This Memorial Day...

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
Meister Eckhart

For all those who serve or have given their life in service to our country: Thank You



The Finial Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”

-Author Unknown

Friday, May 27th:
Well, after counting down the days, I’m finally back at the Lodge in Alaska. I arrived in Ketchikan on Tuesday morning and worked in the office in town for the day. Then, on Wednesday, I boated out to the lodge with Kevin as he was on his way to the lodge as well.

It’s nice to be back here and away from the hustle and bustle again. Not to mention, having a job again! (I wonder if I’m getting paid? I should ask tomorrow.)

Today was my first day at the office. I spent the entire time cleaning, organizing and getting my files ready for the season. I’m not even half way there, so it will take me a few more days to feel ready.
In the meantime, I’m busy studying up on Water Treatment Systems so that I can take a test and get certified for the lodge this year. Next week, when I go into town, I will need to go to the local college and take the exam. I’m beyond nervous about it – there are entire sections on plumbing and water valves! Suffice it to say that I’m beyond my comfort zone – okay, I’m completely clueless – even after reading the chapter! Wish me luck!

In other news, for those of you wondering how I spent the last 8 months of my life, here is a short recap:

In October, I moved in with my cousin, Leah, and her family (husband, Aaron, and son, Gavin (he’s 16 months old already!)) to help take care of Gavin, run errands, and do whatever else needed to be done as she went through her cancer/chemo treatments. It was a lot of fun to hang out with Leah again – by March we could complete each other’s sentences and it was just like old times! Gavin was so much fun as well – what a sweetie! I am really going to miss him, his little hugs and his “Eskimo” kisses (which I taught him!) While staying there, my Aunt, Cindy, taught Leah and I to knit and I managed to make several scarves and baby blankets! Leah tried to help me with my cooking skills as well, but I think the knitting went better!

In late March I moved back home with mom and dad so that I could spend some quality father-daughter time with Dad before he’s deployed to Afghanistan. We had a lot of fun going to the fitness center together, and I think mom and dad enjoyed the extra help around the house, my mowing, and all of the dinners I would create. (Even if some of them didn’t turn out exactly as planned!)

Throughout the fall, winter and spring I would spend my weekends driving all over to see and visit friends and family that I hadn’t had the opportunity to see since coming to Alaska last summer, and had a blast reconnecting and catching up! I loved meeting all of the new additions to families, and spending time with all of you. Thanks to everyone who let me come to stay and visit, or who came to see me – Miss you and Love you all!

I’ve attached a few photos - One of Leah, Aaron, and Gavin; One of my family at Christmas time with our 185th Air Guard shirts on (in support of Dad of course!);
Talk to you all soon - Sharon