I have been talking, this week, with several people about our "reaction" when we get asked to do something, told to do something or we get the phone call we are NOT looking forward to.  I was at a meeting, with my District Superintendent, about a possible student appointment in the Rio Grande River Valley.  I was a student, in seminary, in Texas and I even promised to "work" on my Spanish.  I got home from said meeting to see a light blinking on my answering machine (remember those?).  I took my dog for a l-o-n-g walk.

Yup, it was my family calling to tell me Dad could no longer live by himself.  I needed to move but NOT to the Rio Grande River Valley.  (Every time I have to shovel snow I remind God I was asking for the Rio Grande River Valley NOT the Minnesota River Valley!!)  So...... packing the boxes is the same, loading the truck is the same, location is NOT the same and the role of primary caregiver was a new one.  Thankfully Dad slowly regained some of his strength and we were blessed with 12 years together.

I can tell you, though, that like taking the dog for a walk we did NOT always work well together.  He, frequently, came into my office stomping his cane and saying, in a loud clear voice, "I am the father you are the daughter!"  We often went toe to toe - literally.  But we also had great trips, wonderful discussions and were able to be in ministry together.  So.... yes......have the reaction.  Then LAUGH because it is a LOT easier (and better)  than screaming!!  

What memories come to your mind when you think of Flag day?  All the flags we can see lining the streets?  The memorial flags we see at various places - gardens, the cemetary, memorial gardens? 

I must confess one of the things it reminds me of is tomorrow, the 15th, was our parents'wedding anniversary.   I also loved the story they would tell about the wedding itself.  They were married during WW II.  Dad was stationed near Sioux Falls, SD and had gotten a three day pass.  As he left the base, Thursday after work, he called and told Mom he was coming.  Everyone in the Cities went to work contacting people - baker, florist, minister, church, friends, family.  By the time Dad got "home" (in the wee hours of the morning) everything was in place and ready.

They were married Friday night in the "family" church.  Mom graduated from High School Sat. night. (I asked once - she graduated with her maiden name.) And they were back on the base Sunday night for Dad to be at work on Monday morning.  A good memory I am glad they shared!!

Memorial Day, this week, reminded me of the special services we either watched on TV or went to and the "armed service medley."  Dad was in the Army Air Corp, and so was his brother, which became the Air Force.  He would always stand when the Air Force music was played - even when he had to hold onto his walker to be able to stand and stay standing.  He usually only sang the first part of the first verse..."off we go...."

At one point he had to have surgery for blocked vessels (artery?) in his neck.  We had to be at the hospital EARLY to get him registered.  As usual he gave everyone a hard time but that is a story for another day.  What I was reminded of this week, with the music, is how he was singing the Air Force hymn that day.  The nurses had everything ready, the doctor had been in and talked to us, so they were wheeling Dad out to the surgery.  As they were wheeling him out of the room and down the hall he started singing.  Yup, you could hear him.  "Here we go into the wild blue yonder...."  

Thankfully the nurses thought it was funny.  Like I say...  Sometimes you have to laugh or you will start screaming!