Now that the end of summer is here, sort of, we have noticed how quickly we are losing sunlight while walking. During June, July and August, we were out until 9:00 pm meeting our neighbors. Now by 7:30 we need a small flashlight to read the house numbers. Maybe we'll change our attire to miner's hats so we can light our way.
I had the honor of participating in the First Annual Freedom Walk sponsored by the Capital Region #2 Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America. It was cloudy, dreary day but the walkers and speakers were ready to move. We walked over the pedestrian bridge in Albany in a show of support for those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and all of those who continue to serve. By "those", I include the fireman, police, and all the service men and women who are fighting for freedom. The event included the signing of a very large yellow ribbon that is going to be sent to the troops in Iraq. As I was reading those messages I noticed that many were notes to a loved one who is serving but the others were from people who just wanted to say "Thanks for serving - we support you". There was a speaker there who spoke about his recent tours and the effect they had on his life and family. He was a member of the airborne so he spoke about being a paratrooper and jumping out of planes. During the course of his talk, he told us that while he was in a fox hole in Afghanistan, his wife told him they were getting a divorce. He said he had to cut the call short as the bullets and mortar fire were coming in fast and furious. He told the group that what is seen on the daily media is not what is really going on over there. Yes, there are people dieing and gun fire, but the outcome - a new school , electricity for a village, fresh water or a hospital is their purpose there and he is proud to be able to accomplish those tasks. He reminded all of us that everyone there, is a volunteer - they signed up for the job. I think he left many of the mothers feeling much better after listening to his message. They could see their son or daughter in him and seemed to understand better why their child chose to serve this great country. One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was Erin Frank signing, "I'm proud to be an American." She started the song be herself but by the time she reached the chorus, most of the group was singing along with her. She does have a fantastic voice!
Besides walking - we are back at the soccer games greeting parents as they come to the field with their children. Just a nice, "Hi" is our goal - certainly don't want to hold them up as they are scrambling to get to the field on time. It is funny to see so many of the people we have already spoken to at their homes. You can't beat the old door-to-door method.
Until next time - see you out there on the trail!
