Memorial Monday


My husband is a firefighter which means holidays make no difference to his schedule. He either is on duty or his is not. This year for the first time in what feels forever he has been home for Sat, Sun AND Mon. It has been a busy weekend sat being filled with chores that lasted all day and into dinner time, Sunday including church and a few more loose ends. Though Sunday night we had game night as a family, always more than awesome fun there.
Today is Memorial day or at least as it is being observed. We got up slightly (and I do mean ever so slightly) later than any other day. I started and Daddy finished breakfast. We sat down together for a rare treat of breakfast together. I having the teacher ways deeply ingrained within my sole decided this was a great time to talk about the meaning of today's holiday.
My school age kids #1 and #2 jumped with answers practically quoting something I am sure their teacher's taught them. It almost sounded like a broken record. Labor day, Veteran's day all school time lessons. I wanted more from them than that. #3 all the while listened, remaining quiet and moody since he was informed of an impending nap this afternoon.
I asked them to imagine a world without these people,tough question but beginnings of thoughts. I changed topic understanding that this may be too deep for so early in the morning. I reminded them that Daddy was also in the Army though not part of any wars. Certain they have been told this before, and surprised they seemingly have forgotten the discussion shifted again. Daddy had the spotlight describing his role as a mortar man, even playing a few youtube videos for effect. #4 joined the group oohing and aahing the repeated fire. I mentioned Pa-pa's role as a radio man in the Korean War and stopped there. I don't know what Great Grandpa did in the Navy to expand further.
Window of interest now over, each child headed their own way. #1 made a beeline for the computer and Star Wars reruns..that us until he notices Daddy found another war movie. Last night #1 plopped down to watch John Wayne's Green Berets stating he loves the action and fighting of war movies too. Of course, he doesn't like the blood. I sigh and once again feel as though my boys should have switched names.#1 is much more like his Dad than his Grandpa,same goes for #3 who is more like his G. Jr's usually are the first born son not the second right?

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