Today is Memorial Day. The meaning of this day is haunting me with thoughts of an uncle who’s life was taken such a long time ago that he is a childhood memory. The trouble is that I did’t get to know him as well as I could have now that I’m an adult. The details of his life are much more important than his death. My uncle was a Marine. He served our country for several years. As a kid, all I knew was that my uncle was a Marine and was doing fun things in the desert. I saw pictures of him with his Marine friends and giant spiders. Spiders are cool when you’re a kid. I’m not even going to mention the great ice cream insolent of our adolescence.
When he came back from the desert, he was an awesome man. The kind of man that, even as a kid, I knew he could do anything he set his mind to. Even though he seemed more dangerous when he got back, I felt more safe around him. Of course when I say more dangerous, I mean he’s more rough around the edges and not an innocent kid anymore. He was trained to take more risks which mad him much more successful. I’m grateful for the time he spent as a Marine. I think that his training and courage influenced me throughout my life.
If you are in the armed forces or used to be, I want you to know that you are an inspiration to people you don’t even know you’re inspiring. My uncle lived his life influencing and inspiring people to their best. For this, Uncle Mike, I am eternally grateful and will always remember.
Thank you to my cousin Angie for the photo!
D.J.
