My Dad, I Just Have to Imagine that He is Here

Friday's Fallen Acorns is a little late this weekend.  Sorry.  I have been delayed by the fact that it is Father's Day weekend.  My Dad is not here on earth to celebrate the day.  I bought my husband a rocker/recliner for Father's Day.  That was OK....because I bought myself one, too.

You see, we are going to be grandparents soon....for the FIRST TIME.  Anticipation is killing me.

But, my Dad will not be here to witness my new role in life.  That's what has me down.  I was used to being a kid in his presence, no matter what age I was.  Taking on a new role in life was something that I always shared with him.

First day of school.....shared it with him

First bike ride...shared it with him

First tree I climbed....shared it with him

First prize ribbon in a science project fair....shared it with him

First time behind the wheel of a car (at the age of 11)....shared it with him

First time getting an official driver's license...shared it with him

First time graduating from high school and college....shared it with him

First time getting married....shared it with him

First time becoming a parent....shared it with him

But now, my new role....First time becoming a grandmother.....he's not here to share it with me.  That's what hurts.  If he were here, I know what would happen.  Just like all the Firsts that I mentioned above, he would give me a big hug, tell me that he was proud of me, and smile from ear to ear.

So, this First time becoming a grandmother, I will just have to imagine his smile, imagine I feel him hug me tight, and imagine I hear him say, "Shari, I am proud of you".

I think I'll need a tissue now.  You might need one, too, if your Dad is not here with you on this Father's Day.  God Bless all the Dads who have gone onto Heaven.  May they all have the blessings and peace that they so deserve.

Frank J. Bognar, Jr.  1925-2002

The Names of the Gray Granite Marker

Every year, the month of June marks the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of Europe during World War II.  An epic day, indeed.  But, there were so many other battles and skirmishes in other parts of the world during that war.  Soldiers lost their lives serving in the armed forces of many countries.

I found a book that fits in with my blog topic of "Fallen Acorns".

A Grassroots History of World War II: Eight Men in Granite - Richard J. Staats, 2008.

www.heritagebooks.com, available for sale through www.ancestorstuff.com

In front of the Randolph, Ohio town hall, the names of eight men are engraved on a gray granite marker.  These men paid the ultimate price...the supreme sacrifice....they gave their lives while serving our nation during World War II.

Robert E. Francisco, Henry B. Wise, George Reisinger, Robert H. Hillard, Elmer L. Leech, William H. Bettes, George M. Buzek, and Donald A. Dibble.

The author, Richard J. Statts, decided it was time to find out who these men were and what were their circumstances that ended their lives during the lifetimes of the greatest generation. Through a somewhat lengthy search of service records, unit roles and other records mentioned in this book, many photos, v mails and letters were donated to help with the gathering of each man's story.  Mr. Statts uncovers the personal stories of these men.  Two were lost at sea.  Only one of the soldier's remains were returned home. These were not close buddies, but all came from the same rural community that held deep and close family bonds.  

In a time when we so often forget about why we have this nation of freedoms and opportunities, we truly have a need to read and learn about those who gave their lives so that we can continue to live in our nation with every right to pursue a wonderful life for ourselves.

I highly suggest that if you don't have a person in your life who can tell you about their life in the military service, at least read about how one person researched the lives of these eight servicemen. Learn about what they were asked to do during a time in their lives when, I am sure, they would have rather stayed home and continued their lives in their hometown.