Marc Wambolt's Blog, page 4
November 2, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
11-2-12
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
October 11, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
10-11-12
I was reading some of the “memos” I have written in the past and came across the first serious poem I ever wrote. It was about my daughter graduating from high school. Graduation was a very happy occasion, but someone really close to her was not there. A grandmother that was extremely proud of her had passed away. I wrote this poem as if this grandmother was speaking directly to my daughter. I called it GRADUATION, but in retrospect I think it should have a different title. Anyway, see if you can figure out the lines in “QUOTATIONS.”
GRADUATION
I never meant to leave you
I didn’t have a choice
Someone kept on calling me
In a very loving voice
“WE’LL WATCH OVER HER TOGETHER
SHE’LL TURN OUT JUST FINE
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE GRANDEST VIEW”
When she leads that Greenway line
Keri I’m so proud of you
And all that you have done
I wish that I were there with you
Sharing in your fun
Remember that I love you
And miss you oh so much
I hope you can remember
Grandma’s gentle touch
You think I missed your high school years
Not true precious love
Keri I saw everything
Watching from above
I HOPE YOU LIKED IT. UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I was reading some of the “memos” I have written in the past and came across the first serious poem I ever wrote. It was about my daughter graduating from high school. Graduation was a very happy occasion, but someone really close to her was not there. A grandmother that was extremely proud of her had passed away. I wrote this poem as if this grandmother was speaking directly to my daughter. I called it GRADUATION, but in retrospect I think it should have a different title. Anyway, see if you can figure out the lines in “QUOTATIONS.”
GRADUATION
I never meant to leave you
I didn’t have a choice
Someone kept on calling me
In a very loving voice
“WE’LL WATCH OVER HER TOGETHER
SHE’LL TURN OUT JUST FINE
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE GRANDEST VIEW”
When she leads that Greenway line
Keri I’m so proud of you
And all that you have done
I wish that I were there with you
Sharing in your fun
Remember that I love you
And miss you oh so much
I hope you can remember
Grandma’s gentle touch
You think I missed your high school years
Not true precious love
Keri I saw everything
Watching from above
I HOPE YOU LIKED IT. UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
September 28, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
9-28-12
I thought it might be a good idea to start posting some of my poetry as part of my bi-weekly blog. I have done this in the past and at least it gave me a subject to write about. My style of poetry has been criticized as being too much like a “Hallmark” greeting card, but I don’t take offense to it because I never aspired to be a great poet. My poems are just an attempt to convey a thought or emotion in an easy to understand and hopefully amusing way.
Although most of my poems rhyme, I do have a few that I wrote in prose. Here is one I titled “SUNDAY BRUNCH.” I hope you like it.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Flickering rays of morning sunlight
Sneak briskly through the spotted window
And dance around mimosas glistening on the table
A brilliant shimmery spectrum suddenly reveals itself
Then shyly retreats back through the curtain
In an apparent case of stage fright
That leaves little chance for an encore
As we gently rock from side to side
We seem obliged to follow parallel lines ahead
And a persistent drone lulls us almost to sleep
Sinking into a comfortable trance
But aware of our surroundings enough
To marvel at Mother Nature just outside
A cup of coffee brings us
Out of our dormant condition
And a meal is served soon afterwards
Straining for a glimpse of the scenery
We laugh and rise in unison
Only to be pushed back in our seats
As our weight shifts with the turn
With a little imagination and a lot of concentration
We are transported back in history
While enjoying our Sunday brunch aboard the train
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!
I thought it might be a good idea to start posting some of my poetry as part of my bi-weekly blog. I have done this in the past and at least it gave me a subject to write about. My style of poetry has been criticized as being too much like a “Hallmark” greeting card, but I don’t take offense to it because I never aspired to be a great poet. My poems are just an attempt to convey a thought or emotion in an easy to understand and hopefully amusing way.
Although most of my poems rhyme, I do have a few that I wrote in prose. Here is one I titled “SUNDAY BRUNCH.” I hope you like it.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Flickering rays of morning sunlight
Sneak briskly through the spotted window
And dance around mimosas glistening on the table
A brilliant shimmery spectrum suddenly reveals itself
Then shyly retreats back through the curtain
In an apparent case of stage fright
That leaves little chance for an encore
As we gently rock from side to side
We seem obliged to follow parallel lines ahead
And a persistent drone lulls us almost to sleep
Sinking into a comfortable trance
But aware of our surroundings enough
To marvel at Mother Nature just outside
A cup of coffee brings us
Out of our dormant condition
And a meal is served soon afterwards
Straining for a glimpse of the scenery
We laugh and rise in unison
Only to be pushed back in our seats
As our weight shifts with the turn
With a little imagination and a lot of concentration
We are transported back in history
While enjoying our Sunday brunch aboard the train
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!
