memorial weekend 2012

for the past 3 days i've been in and out of bed with a cold and flu.  i have no idea where it came from as i haven't heard of anyone else having it. at first i thought it was just a bad bout of allergies, going from a more humid southern california for the hb conference and then back to desert dusty las vegas.  i've thought of places i could have picked up the virus and just now i recall that one of the last times i've gotten this sick, i was also in a rental car driving hundreds of miles to a singles gathering.  i have deduced that i need to sanitize my rental cars and go to these events loaded up on vitamins and hand sanitizer.  or figure something else out.

i am more introspective and pensive when i'm sick. counting of sheep has never worked but this time thinking of how my ailing body works, specifically attempting to visualize how my mucus-obstructed lungs exchange oxygen into my blood as i breathe deeply, finally puts me to sleep. one of my last waking thoughts is one of awe and wonder.  how could the human body possibly develop and come to be by chance?

thursday evening my body was aching all over. even behind my knees.  i kept waking up, going to the bathroom and then struggling a bit to fall back asleep. when i couldn't take insomnia any longer, i asked Heavenly Father to please help me sleep.  I begged him out loud promising that i wouldn't attempt to make it to duck, nc this weekend for another singles gathering. i felt a little tingle in my upper body and i was out.

yesterday i had a bit of energy to get out of the house and make a fun purchase at rei.  their anniversary sale is going on and i've been meaning to pick up this solar charger for my emergency kit. it was on sale and i had my dividend to use so i made my way to the district at green valley and did a little shopping.

while in the car, i was listening to npr.  they had a special on for this memorial weekend.  veterans and people who had close interactions with people in the military were telling stories of their experiences.  i found myself shedding tears while listening to a former p.o.w.'s torture and eventual release. the details of his words painted pictures in my mind that i'm certain could not have come close to his reality.  his voice sounded like a gentle grandfather but he had been through hell and back.  seeing fellow soldiers and p.o.w.'s killed right next to him and losing a close friend in his arms as he fed his emaciated body were a couple of things he shared.

these people were real.  they were alive.  some still are.  i have not experienced anything like war and it is because of them.  i am thankful for them.  i am thankful for the men and women who serve in the military.  i am humbled by their sacrifice and by their courage.  i cannot fathom their griefs nor their struggles but i can honor them with my gratitude and allegiance to this blessed country. may we ever be worthy of God's blessings.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57437366/with-thousands-of-flags-honoring-fallen-heroes-hes-never-met/?tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;SunMoImageStack