Soldier Jack



Golden roses for the Golden Girls

      As planned, roses were placed in the ocean in honor of our aunts. We had different ideas from special memories of these two great ladies. Some remembered the love of purple and roses of the same color. Another recalled the joy of a favored Bird of Paradise plant. Very appropriately we each decided on an individual honorarium. Dan suggested golden roses for golden girls. Perfect! The vegetation of Southern California is spectacular.


Roses traveling out to the sea.

      The location chosen was the Oceanside pier. As we watched the roses traveling out to sea, we heard a quiet voice behind us. “May I share your bench please?” We turned to find a petite lady with a German shepherd. As we made room for her, she asked who we were honoring. She in turn shared that her husband and Jack, (his fellow serviceman German shepherd), came to that location every Wednesday. “My husband died and Jack and I still come every Wednesday to remember and pray.” She spoke in a trembling voice with misting eyes. Soldier Jack, in service mode guarding his mistress, was still but obviously sad.




Soldier Jack


      San Diego County is among many things, a military community. We attended Solana Beach Presbyterian church on our visit. It was appropriately All Saints Day. After worship, we lunched and visited Mt. Soledad. It is an indescribably beautiful place to honor our service men and women. I am ashamed to admit there was a time in my youth I had not yet learned to fully understand and appreciate what it represents. I have since learned how valuable our servicemen are. It is through their sacrifices that we have the freedom to enjoy the beauty of our country. They protect our right to free speech, even when those speak against and dishonor them. It saddens and angers me that there are people who wish to destroy Mt. Soledad and the few others like it. (I encourage you to view their website and support them however you feel led.)




My sister Doris and I on a very windy day at Mt. Soledad


     Today is Veterans Day. When you see a person in uniform, with all sincerity and gratitude, shake their hand and encourage them EVERY day. The same respect and appreciation should be offered to those surviving family members whose soldier has made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Sunset at the Pier




      This pair of brown shoes is humbled and thankful!


 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33
New American Standard Bible (©1995)