Memorial Day

Today for so many people is the kick off to the summer.  It starts the summer cookout season.  John and I are heading to wooster to cook out with Randy.  Then we are off to maple heights with Sasha to cook out with Warren and Jim. 

Today my family is gathering for a cookout.  I of course will not be attending because of the 15 hour drive.  I am finding it harder and harder to not be around my family.  Even though they drive me crazy.  I can;t count how many birthdays, holidays, and special events I have only been a 10 minute phone call.  I have missed my neices and nephew growing up.  Uncle Jasen is just a person they see every few years. 

When I was growing up we were surrounded by Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  We had family picinics several times a summer and hung out.  My Cousins were some of my best friends.  I am saddened that I am not the uncle to my neices and nephew that my uncles were to me.  And that is only because of the distance.  I have told them that no matter what, they had a home with me and that I would be there for them.  I just wish that I could back that up with my presence.

I am getting melancholy I guess because in the not so distant future my sister give birth to Aiden.  I again will be a voice on the phone. 


I wanted to take a minute and talk about the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we have. My friend Josh is 17 and he is enlisted. This summer he heads out to basic training. I am awed by Josh for many reasons. He is blessed with an amazingly awesome family. I have known Josh since he was 13.    Everytime he sees me he gives me a great big hug.  He is not worried and had never been worried about what people will say about him hugging a gay man.  One time he was going to homecoming, he was asked by a young man if he would go to homecoming with him.  He told the young man that he was honored, but he already had a date.  He was not grossed out or offended.  Watching him grow from a boy to a man has been a treat.    I am proud of the man he is becoming.  I am glad that he is in my life.

I don't know what it is that makes some people want to enlist and serve their country and their countrymen, and makes some people not. I am one of those that does not have it in me to enlist. I am grateful for those people. When it comes to push and shove, I know I would be able to fight for my country.

Right now it has not come to push and shove.  I am proud to be an American.  I am proud of the Men and Women who have what it takes to serve.  I am honored that they fight for me and my family.  Thank you for all that you do.