Day 76 ~ Memorial Moments

Day 76 ~ Memorial Moments

 

Mar 17, 2014

 

My first: I went with my mom to the war memorial in Smithton, IL to see my dad's name on the World War II plaque.

 

I had a day planned that was jam packed with errands to run and calls to make. Then my mom called at 7:30 in the morning to ask me to drive her to her hair perm appointment because she was feeling dizzy and did not feel safe driving. I had to be at her house in 15 minutes. Of course, I picked her up, drove out there and dropped her off. Then I quickly carried on to get some things crossed off my day’s docket before I had to pick her up to take her home.

 

About 3 hours later, I received her “take home” call and headed back to Smithton. She offered me lunch at the neighborhood Subway and I took her up on it! We ate and chatted. After we finished our sandwiches, she asked me if I would go with her so she could show me something. And the best part of her request was when she suggested “This can be your ‘first’ for the day, Mary!” I about fell out of the booth! My conservative mother was getting into my “firsts”! Now THAT is a “first”…for her! I jumped at the chance to honor her wishes and to take her wherever she wanted to go!

 

We made our way to the Smithton cemetery and then to the war memorial that was recently added to honor the veterans from all of America’s wars. We immediately walked over to the World War II plaque and she pointed out my dad’s name, Melvin Becker. She lightly brushed her fingers over the smooth, warmed-by-the-sun letters. I saw the longing look in her eyes that reminded me how much she still missed her husband.

 

I am so happy and blessed that I was able to share this with Mom that day. And even happier that she wanted to share it with me. I miss you too, Dad…