Tomorrow morning I have a doctor's appointment in Nashville and then I'm meeting my f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s friend, author extraordinaire, Linda Leaming. I'm excited to hear about her new book she's working on.



This is when I still kept my hair blonde with feathers.


*****


This morning I visited a neighbor. He's a retired Lt. Colonel. I've know Don for 8 years and he's always been just plain old Don to me. Others in the community often abbreviate his name to call him The Colonel. It's always said in an affectionate way... but perhaps lacking the intonation of respect that comes with the title.

I know differently now and that's precisely why I went to see him this morning. To let him know that I know - and of the utmost high regard I have for him. I also had updates regarding my David. Don and he have become close over the years - Don offering his mentorship and wisdom.

A week in Charlottesville with David changed my thinking - not that I haven't respected the military before. It's just that I unearthed an unsuspecting, heretofore bigger respect. The humble dignity with which the officers carried themselves... well, it was humbling.

Don and I traded a couple of stories accompanied with laughter, but he also mentioned a phrase I hadn't heard before... There was an Army before there was a country.


*****


After I met with Don, I scurried over to the Monteagle Cemetery for a brief memorial service held in memory of the fallen. Attendance was meager, but that was okay - it didn't diminish the solemnity or patriotic swell amongst us. The service was held under a gazebo, which was surrounded by rows of gravestones. American flags marked the graves of those who'd served our country. For such a tiny town, there sure were lots of flags.

I was glad I attended.










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Gotta dash to call my father. He served in WWII. As I do every year, I thank him.