Quick Quote

I came across this quote in a book I'm currently reading. 

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

 

It's Veterans Day.  I can't help but think of three people.  My Grandpa, who served in the Navy during WWII.  My grandma, because I can't think about Grandpa without thinking of her- theirs lives were so intertwined and Allen's sister, Jozette.

First my Grandma.  She was short in stature and tall in spunk and goodness.  Her life was spent in selfless service.  One of my favorite memories was my grandpa telling a story about how someone had ticked her off.  He said with a chuckle "She was one mad, little woman!".

Grandpa enlisted in the Navy right after Pearl Harbour. He was gone for years, missing much of his young families lives.  He thought he was going to die on a few occasions.  Once when the ship he was on was caught in a hurricane for three days he said he expected any moment to be his last.  He talked about how glad he was when Japan surrendered.  He was transporting soldiers to storm the beaches there.  He said he was so relieved that "All those men were going to live".  It was rare to get a story out of him.  He never bragged or even acted like his experiences were anything worth mentioning.  He did what he had to do just like everyone else of his generation.  Yet to us they are remarkable. 

Today is Allen's sisters birthday.  She passed away a few years ago.  She was young and had her own little family.  She did great things and I firmly believe she is still doing great things.  Achievements come in all shapes and sizes and many different kinds of packages. Her love, kindness and courage will never be forgotten.