Stuff That Makes Us Hillarys: Always remembered, written in stone

...in the beginning...

We are the Hillary family. I can't actually claim all of us to be Hillarys, we've meshed with the Stimpsons, the Doxstaders, the Merrimans, and the Lowreys - but the more you hang around us the more we kind of rub off on you, and poof - you become a Hillary. Which, after reading some of the things that we do might sound like a pretty frightening thing. The disclaimer is that I cannot embarrass any of my children, and I promised. Then I uncrossed my fingers. We love the following people in our family.... Del & Nicole, Matt & Bethany & Drew, Em, and the Noahman Ashley & Mike and Baby Mackadamia and soon to be..., Mandy & Ryan, J-man and Dimples, and Ryan and Katie - yes we own two Ryans! Not pictured: Zoey the German Shephard, Opi the newly adopted puppy, BG & Baby Red the Macaws (the latter two Zoey would eat if put in the same picture). Welcome to our Blog. Don't take us too seriously.... life is meant to have a never ending, bottomless tub of buttered popcorn and laughter.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Always remembered, written in stone

In my little town where I grew up we celebrate amazing things. On this particular day - we celebrated our brave soldiers from our community and honored them with a memorial in our little cemetery. I was there the day the artist and creator delivered these massive monuments and watched his tears as he talked of making them and putting the names on them. It consists of 3 huge carved rock memorials of those that have served in the various wars over the years, some living, most have passed, too many left too soon. The town came together for a program of music, introductions to many honored guests - and the arrival of a black hawk helicopter. The 21 gun salute, the men in uniform and the beautiful day made for a memorable experience, one I was honored to be at, and also see my father's name (misspelled)(dang) in stone. Here are some of the pictures of that day - some of many many taken, most make me cry.

I love this picture of Rod Sorensen and my mom - they
are total history buffs and they seem to always be in
the Mendon History books somehow together - good good man.

my brother, mother and I

not something you see everyday in Mendon

my dad

These are a picture of my Father's hands today - always a mighty Marine. The reason he is still alive is because his heart is Marine strong! My hands and his - together he gives me reason and strength.

Walking to the cemetery with my 83 year old mom - she followed my father where ever he needed to be in the military - she was stationed where ever he was. She was always by his side. Couldn't be prouder to have my family honored, and be a part of a town that takes care of those that serve. Now - when my son in law walks into a room in uniform - it still takes my breath away. Never could I repay that kind of bravery - never could I really find the words to thank them enough. But I can salute the flag, I can post one at my home, I can stand every time a flag goes by -and reverently remember those that gave some, and those that gave it all.