glad you could connect with your dad on Memorial Day and tell him thanks for his service to our country as well as for him being your dad; sounds like you guys had a great conversation together too! I'm sure he is proud of all of you too and loves you all so very much!

betty

PCDee said...

What a handsome photograph! Thank you for sharing, D. It's heroes like that of your father that gives the next generation a sense of pride.

:)

Jeanie said...

Thanks to your dad, and I'm glad he had a good Memorial Day.

gayle said...

Glad he is doing so well!

Chatty Crone said...

I'm glad your dad is happy too! ANd that he remembered some things. I thank your dad too for what he did to keep us free.

I follow another blog - a wonderful woman named JeanMac - her husband has AD too. She's a great gal. http://www.amountaintoohigh.com/

I am going on vacation, but when I get back I will be in touch.

sandie