Guarding a memory

  I got up this morning, a Christmas miracle at my age, and grabbed that first cup of coffee. My wife got up earlier and had it ready. No little kids here, no pitty-patter of tiny feet. Morris, my cat did greet me looking for his morning treat. Yes it is low key here, not much different than every other morning. Opening my Facebook page I share my morning salutations. The plan is to go to my sons house about nine or so. He is in a new home this year and that's exciting. Time to start creating memories in a new home. He is expecting his first grandchild next month. That home will become, Grandma and Grandpas' place. They have chosen different names however, I haven't memorized those yet. Seems like a new thing, choosing different names to be called instead of Grandfather or Grandmother. That child can just call me "the aged one" or the "wise one." Really whatever she likes, yes it will be a girl. 

  As I sit here making my plan for the day I am remembering all those that came before. I'm thinking about my brother and sister, my mom and dad, all the grandparents, family and friends. My thoughts turn to those times when I was in the Navy, deployed and celebrating Christmas at sea. One year in particular I remember well. We were deployed unexpectedly in support of Operation Desert Shield. All leaves were canceled and we left just before Thanksgiving and remained throughout the campaign. No one was very happy about any of that, but it is what we signed up to do. Anchors aweigh my boys. Never in any serious danger my ship supplied ammo and fuel to the fleet. We got the seats in the back row. 

  I'm sitting here with my coffee, typing my thoughts, warm and safe. The weather has changed, predictably so as it is winter, and become cold. The warming will come in the spring. My time in the service is long in the past now, I retired in '93. Hard to believe it has been thirty one years since then. As I think about all of that my thoughts turn to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Their memories are guarded  24/7 and have been continuously since July 1, 1937. That is 87 years, 5months and 25 days. A guard is marching there as I sit and write. A guard is there as you open your gifts and enjoy your holiday. Those interred there never made it home, their families look for them still, not knowing. Those "unknowns" represent all those that served in anonymity. The spirits of life, not the mourning of death. For it is like General George Patton said so eloquently, well for him it was eloquent,  “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” 

 Merry Christmas to all, Happy Hanukah or Kwanza whatever custom or tradition you enjoy. Remember those that are not with us today and do not be sad for them. Include them in your celebrations. You are the guardians of their memories. Do not allow your guard to be lax.