This is an email I was forwarded and thought I'd post it. Not an original piece of work in the least.

This brought tears to my eyes. God Bless You, Cemetery Escort Duty

I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's for a few cold ones.

Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day.

Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever -- the heat and humidity at the same level -- both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new.

It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace .

An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed.

She had a cane and a sheaf of flowers, about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste:

'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!'

But for this day my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along , we might make the last half of happy hour at Smokey's.

I broke Post Attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch.

I must have made a real military sight; middle-aged man with a small pot-gut and half a limp, in Marine Full Dress Uniform, which had lost its razor crease about 30 minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk.

She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am may I assist you in any way?'

She took long enough to answer.

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'

'My pleasure Ma'am.'

Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.

She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'

' Vietnam , Ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'

She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine I'll be as quick as I can.'

I lied a little bigger 'No hurry, Ma'am.'

She smiled, and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this.

My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.'

'Yes, Ma'am. At your service.'

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone.

She picked one of the bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone.

She murmured something I couldn't quite make out.

The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC, France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone.

I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.

She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman USMC , 1944.

She paused for a second, 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'

I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, Ma'am. Take your time.'

She looked confused.

'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, Ma'am.'

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at.

She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted.

She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman USMC, 1970.

She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out.

'OK, son , I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'

'Yes, Ma'am.

If I may ask, were those your kinfolk ?'

She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father; Stephen was my uncle; Stanley was my husband; Larry and Darrel were our sons.

All killed in action, all Marines.'

She stopped, whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know.

She made her way to her car, slowly, and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin waiting by the car.

'Get to the 'Out'-gate quick. I have something I've got to do.'

Kevin started to say something but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road.

We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

'Kevin, stand to attention next to the gate post. Follow my lead.'

I humped it across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice:

'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'

I have to hand it to Kevin, he never blinked an eye; full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing Duty, Honor and Sacrifice

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of 'The End'. just think of 'Taps'.



As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer:

'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or over seas.
Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'


Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before, in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.


'In God We Trust'


Sorry about your monitor, it made mine blurry too! -


May you walk in freedom given to you by your Military's sacrifice.

just popping in to enjoy something good and warm both in coffee and the company alike

(((hugs)))) You'll do it Adam, you've seem to got a good start so far.

thanks britty and feral (((((((hugs)))))))

Good news, well lol possibly good news. My mom works as a cook for the local high school so she gets emails for local job postings in the education field. Which, btw, I've finally deciding I'm going in...still not sure whether Early Childhood Education or Secondary Ed in Chemistry (with maybe Physics)...I know totally opposites but thats me, I like a variety of things...keeps me openminded ...Anyways...she found a job as a Teacher for Childcare open in a school nearby the University I'll be going...well at least relatively nearby...It would be a 12 month job, 6hrs a day, five days a week, with salary, benefits and pay. There is also an hourly job open at the school too that I'd be interested in as well. I turned in my app and letter of interest to them and I hope to hear back from them. I'm not sure if it will go anywhere, but it would sure be nice to get into the education field even while I'm getting my education to do so. So happy prayers I do ask for this, if not this job persay, maybe another one. LOL if not, I'm shooting for a bank job or anything thats five days a week with semi decent salary or hourly pay (considering what I currently have, I'm not asking much). I plan on getting grants but I need money otherwise to survive basic living.

Now to also extend prayers out to all the others out there who are searching for a job and what they are meant to be in life...where they are meant to go. Its been a long search for me and I know I'm still searching, but this year God has come even closer to me, I remember Him more often which gives me comfort and strength when I need it most. A smile popping on face just thinking about His care and devotion. I pray for everyone to find that one day. I know I still need to get closer to Him, but I am thankful for the closeness I have found thus far.

continuing to pray for you dear debbie.

Just stopping by, asking selfishly for some prayers for myself. My character has been questioned a few times with rumors spreading around work. Its hurting but I'm trying to remember they're just people being college age students who spread rumors about people. Still I'm praying and praying hard. And just wanted to come to a place where I know I can remember God loves me and everyone. And I remember to pray for those who've spread the rumors hoping they'll grow away from that and be who they are truly meant to be.

....always

Another powerful song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawddLbdqLA&NR=1

Strong Tower lyrics

When I wander through the desert
And I'm longing for my home
All my dreams have gone astray
When I'm stranded in the valley
And I'm tired and all alone
It seems like I've lost my way

I go running to Your mountain
Where your mercy sets me free

[chorus]
You are my strong tower
Shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty
Everlasting King
You are my strong tower
Fortress when I'm weak
Your name is true and holy
And Your face is all I seek

In the middle of my darkness
In the midst of all my fear
You're my refuge and my hope
When the storm of life is raging
And the thunder's all I hear
You speak softly to my soul

Chorus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhDh3QTyqKg
I have fallen to my knees
As I sing a lullaby of pain
I'm feeling broken in my melody
As I sing to help the tears go away

Then I remember the pledge you made to me

[CHORUS:]
I know you're always there
To hear my every prayer inside
I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime

Will you help me fall apart
Pick me up, take me in your arms
Find my way back from the storm
And you show me how to grow
Through the change

I still remember the pledge you made to me

[BRIDGE:]
I am holding on to the hope I have inside
With you I will stay through every day
Putting my understanding aside

And I am comforted happy tears

I join Debbie in welcoming blackjesus. This is a kind place where after a day full of troubles you can come here and remember what is REALLY important.