September 14, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
9-14-12
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
May 22, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
5-22-12
I just returned from a great vacation on a cruise ship that followed the west coast from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. It is called a repositioning cruise because it brings the ship from its regular itinerary to a new one. It usually occurs when the calendar and the weather changes. In our case, the ship was sailing north to begin serving Alaska for the summer. It will return south when the season ends in September.
Our trip included stops in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria Oregon, and Seattle. We also visited Vancouver Island and went on an excursion to Butchart Gardens. It is a former rock quarry that was transformed into the most beautiful landscaped scenery that you will ever see. I saw it for the first time a couple years ago at night. It was well lit and spectacular. On this occasion it was around 10:30 a.m. and with the natural sunlight it was even more magnificent. I would recommend this attraction to anyone that is in Vancouver (or even the Seattle area) to make an effort to visit this marvelous collection of foliage and floral delight.
My next cruise will be a 10-day trip from San Francisco to Alaska. I am looking forward to it with great anticipation. It is one of my favorite destinations. I still have a lot of places that I haven’t been to, but I find Alaska to be so beautiful that it is hard to pass up an opportunity to go there. It seems to cast a spell on you once you have made your first visit.
Where are you going on vacation this year?
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a great vacation on a cruise ship that followed the west coast from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. It is called a repositioning cruise because it brings the ship from its regular itinerary to a new one. It usually occurs when the calendar and the weather changes. In our case, the ship was sailing north to begin serving Alaska for the summer. It will return south when the season ends in September.
Our trip included stops in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria Oregon, and Seattle. We also visited Vancouver Island and went on an excursion to Butchart Gardens. It is a former rock quarry that was transformed into the most beautiful landscaped scenery that you will ever see. I saw it for the first time a couple years ago at night. It was well lit and spectacular. On this occasion it was around 10:30 a.m. and with the natural sunlight it was even more magnificent. I would recommend this attraction to anyone that is in Vancouver (or even the Seattle area) to make an effort to visit this marvelous collection of foliage and floral delight.
My next cruise will be a 10-day trip from San Francisco to Alaska. I am looking forward to it with great anticipation. It is one of my favorite destinations. I still have a lot of places that I haven’t been to, but I find Alaska to be so beautiful that it is hard to pass up an opportunity to go there. It seems to cast a spell on you once you have made your first visit.
Where are you going on vacation this year?
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
April 30, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
4-30-12
I have found myself caught up in a new show that has been airing on the National Geographic Channel for several months now. The title of the show is “DOOMSDAY PREPPERS.” Initially, it was just something I recorded on my DVR to watch after finishing the rest of my favorite shows or if nothing interesting was on live TV.
It follows several individuals’ attempt to make their family safe from a bad situation should it occur such as a financial meltdown of the monetary system, failure of the power grid, or oil supply shortage, etc. It unveils their plans to stockpile food, clothing, water and other supplies to survive any given crisis. It also reveals ingenious efforts at building shelters that would withstand natural and man-made disasters to protect them from outside forces.
As far-fetched as some of the scenarios are, it did make me start thinking about my own situation. I realized that I am not prepared for any disruption in daily essentials or services. Looking around the house I discovered a lot of simple things that I could do to increase my preparedness and lessen my discomfort in an emergency. I think more about power outages or shortages at the grocery store than doomsday scenarios, but still there are some common sense things that I am doing.
I have begun buying more items with a longer shelf life such as canned food and am looking at items that I may not have considered before. Also I purchased extra bottled water and several pitcher-type water filters in case the tap water was compromised. In addition, I added some juices and other beverages with sufficient “good until” dates on them.
I purchased extra batteries and several extra flashlights. I also now have an extensive collection of candles and even got an old style liquid fuel lamp with a couple of extra bottles of lamp oil. I made sure I had extra propane for my camp stove too. Anyway, you get the picture. I know it may sound silly, but I would rather be considered paranoid and prepared than wishing I had planned ahead.
Are there any “PREPPERS” out there?
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I have found myself caught up in a new show that has been airing on the National Geographic Channel for several months now. The title of the show is “DOOMSDAY PREPPERS.” Initially, it was just something I recorded on my DVR to watch after finishing the rest of my favorite shows or if nothing interesting was on live TV.
It follows several individuals’ attempt to make their family safe from a bad situation should it occur such as a financial meltdown of the monetary system, failure of the power grid, or oil supply shortage, etc. It unveils their plans to stockpile food, clothing, water and other supplies to survive any given crisis. It also reveals ingenious efforts at building shelters that would withstand natural and man-made disasters to protect them from outside forces.
