Bobby

This weekend I joined thousands of others who descended into Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen this holiday season at Wreaths Across America. I don't know anyone personally who is buried in the cemetery, but I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to salute those who now lay in peace within its gates. After I got my wreath to put on a grave, I walked around for awhile to try and find a place to put it. After reading many grave stones, I noticed one without a wreath in a long line of graves already adorned. His name was Robert F. Eckert, and if he were still alive today he would be my age. This was definitely the one. As I lay the wreath, fixing the bow so it would be just right, I quietly thanked him for his service.

After some research when I returned home, I found out that "Bobby" was an Ohioan just like me. He was from Cleveland, and over 6 feet tall. He served 3 tours oversees, and was a purple heart recipient. When on leave at home the last time, he asked his mother to promise to bury him in Arlington. Bobby seemed to be one of those guys who always knew he was going to be a Marine, and after a lot of hard work, I bet he was a damn good one.

This is from Arlington National Cemetery's Web site
"Lance Corporal Robert F. Eckfield Jr., 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lance Corporal Jared J. Kremm, 24, of Hauppage, New York, died October 27, 2005, from an indirect fire explosion in Saqlawiyah, Iraq. Kremm died at the scene while Eckfield succumbed to his wounds at a nearby medical center. Both were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina."

I obviously didn't know Bobby, but if I could tell him one thing it would be thank you. I don't know if his family was there Saturday, and if so I'm sorry for taking your wreaths spot. If they weren't able to attend, Bobby still got a very thankful visitor, an Ohioan friend. I would also tell them thank you for their sacrifice, something no one should ever have to go through. I have no idea what it was like to be in his boots, but I like to think that my prayers get to those guys over there everyday.

This was a truly humbling experience, and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend. It's an amazing way to let these families know that their sacrifice and love for their fallen will never be taken for granted. Fortunately I can not relate to the magnitude of their loss, but I continue to pray for each of them every day.

Christmas mittens

I am obsessed with mittens this year. While at Target, I stumbled upon mitten-gate 2009. I purchased mitten ornaments, a picture frame, hand towels and a tree skirt. Adorable! Thanks Kayla for your decorating help! :)

Hello 27!

When are you considered "old"? There comes a point in everyone's life when people start to consider them old. I found this to be true when recently I turned 27, and when telling someone this, they started giving me the "old" look. Almost liek they want to follow that look with, "O, I'm sorry." GREAT!

Personally, I just think that it is a sign of the times. The other night I was watching "Mad Men", and one of the characters mentioned that another character was -gasp- in her thirties. Clearly she was washed up, and would end up as an old hag. (She recently got engaged- SO THERE!)

Also while talking to my Grandma, I am reminded that when she was my age, she had two children. This is all well and good in both situations. That is the way things were done back then. Fortunately that is not the way we do it now. We also don't smoke in the office as they did in the 60's based show. Gross!

Ironically, I find that most of my college graduate female friends that are 25-30, are not married, and not stressing out about it. Yes, I have a few that are already married, and baby fever hasn't started yet for any of them (thank God), and I just want to note that this situation is just fine. The ones that aren't married though are all great catches, dating and successful in their careers. I'm just waiting for the eerie calm to subside, and the ticking of the clock to start. Yikes! All in due time my friends...all in due time.

For now I am having a great time, and although the years tick by, I will never grow up! Ha!