I love this song...Its song by TobyMac and a large gospel choir. Its a beautiful song and I play it often as I go to and from work. Kirk Franklin is in too...making it all the more awesome. If you get a chance to listen it, do. Its not a traditional song by any means, but it is very beautiful in its meaning. (here I found a youtube video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsZAwZi-x5U ...it has the song)

TobyMac » Lose My Soul Lyrics

*featuring Kirk Franklin, Mandisa

Man I wanna tell you all something, Man.
Man I'm not gonna let these material thing's, get in my way, you all.
I'm trying to get somewhere.
I'm trying to get somewhere,
Thats real and pure and true and eternal.

Father God, I am clay in your hands,
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands,
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me,
And every little thing I make up my mind to be,
Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix,
And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit,
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above,
The road that is wide and filled with self love,
Everything that I see draws me,
Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes- a low blow to purpose.
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus.

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.

(Mr. Franklin, Step up to the mic sir)

The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you,
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do,
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts,
Yo before we part from the start,
Where's your heart?
You a pimp, hustler?
Tell me what's your title,
America has no more stars, now we call them idols,
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity,
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me.
We're free...
Not because of 22's on the range,
But Christ came in range, we said yes now we changed,
Not the same, even though I made a fall,
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul.
(YEP!)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
Don't wanna walk away,
Don't wanna walk away

How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity.

(Lord what we gonna do,We're relying on you,
all eyes are on you Lord,
all eyes are on you, all eyes are on you Jesus.)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
(Don't let me lose my soul, my soul.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna walk away, and all those people say)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna lose, I don't wanna lose my soul.)

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,
That fight for our love, and our passion,
As our eyes are open wide and on you.
Grant us the privilege of your world view,
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

(Hallelujah, Don't wanna lose our soul,
No, Don't wanna lose my soul.)

(this is the part of the song that's called Afterparty, as this guy is saying this you can here them singing in the background, then after he opens the door it starts again)

Hey excuse me,
I'm looking for the after party,
Toby,
Ha ha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it.
Thanks,
No problem.

Don't let me lose my soul, I never wanna walk away,
I don't wanna lose my soul,
No, no, no.
Don't let me, don't let me, lose my soul,
I don't wanna walk away,
Don't let me walk away,
Na na na na no,
Don't let me lose, my soul,
I'm never gonna walk away.
Complimentary “Lose

(((((((((hugs)))))))) and Prayers sent your way. God Bless dear.

hehehehe ((((()))))) yes it sure would be, but for now the ((((hugs)))) are very good too.

(hehehe Adam, so true so true )

lol morning song, I'm on mingle, so I'm aware of the craziness. We all kind of explored the new emoticons when we got them ...this guy is a little crazy... , his eyes are twitching. . I've enjoyed them a bit too much and know a lot of them by their typed emoticon rather than wasting time clicking on them (you know you're addicted to mingle2/jsh when...) hehehehe. But thanks for the update. ... ((((hugs)))) (they still need a hugging emoticon ...lol)

I'm a night owl. My job kind of affects that time frame, but my mom is also that way so lol I think it runs in the family. Whats funny is I also like sunrises...which I get to see tomorrow morning, but I just got off an hour ago so I'm still winding down a bit. I'm enjoying some country music and a chat with a few fellow night owl friends.

of course dear feral, always and always pray for everyone!!!

It would truly break my heart not to see someone I love or care about (friend wise) up in heaven. I pray and hope I and everyone I care about makes it to that great place. Including all of you here on JSH...oh lol excuse me...mingle2

Here's a song from TobyMac. He's a more modern singer, and his lyrics can be sometimes funny while being serious. He sends a good message out...here's a song related to the T'was the Night Before Jesus Came post...


TOBYMAC

"In the Air"

I had a dream last night about the other side
And I must confess that it was quite the ride
I had a dream last night and the fact that you weren't there
Gave me quite the scare
People were afloat all around me
Yet their weightless state never seemed to astound me
Everything was grand till I noticed one thing
That you, my friend, weren't on the scene

There in the air

I've been workin' all morning trying to spin my dream
Cause I just can't believe you weren't in my dream
Remember you and I said we would paint the sky
And the leaves on the trees and the stars at night
We made beats and we even wrote rhymes
And played golf, I think, a million times
Now we never got around to spiritual matters
But we sure made time for our mindless chatter

[CHORUS]

I wanna see you there
In the the air
One day we'll be singin' (Hallelujah)
I wanna see you there
In the the air
One day we'll be singin' (Hallelujah)

(the below is toby conversing in song)
Hello, wassup (wassup), how ya doin' (just fine)
I was sorta wonderin', could we make the time
(Just kick it) why not (at our usual spot)
Latte's in May, mine cold, yours hot
(So where we goin') much deeper than our usual chat
(Like who's beats is weak and who's beats is phat)
Nah, my man, this some next level junk
(Like when we discussed if Tiger Woods could dunk)
Just meet me there, seven o'clock, rain or shine
With a fat cup of bean and a wide open mind

[CHORUS]

I wanna see you there
In the the air
One day we'll be singin' (Hallelujah)
I wanna see you there
In the the air
One day we'll be singin' (Hallelujah)

.... I pray that all who read this and all you care about will be one of the lovingly written names in His book that He takes above. Ohhh so sad for the man's family and himself. But sadly when The Day comes it will be so for many and it makes me sad to think of that.

God Bless You all