As far-fetched as some of the scenarios are, it did make me start thinking about my own situation. I realized that I am not prepared for any disruption in daily essentials or services. Looking around the house I discovered a lot of simple things that I could do to increase my preparedness and lessen my discomfort in an emergency. I think more about power outages or shortages at the grocery store than doomsday scenarios, but still there are some common sense things that I am doing.
I have begun buying more items with a longer shelf life such as canned food and am looking at items that I may not have considered before. Also I purchased extra bottled water and several pitcher-type water filters in case the tap water was compromised. In addition, I added some juices and other beverages with sufficient “good until” dates on them.
I purchased extra batteries and several extra flashlights. I also now have an extensive collection of candles and even got an old style liquid fuel lamp with a couple of extra bottles of lamp oil. I made sure I had extra propane for my camp stove too. Anyway, you get the picture. I know it may sound silly, but I would rather be considered paranoid and prepared than wishing I had planned ahead.
Are there any “PREPPERS” out there?
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
March 20, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
3-20-12
I was cleaning out a drawer recently and came across a card that was sent to me after becoming a grandfather for the first time. It prompted me to share it with you, especially anyone that is in that wonderful position of having their first grandchild. The words come from a Hallmark card and I wanted to make sure to give proper credit. As a side note, my poetry has been referred to at times as being “Hallmark-like.” I don’t pretend to be a great poet and so I am not offended by that comparison. Anyway, here is the little rhyming poem from that card. It is titled “IF” for New Grandparents.
---------------------------------------------
If you can’t seem to keep yourself from grinning
And feel as if you’re floating on thin air,
If you see this as only the beginning
Of all the snuggly moments that you’ll share…
If you’re a pro at giving hugs and kisses,
At tickling tummies, squeezing chubby cheeks,
And know just what a great occasion this is
For practicing your “how-to-spoil” techniques…
If you can carry photos by the dozens,
Not showing them to people far and near,
But only family, friends, and distant cousins
And people in the western hemisphere…
If you can let things slide and never worry,
With chores undone and changes in routine,
Remembering babies grow up in a hurry
And how much spending time with them will mean…
If you find making memories so appealing
And just can’t wait to hold that little hand,
Then you must have a very special feeling
For what makes having grandchildren so grand!
---------------------------------------------
I try to live by the forth stanza. There are many times that I have made plans to do a specific thing on a given day and dropped them like a hot potato to be with my grandkids. My grandson will be turning 5 already in April and the time has just flown by. I am so glad and proud to have been part of his first five years. I have got to see and participate in many of his important milestones. I am also proud to say that I have done the same with my precious granddaughter, who is 3.
I realize some of my comments are repetitious and have appeared in previous posts. I can just blame it on getting older. OH, POPS!
Until next time, take care! Marc (Hallmark Marc)
I was cleaning out a drawer recently and came across a card that was sent to me after becoming a grandfather for the first time. It prompted me to share it with you, especially anyone that is in that wonderful position of having their first grandchild. The words come from a Hallmark card and I wanted to make sure to give proper credit. As a side note, my poetry has been referred to at times as being “Hallmark-like.” I don’t pretend to be a great poet and so I am not offended by that comparison. Anyway, here is the little rhyming poem from that card. It is titled “IF” for New Grandparents.
---------------------------------------------
If you can’t seem to keep yourself from grinning
And feel as if you’re floating on thin air,
If you see this as only the beginning
Of all the snuggly moments that you’ll share…
If you’re a pro at giving hugs and kisses,
At tickling tummies, squeezing chubby cheeks,
And know just what a great occasion this is
For practicing your “how-to-spoil” techniques…
If you can carry photos by the dozens,
Not showing them to people far and near,
But only family, friends, and distant cousins
And people in the western hemisphere…
If you can let things slide and never worry,
With chores undone and changes in routine,
Remembering babies grow up in a hurry
And how much spending time with them will mean…
If you find making memories so appealing
And just can’t wait to hold that little hand,
Then you must have a very special feeling
For what makes having grandchildren so grand!
---------------------------------------------
I try to live by the forth stanza. There are many times that I have made plans to do a specific thing on a given day and dropped them like a hot potato to be with my grandkids. My grandson will be turning 5 already in April and the time has just flown by. I am so glad and proud to have been part of his first five years. I have got to see and participate in many of his important milestones. I am also proud to say that I have done the same with my precious granddaughter, who is 3.
I realize some of my comments are repetitious and have appeared in previous posts. I can just blame it on getting older. OH, POPS!
Until next time, take care! Marc (Hallmark Marc)
February 29, 2012
MARC'S MEMOS
2-29-12
Leap Year Day seems like as good a day as any to post a thought, since I haven’t done so in two months. I decided to take the opportunity to thank fellow GoodReads members that have chosen to LIKE the quote listed on my profile page. It comes from my book POEMS FROM THE HEART. It is something I think of today because my two grandchildren are out-of-town and I miss them so much.
