Death of a Colleague

Life is fragile, yet as Americans, we often don't experience the fragility of our lives. This past week, a good friend/colleague, died an untimely death. He was Paxton's former boss, and he was the man who could turn anything to gold.

On the 28th, they held a Service for him, where there was an open casket. When Hope saw that, she wanted to see his body, but I told her that she probably should NOT see it. Of course, Miss Strong-willed had to see it after Mom said No, so off she goes. When see saw it, she remained quiet the rest of the service, only sharing her thoughts afterwards: Where is he? Who took him away?

We decided there was no way we could hide our own grief and distractions with daily life, so we shared with Hope what a 3 year old could understand, and let me tell you. Three years olds can understand a LOT of things. She never questioned why we were so sad and confused. She never asked the family left behind why they were so distraught. She knew, and she was such a comfort to us and those around us.

On the 29th, we went to the internment, where our friend was buried with military honors. There was the honor guard to fold the flags from the casket and present each flag to the 14 and 12 year old sons left behind, a 21 gun salute, and a trumpet to play "Taps". Then, the minister shared, and they lowered him into the ground. Hope watched the entire thing in silence, and comforted mom when she cried. Paxton and the rest of the Air Force workers all had to stand at attention during most of this part, but we could hear the sniffles as tears fell. Afterwards, Hope asked: Why do we have to bury him? Is he with Jesus? I decided to wait until she was a little older to explain. After the burial, Hope went to pick some dandelions and decided she'd give Mom a flower. I kept that flower on my ear all day long, reminding me how empathetic my child is. She also picked another dandelion and gave it to Paxton's new boss; we were all quite taken aback with this action, as Hope never interacts with "strangers". I'll never see dandelions the same again.

We've indeed grown much from this tragedy; Hope understands that death is part of life, and there is really no way we can avoid it, though we try, don't we? The good thing is that we have our hope is Jesus who comforts us in life and in death. We are grateful for a savior who has conquered death so that we can have eternal life in Him. Thank you, Jesus.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11: 25

The Military Ball

Every few years, Paxton's Air Force Group holds a ball, so Hope really was wanting to go to the ball in the last entry. She stole Mom's shoes and pictured herself dancing with her prince. All the spouses get decked out to the nines, which is really fun. It's kind of like "grown-up" prom, except it's a lot more expensive and there are no limos . New officers are still nervous with their first ball and don't know how to act, but it's all fun and we have a great time. We were able to take Hope, because they offered free child care where the ball was, so Hope was enthralled with all the women in their flowing gowns and updos. We meet all the Generals and Colonels and listen to lots of talk about how the Air Force has grown and strengthened through the years. We ate some food, and then when we're all tired, they make us dance. Hope wanted to dance with her Prince (aka BaBa), but when the band started to roll, it was too loud for her tender ears, so they just danced out in hallway...

I went to a salon academy, showed them my hairpin and told them to do something Asian looking. This was the result. I thought it looked pretty Asian, don't you? snicker

Hope antics

I'm not sleepy at all!!!!

I'm going to the ball!!!

Striking a pose!