How I Spent Memorial Day

I just spent another great day in uniform. The Georgia State Defense Force provided first aid and basic medical services in support of the Memorial Day observance at the Marietta National Cemetery. It was a truly moving experience. All of the graves had small flags on them, and large ones lined the roads throughout the grounds under massive oak trees. All ages attended, including veterans ranging from early 20's to late 90's. The guest speaker was Medal of Honor recipient Michael Thornton, a former SEAL. It was quite humbling to have these WWII veterans thanking me for what I was doing, which paled in comparison to what they have given in their lifetimes. It was a hot and busy day - but I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world! I have always loved the feeling of seeing my husband standing at attention when the national anthem plays and the flag passes by, but it was thrilling to find myself doing the same thing and saluting our flag alongside men and women who's boots I could never fill in a million years, and among the graves of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country from the Civil War forward.

Things went much better than I had feared considering the 90+ degree heat and the fact that the ceremony took place at the top of a large hill. At one point in the ceremony we very nearly ran out of medics as people were "dropping like flies". A majority were young Navy JROTC cadets who were standing at attention in the sun waiting for their turn to participate in the wreath laying ceremony. It was good to have the ability to help even in a small way, and my fellow medics are a good bunch of people that I enjoyed being with today.

On another good note, President Bush signed legislation today making it illegal to protest at military funerals. Isn't it a shame when you have to be told that is wrong?

A Milestone

OK, I feel old.

My baby graduated from elementary school today. Yes, I know he is 11 years old, but even when he is a gray-haired grown man he will still be my baby.

This has been another full week. Daniel's awards program was Wednesday, with him receiving a reading trophy, a citizenship award, an honor roll certificate, and the National Physical Fitness award. The 5th graders had a picnic on Thursday afternoon, and then the graduation and awards program today.

Aaron looked so handsome in his black suit. He had a small singing solo, which thrilled all of the family in attendance! He received awards for the county honor chorus, reading trophy, reading medal, Accellerated Reader medal, National Physical Fitness award, and a stack of others.

I also got to see several of our scouts graduate, as well as one of my kids I see for therapy. This beautiful young lady with cerebral palsy walked across the stage as tall as her classmates with the aid of two leg braces. I found her afterward, gave her a big hug, and told her how proud I was of her.

What a blessing to share in such a milestone in not only the lives of my sons, but of these other children I care about so much!

End Of My Teaching Stint

I have been very fortunate to have spent the past eight weeks as a clinical instructor for a physical therapist assistant student from Gwinnett Tech. Though I have been a therapist for 13 1/2 years, this was the first time I have taught on this scale, especially in the pediatric arena. Jessie, however, was an absolute delight. I was impressed with her knowledge and demeanor. She is a very caring individual with a high degree of professionalism. The kids warmed up to her immediately, and she fell in love with them all.

Jessie told me that her program relied heavily on the clinical instructors to teach areas not covered in depth in class. I was able to share general tips and pointers of practice, as well as geriatrics and wound/burn care, and from our discussions and observing her with the kids I feel she will be an excellent therapist.

She and I also explored the culinary delights Conyers has to offer. By 10:30 each morning we were already thinking about lunch! I don't think we gained any weight, but we certainly didn't lose any either.

I sure hope our paths cross again someday.

One Small Step

Tonight was very special. Pack 354 held their "Crossing Over" ceremony this evening behind the scout hut with a large crowd of family and friends in attendance. Barry and I conducted the ceremony, and it was wonderful to see the boys move up a rank. One little boy who has come with his brother for years was finally old enough to become a Tiger Cub, and that was one of the high points of the evening. Daniel became the only Bear Cub (so far) in the pack, and earned several awards in the process.

I was exceptionally proud of our Webelos II scouts. All seven earned their Arrow of Light, which is like the Eagle Scout of Cub Scouting. Six of the seven have been together for at least 3 years. Barry and I spent the weekend making wooden plaques to commemorate the Arrow of Light for them. It was moving to see them cross the bridge and join the Boy Scout troop on the other side, and Aaron was among them.

