Memorial Day 2010

"Our servicemen and women are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth - that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice." President John F. Kennedy
We attended a Memorial Day Program at the cemetery where Susan is buried. I want my kids to know what Memorial Day is all about. And it was very good. A lot of veterans around to make it visible that it is about commitment and great personal sacrifice. All at a cost. Our Freedoms have not been cheap. And I am thankful to God for the great sacrifices by a lot of men and women who have gone before us and gave their lives.
This was the Wreath Presentation of the program. This all was performed by the local Marine Corps League.

Last weekend, we attended the Relay for Life w/ the American Cancer Society. It was Jake and Hannah, Michelle and Luke, Mary, Laura, Kayla, Ed Hoy, Lindsey Vogt and a lot of friends. We had a great night of being together as a family and remembering Susan and a lot of the fun times we have had at previous Relays for Life, all the way back to 2002. I remember one specific memory of Susan being lifted high above the crowd in a fire engine extended ladder bucket. She was always wanting to do the "on the edge" fun activities. And she just loved this one. And she would always get into the night of activities and love talking with so many friends. We see many of those same friends on that special night. So it was fun. Here are a couple of pictures from that night.

The group on this special nightAn iluminary in memory of Susan; along the oval track we walked many laps for the cause

This past weekend also, Jason, Sarah and I ran in the Coeur d'Alene Marathon runs. Jason ran his first Marathon with a pretty impressive time of 3 hours 56 minutes. He learned a lot about running long distance and wants to do another some day, maybe the Portland Marathon in October. Sarah ran the half marathon, her longest distance ever and was impressive at 2 hours 11 minutes. And she had a great time too. She wants to do another half marathon with me in two weeks during Adventure Week at Farragut State Park, trail running. I did the half marathon in 1 hour and 47 minutes, not bad for an old guy. I was pleased. Here are some pictures from that day.

Jason about 200 feet from the Finish Line. He looks pretty fresh but he was a bit dehydrated at the end. His knee brace was from an minor injury during training.

The two half marathoners. We plan on another in two weeks.

And I have to get a picture of my grandson Luke. Nathan, Michelle and Luke came over on Sunday afternoon after the race. Luke is such a handsome young guy. We are all enjoying Luke so much. Laura is going to be taking a babysitter CPR class in a couple of weeks so that she can baby sit him. She is really exited about doing that.

Luke at 5 months old