Since we were in Vegas this past weekend, I was not able to celebrate a happy day with my family. October 11th was always a day of celebration, love and family in my home. Back in 1980, Mama B and Daddy got all dressed up and promised to love and cherish one another forever and the 11th marked 35 years of wedded bliss.
35 years later they are still IN LOVE, happy and an amazing example of marriage. They have been the biggest supports of my marriage and I only hope Le Husband and I are as fortunate as they are in life. Cheers to many more years together, Mama B and Daddy! I wish you a gobzillion wishes of happiness and joy!
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| Pretty sure I borrowed this from Babyspice, THANKS! |
Nine years ago October 11th became a day of sadness and a day of grieving. Nine years ago a college friend and an amazing man gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Iraq. I found out from a friend via AIM when I was at work and I'll never forget that moment. I lost it at my desk and just asked 'WHY SHANE'? My boss was incredibly understanding and let me leave work early and on the drive home from work my dad kept me company. I was a mess the rest of the day, trying to find out details about the funeral and just grieving alone in my room.
Shane epitomized life. He lived with zest, humor, love and truly didn't know a stranger. While we weren't incredibly close during college he was the go to guy in classes and always had a laugh or a smile when you needed it most. All funerals are sad, but his is one of the most mournful moments of my life. The world is a little less bright because his candle is no longer burning.
I do my best to visit his grave every year, either during Memorial weekend or during October. I usually leave a flower with a note by his stone and just sit there and cry while I remember a life that is no more. Last Christmas I was blessed enough to meet his family while we were laying wreaths at Arlington Cemetery. It was poignant talking with them and I couldn't help but cry when his father teared up remembering his son.
I wore a KIA bracelet with his name and date on my wrist for many years and after it started to break I put it away until I could save it for my wedding. Shane's bracelet was part of my bouquet and is forever preserved with my flowers.
Thank you Shane, for your service to our great nation. You will never be forgotten < 3!
I remember the first time you shared the story of your friend - he is a true hero - what strength and courage he had...
ReplyDeleteAlso happy belated anniversary to those two love birds! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
Losing somebody is hard, but it always seems especially hard when it's somebody so young that had their whole life ahead of them. It seems like you're doing an amazing job keeping his memory alive, and I'm sure he won't ever be forgotten! Big hugs because I'm sure the 11th was a tough day, even though it also has some happy memories because of your parents!
ReplyDeleteFirst, happy anniversary to your parents! Hope they had a great time celebrating!
ReplyDeleteEven though Shane is gone the ways you have remembered him and carried on his spirit are great! Love that he was included in your wedding day and you know he was looking down smiling on you. Big hugs to you girl! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Such a bittersweet day. Love that you've continued to remember and visit Shane - he truly gave the biggest sacrifice for our country and I know that I am thankful to him as well. Also, happy anniversary to your parents! I hope they had a fabulous day together!
ReplyDeleteWow--what a big day for two very different reasons. My parents are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, we actually managed to get all 7 of us kids in one place to celebrate with them, something that's pretty hard to do now that we're all spread all over the world.
ReplyDeleteHugging you so much from afar. So hard when two different emotions occur on the same day. But cheers to 35 years and p.s. you look just like Mama B in her wedding day pic... seriously twinsies!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary to your parents - what a great example of love and commitment. BTW you look just like your mama in that wedding picture :)
ReplyDeleteAnd so sorry about your friend, but I love how you continue to remember him - that's so special.
I'm so glad that your parents have shared so many years together! But incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. He was a wonderful person for serving our country.
ReplyDeleteliz @ sundays with sophie
Such a handsome and wonderful man. Thanks for sharing some of his story.
ReplyDelete*Hugs* for you my friend on this bittersweet day. I'm so sorry to hear about your dear friend <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Awww, reading this about your friend made me tear up. I love the way you made the bracelet a part of your bouquet. Congratulations to your parents on a long and happy marriage...a rarity these day.
ReplyDeleteTraci
waltzmetoheaven.com
Such a handsome guy. You are a great friend to continue keeping his memory alive.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a mix of happy + sad. Your parents are an inspiration! And your friend, also- in a heroic way. :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
So many different emotions to be felt. Sending you lots of love for both occasions.
ReplyDeleteWow, first happy anniversary to your parents, and the way you talk about your friend, so touching. So glad that even though he's gone you could remember him on your wedding day.
ReplyDeleteWhew- what an emotional rollercoaster I'm feeling. How blessed to have parents still in love after all these years- congratulations to them. And thanks for keeping the memory of your friend alive, that bracelet is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful tribute to him.
ReplyDeleteFirst, happy belated anniversary to your parents.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I am so sorry for your loss. I love that you included the KIA bracelet in your bouquet. That is such a great way to remember & honor your friend.
I'm so sorry that you had to lose someone like this. What a special person to make the sacrifice that he did. He will be honored and remembered forever, by myself too!
ReplyDeleteYour parents are true role models. Happy anniversary to them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like he was a great guy and that was awesome you could honor him by building his bracelet into your bouquet.
Such an emotional filled day for you. I absolutely love that you wore the bracelet and then incorporated it into your bouquet. Such a special memory.
ReplyDeleteWow, this post made me tear up happy AND sad tears! Sending you lots of love <3
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your parents! What an awesome milestone!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for the loss of your friend. It is wonderful that you continue to honour his memory and sacrifice.
Happy anniversary to your parents.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are such a beautiful person for visiting your friends grave every year. Sorry for your loss :(
A great tribute to both your parents and you friend Pinky. A marriage held together that long these days is worth gold. Your friend, and what he gave to our country, also worth gold. You are gold too to remember him each year and not forget the sacrifice he gave.
ReplyDeleteThis is a precious post. HUGS GIRL!
ReplyDeleteXO Ellen from Ask Away
www.askawayblog.com
You are such a sweet soul... Beautiful inside and out! I saw this post on Facebook and remember reading about your friend last year. You are amazing to carry on his memory!
ReplyDeleteAlso, a happy belated anniversary to your parents!
happy anniversary to your parents :) so amazing.
ReplyDeletei am so sorry for your loss, friend. i am sure it doesn't get easier as the years go on, but i remember you said his family said it meant so much that you visit his grave and remember him. you are such a sweet soul xx