tribute

Thoughts on Love: In Loving Memory

February 6, 2020September 10, 2021 Angie Andrews 2 Comments friendship, tribute

I never thought I’d find myself more than 8,000 miles away and caught up in 13 hours of time zone difference when it was time to say goodbye.

Truthfully, I never thought it’d be time to say goodbye… because I loved you. So, I didn’t say goodbye. I said all I needed to say.

In a video message—slightly longer than three minutes in length.

I told you I wanted to talk to you, and visit, and that I was still here. I was just really far away. I said to let me know if you wanted me to call you and when. I told you I was fine and going through my normal “I can’t believe we just moved again…” funk—and threw in a cuss word (I don’t know about everyone else, but I only cuss around people I love and trust). I told you I was so glad to know you had so many people showing up to offer love and support, and I told you I hoped that wherever you were was nice—a good place.

Experience Household 6

The 9/11 Generation

September 19, 2019September 8, 2021 Retired Blogger 0 Comments perspective, tribute

I think my peers and I, us “millennials,” are the 9/11 generation.

To most of us, this was the most formative moment of our childhood. Too young to understand the immense hatred that was brought to our doorstep that morning. And yet, we’ve spent the rest of our lives picking up the pieces.

Experience Military Life

El Paso Strong: This Milspouse Heart

August 8, 2019August 30, 2021 Sharita Knobloch 0 Comments encouragement, military spouse, tribute

I didn’t want to look.

It was mid-Saturday morning, and I was supposed to be working on a sermon for church two Sundays away, but in a moment of final procrastination, I got on Facebook.

I shouldn’t have looked.

Some of my friends started sharing news stories about an “active shooter” in a local Walmart near our home here in El Paso and Fort Bliss.

Experience Travel

D-Day: 75th Anniversary Reflections

June 11, 2019February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 0 Comments military spouse, tribute, veterans

As I reflect on my last couple days in Normandy, France, I am still struggling for words. My two days in the most northern part of France comprised of tiny hamlet communities that skirt the English Channel would be a picturesque seaside summer vacation destination…except.

Except that the soft sandy beaches have seen more death than should be allowed.

The gorgeous sheered off cliffs have watched young men heroically traipse their rock face against horrific odds and suffering far too many causalities.

The hedgerows have hidden and provided God-given mercy to local residents.

The churches have heard the cries of dying men pleading for their God or their mom or their wife.

Experience Travel Veterans

D-Day: Love Unites, Death Cannot Separate

June 1, 2019February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 1 Comment Military Life, travel, tribute, veterans

D-Day conjures up a multitude of emotions for many Americans.

I am flying out with my family on the morning of June 1 to visit Normandy to witness the 75th anniversary of the jump into France that essentially catapulted the United States into the European theater of World War II.

I will be writing a multi-part feature on Normandy, D-Day, and the events surrounding this week, but I want to share a story that means so much to me and my family.

Experience Household 6

Loss and Grief

September 30, 2018August 13, 2021 Elisa 1 Comment tribute

My name is Elisa, I’m the oldest granddaughter on my father’s side of the family. Two years ago today, my beloved Nana passed away. Life, as I’d always known it to be, was forever changed. The relationship she and I shared was incredibly special and unique.

I miss her fiercely.

Experience Military Life

Remembering 9/11

September 11, 2018February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 0 Comments Military Life, tribute

As a kid, I remember my parents and grandparents saying, “I remember where I was when…”

Where they were when they heard that John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated or that we landed on the moon—these monumental, life-changing events that shaped the trajectory of our nation and culture.

I have a couple of my own.

Experience Military Life

Happy Birthday, USA: An ode to my home, sweet home

June 27, 2018August 11, 2021 Sarah Peachey 0 Comments Military Life, military spouse, tribute

Hey there, America! Remember me? I know it’s been a while. For the past two years I’ve been residing in Germany, following the love of my life to yet another duty location. And as much as I love it here (and I definitely do), I often miss you.

You’re 242 years old today, Independence Day, but, my, oh my, you certainly look good. You’ve been through a lot over these past almost two and a half centuries. You’ve had your ups and downs, but I still would choose you over living almost anywhere else.

You will always be my home, sweet home.

Experience Military Life Veterans

Happy 243rd Birthday, Army!

June 7, 2018August 11, 2021 Sarah Peachey 0 Comments Military Life, tribute, veterans

On June 14th, 2018, the United States Army officially turns 243 years old. And what a history it has.

This year’s theme is “Over There: A celebration of Army heroes from World War I to present day.” Since the beginning of WWI in 1914, the Army has deployed soldiers to support missions in multiple wars and conflicts in numerous countries across multiple continents.