The boys in our pack are really a good bunch of kids. We don't have squabbles and fights among them. It has been really fun to watch how the older ones have changed and matured from the wild little squirts they started out to be! Barry and I are so proud of each and every one of them, and it's exciting to get a glimpse of the good men they will become - one step at a time!

Relay For Life

For the second weekend in a row, I stayed up half the night roaming around. This time it was for a good cause - the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. The event took place practically in my own backyard at the Georgia International Horse Park from 7 PM until 7 AM the next morning. Mama and I signed on with the team from the elementary school where the therapy department is based. She and I walked from a little after 7 PM until after 2 AM, and enjoyed every minute of it. The track was encircled by tents and RV's belonging to the various teams walking that night. Directly around the track were luminarias inscribed with names in honor or memory of those impacted by this dreadful disease. Mama and I carefully located the ones we had sold to raise money for the cause. These included dear friends still fighting this disease, husbands and wives of friends lost to cancer, Barry's grandfather, and two of my great-grandparents. Luminaries were also placed in the grandstands spelling out in giant letters the word "HOPE". I didn't hear what the final amount raised was, but I hope the money brings us closer to ending the reign of terror that cancer has had.

Mama and I had a wonderful evening walking and talking and visiting people we knew. We enjoyed the music and entertainment, which included a crazy hat contest and the "Ms. Relay" competition in which all the contestants were men in drag! (Not a pretty sight!) We made plans to have our own relay team next year with friends and family members and stay all night. She and I have participated in walks for many charities, but this one was the most fun event so far.

Doin' My Thing

Talk about a full weekend! After a big storm Friday afternoon, I thought for sure the camping trip was going to be a wash-out. But Friday evening found us setting up our tent in the woods with 20 of our buddies - 11 Cub Scouts and their families. Barry helped us set up, but couldn't stay due to drill the next morning. We had a campfire and roasted marshmallows and did all the "camping" stuff. Some of the boys worked on earning their Whittlin' Chip, which means they know how to safely use a pocket knife. I, the courageous Wolf Den Leader, sat on my behind and enjoyed letting others do the work! Finally the boys began to tire and wandered off toward their tents. It seems there is always a small group intent on mischief, and this time I was right in the middle of it! I don't know when I have had more fun running through the woods in the middle of the night! Tents were rattled, strange noises filled the woods, and two frogs (Fred & Ethel) went camping in one man's tent. The kids were well-behaved, but the small group of adults had too much fun with them. I stayed up mostly out of the desire to make sure that Bill and the bunch didn't get me!!! I laughed so hard, which is difficult when you are trying to sneak around quietly! We staggered off to bed around 3 AM. The next morning we were treated to biscuits and sausage gravy. Then we fished and played until lunch, which was spaghetti and homemade ice cream. The afternoon was spent with more fishing and playing, as well as packing up the gear. We really had a blast.


How I missed the exit Sunday morning I am not quite sure. In my moment of desperation I turned to someone who would surely know where I erred. I was prepared for the voice that answered, but the words surprised me - and cracked me up! "What can I do for you, Private?" After my giggle I told Barry of my dilemma. He got me turned back around and headed for my drill at the Confederate Avenue State Complex. "Thank you, Sir," I replied, which caused him to laugh too.

At this drill I felt like I was beginning to blend into a team. Though I still felt awkward, I learned a good bit during the briefings we had today. We had mini-classes on heat injuries, as well as insect bites. I finally felt that I had something to contribute as the discussion turned to brown recluse spider bites, as I have treated my share. Everyone was very nice and interested in what I had to say.

I wasn't sure if I had made the right decision in joining the Georgia State Defense Force when I first turned in my paperwork, as they seemed pretty disorganized that day. Over the past two times I have reported, my opinion has changed. Though it is often a long way to drive, it is both enjoyable and rewarding. I think I can benefit from it, and benefit others as well.