I decided to create this blogspot to share with others stories of my life experiences. I consider them to be pertinent as they are my life, they are what I am, who I am. I have considered writing a book. Maybe not, maybe this will allow me to share memories without pressures of what comes next. As I have tended to live my life without much structure, mostly to react to stimuli, as they say. These pages will come as they come back to me, as they strike, I will write. I can also be a bit of a storyteller as the mood hits me. Maybe some things here won't agree with you, but at least you'll get to know me and isn't that why you are here?

Monday, July 25, 2011

"that was rough...."

It's difficult when it's one of your own.
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That's what he said when he came out. "that was a rough one"
He was talking about the funeral of Vietnam vet, Sgt. Kenneth Thompson. One of us. Many of those that would ride with him, one last time, had ridden with him before, had attended the service.

His wife had passed in January and he hung on, best he could. I will say it, his son told us that it was the Patriot Guard that kept him going. After she passed, he, like most men, didn't talk much. But some of the finest women, true unsung heroes, I know, are involved in the Patriot Guard. They kept him talking.

After he lost his wife, Ken became a member of the Patriot Guard. He was a true brother to many that served in Vietnam during the mid to late '60s. He was always there. He rode every mission he could make during the last months of his life. Always giving, instead of grieving. He missed her, but kept busy. He was a regular at the Tri-City Gun Club and at the American Legion hall. As if he wasn't busy enough with 11 grandchildren.

It seemed fitting.... that along with us.... on Kens last ride.... rode his son. He lives on.......

68 years and counti.......

You know they had "the" talk.
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You know "the" talk. Maybe one would say, "You know you can't go first, I simply couldn't make it without you." Then the other might reply, "Well, you know I couldn't find my hat without you to help."

They were born one year apart, to the day. They met and married in 1943 and he left later to serve with the U.S.Army in Germany until the end of World War 2.

The good Private First Class and his bride were then reunited and spent the remainder of their lives in the Oklahoma City area.

They were together for 68 years. Lived a fruitful life, sharing a pair of sons, one that was lost some time back. They also shared a business and were active at the country club. Up until health issues slowed them down, they were very active in the community as well.

Their lives were tragically taken by someone who had no life of his own. An accident, a harmless prank copied from a movie, that went worse than wrong. But we won't dwell on that.

Just know, they went together, as most long-term couples would prefer. At home, no drawn out affair at a nursing home. Not for these two. Loved and appreciated by so many. I hope they are aware that along with the 30 or so Patriot Guard Riders escorting these wonderful people, there was, the local EMT bus, a fire engine and several representatives of the local Police Department and the Sheriffs Office.

We will all die, someday. Does it really matter how? Do you think it's just better....to leave this world with the love and admiration of those related and others that knew you, lying beside your life-long best friend?