Thankfully, they will be home soon. I can’t wait to see them and hear all about the fun they had on vacation. My grandson is almost 5 and his little “sissy” just turned 3. They are still young enough to enjoy visits with “Pops” and I spend as much time with them as I can. I know the day will come when friends, school and other distractions will limit how much I see them. I know it is inevitable. It is all part of growing up. That is why on this Leap Year Day, I am grateful to have them in my life!
Here is the quote that I am proud of and I hope you LIKE it too.
“I may not always be with you
But when we're far apart
Remember you will be with me
Right inside my heart”
― Marc Wambolt, Poems from the Heart
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Leap Year Day seems like as good a day as any to post a thought, since I haven’t done so in two months. I decided to take the opportunity to thank fellow GoodReads members that have chosen to LIKE the quote listed on my profile page. It comes from my book POEMS FROM THE HEART. It is something I think of today because my two grandchildren are out-of-town and I miss them so much.
Thankfully, they will be home soon. I can’t wait to see them and hear all about the fun they had on vacation. My grandson is almost 5 and his little “sissy” just turned 3. They are still young enough to enjoy visits with “Pops” and I spend as much time with them as I can. I know the day will come when friends, school and other distractions will limit how much I see them. I know it is inevitable. It is all part of growing up. That is why on this Leap Year Day, I am grateful to have them in my life!
Here is the quote that I am proud of and I hope you LIKE it too.
“I may not always be with you
But when we're far apart
Remember you will be with me
Right inside my heart”
― Marc Wambolt, Poems from the Heart
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
December 29, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
12-29-11
I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. 2011 has been a good year for me and I hope that 2012 will be just as rewarding.
I love spending time with my two grandchildren, as they seem to bring joy with them every time I see them. I also have been lucky enough to do some traveling and am enjoying relatively good health. I am extremely grateful.
If the Mayans are correct and the calendar (world) ends on December 21, 2012, I am going to make sure next year is exciting and live everyday to the fullest. Even if December 22nd arrives and everything is fine, I will have made the best of my time here on earth.
Realistically, I think we will see 2013 arrive without incident and we will be making New Year's resolutions on December 31, 2012.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. 2011 has been a good year for me and I hope that 2012 will be just as rewarding.
I love spending time with my two grandchildren, as they seem to bring joy with them every time I see them. I also have been lucky enough to do some traveling and am enjoying relatively good health. I am extremely grateful.
If the Mayans are correct and the calendar (world) ends on December 21, 2012, I am going to make sure next year is exciting and live everyday to the fullest. Even if December 22nd arrives and everything is fine, I will have made the best of my time here on earth.
Realistically, I think we will see 2013 arrive without incident and we will be making New Year's resolutions on December 31, 2012.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
November 11, 2011
MARC'S MEMOS
11-11-11
Today was Veterans Day and as I drove around the city, it was nice to observe more public appreciation for them on display. One particular thing that stood out was that several restaurants were letting veterans eat free. I don’t remember that happening in years past. What a wonderful gesture, especially given the current economic situation.
My dad was a Marine and served in the Pacific during the Korean War. I was unable to join the military due to health problems and still retain some guilt about that particular circumstance. I have the utmost respect for our veterans and wrote a poem to honor them. It doesn’t fully express my feelings about them, but here it is.
VETERANS DAY
I never served my country
I sometimes feel the guilt
To honor and to sacrifice
Is how this country was built
It seems that we politicize
The conflicts we engage
Forgetting they are sons and daughters
And how young they are in age
These brave young men and women
Leave home and family
To foreign lands around the world
And serve with loyalty
It takes a lot of courage
That they must all possess
I’m proud of our Armed Forces
On which our freedom rests
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
Today was Veterans Day and as I drove around the city, it was nice to observe more public appreciation for them on display. One particular thing that stood out was that several restaurants were letting veterans eat free. I don’t remember that happening in years past. What a wonderful gesture, especially given the current economic situation.
My dad was a Marine and served in the Pacific during the Korean War. I was unable to join the military due to health problems and still retain some guilt about that particular circumstance. I have the utmost respect for our veterans and wrote a poem to honor them. It doesn’t fully express my feelings about them, but here it is.
VETERANS DAY
I never served my country
I sometimes feel the guilt
To honor and to sacrifice
Is how this country was built
It seems that we politicize
The conflicts we engage
Forgetting they are sons and daughters
And how young they are in age
These brave young men and women
Leave home and family
To foreign lands around the world
And serve with loyalty
It takes a lot of courage
That they must all possess
I’m proud of our Armed Forces
On which our freedom rests
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
