Sorry for the delay in getting back to the blog. The past few weeks have flown by. I'm excited about reaching the 2,800 mark for homes and thrilled that I was able to take a few hours off and venture to the land of the mighty St. Lawrence. It was great to see my son, Mom,Dad,
brothers and sisters. I also had the pleasure of seeing nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, close friends and those crazy great nephews who have more energy that everyone put together.
In addition to walking and walking, I was back at the Fireman's Fair making cones and helping in the Hole in One booth. I am amazed at the number of children who could get a hole in one. Many prizes were given out and lots of smiles were seen. It was a fun event. I also attended the thank you party with the volunteers and was impressed with age range of those that donated their time to make the event such a success. Volunteers are truly special people.
I had a very moving experience helping out at the Wall that Heals when it visited our town park. I had met with the organizers a few months before to see what I could do to help but had no idea how moved I would be. I stood with the Blue Star Mothers during the opening ceremonies and wondered how they felt about the words that were being spoken. Most of the speakers seemed to give great thought to their words and understood the impact they would have on the crowd present. I had to wonder about a few comments I heard from a speaker when he mentioned how great public service was. Clearly he did not understand that comparing public service - going to a meeting and making decisions that don't really impact life or death - to serving your country and being in harm's way constantly, was not appropriate. Sometimes politicians just don't get it. It is not all about them. While standing with the Mothers, I noticed one of them was having a difficult time with the ceremony. I gently reached over and touched her shoulder. She was crying and was having a hard time listening to the words of the speaker. Being there, touching her, brought the tragedy of the moment event more alive for me. As I started my hour of reading the names of those on the wall, I often stopped and glanced at the wall and thought about the number of lives it represented. Not only the 58,249, but each family member or loved one who was connected to that name. After reading for a little over an hour, I helped locate names on the wall for visitors so they could touch the name of their loved one. Maybe what made it more moving to me was that I was reading with a Blue Star Mother. She took great pride in pronouncing each name and read them ever so carefully - to give each person the same level of respect. Once you read a name, the wall no longer represented numbers, it represented people. I left the Wall and traveled north to be with my family. As I passed through Fort Drum, I wondered how many from there will be placed on a wall so a Mother can grieve. When I returned, I again read at the wall and there was another Blue Star Mother there, this time volunteering as a walker. Those women are just amazing, I respect their dedication to all members serving our country.
So the walking continues...new streets, new neighbors and new friends. There never seems to be a dull moment on the campaign trail. If I'm not walking, I'm at a planning board meeting, (now there is a story there!), town board meeting, budget workshop, CACC meeting, chamber meeting, community event or 9W Study meeting. In between that, I'm busy working for my clients or attending a Rotary meeting somewhere in the capital district. I have a few lawn signs left so I still need homes for them. I'll learning about the issues that matter most to my neighbors and covering as much of the Town as I can - at least with this pair of shoes. I'll be home on November 7 Vic - keep an eye on Auggie and Woody, don't forget to give them special treats from time to time. (Having two standard poodles is like having two kindergartners!) Thanks to that special dance instructor for his melodic idea!
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