example

Sometimes strange things just happen to me…

Prime example.

Yesterday I grabbed the mail and the only thing that belonged to me was the TAPS magazine.

In haste I flipped it open to the this…

 

Written by Dawn Millard. Mother of Jeremiah Millard.  I got freaked out a little.
But then realized it was a different Millard. I had a brief ever lasting encounter with - PFC Erol Millard More info.

I saw PFC Millard in Farah, attended his ramp ceremony and his ceremony in Shindand.

He died at the age of 18 on the 4^th of July 2013.

Two Millard's giving their lives for our freedoms.

TAPS is such an amazing organization and I am looking forward to mentoring Memorial Day Weekend.

Jason Redman - Former Navy SEAL, and author of TheTrident

GORUCK Challenge Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ok - I knew that I might have gotten in over my head.
But I also know that I needed to show myself that I am bigger than all of the negative or crazy things I wrestle with each day.
It was difficult and I could have been more physically prepared.
But 12 people came together; none which I have never met and attacked the challenge.
We failed a few times, we were successful by 4 seconds once.  I am thankful for the physical challenge, the funny conversations and ultimate to respect to the fallen.
I will be doing another one...

heart matters

indossa così vicino al mio cuore.

coupled

Couple things.
rather than a couple of things.
Last week I was the third wheel twice. Movies the first night, dinner the second night.
The online reservation at the swanky restaurant that I absolutely love was for three.
Three is an odd number not divisible by two.
It honestly was not that big of a deal because I was spending time with people I care about.  The current rocks in my life. But, I am curious when and how this changes.

This week has been tough. A friend from home lost her husband. I would say unexpectedly but even when you know it is coming it feels unexpected and sudden. After Christmas she had posted the sweetest picture of them and then within a matter of two weeks he became gravely ill
and all of the medical technology known to man could not prevent his escape.
This new pain only takes me to another friend that I still grieve for. His exit from this world still wrecks me. At Thanksgiving I saw his face in his son's face and the rawness of that image
I cannot define.
Ever have one of those days where you take inventory and begin to question you are doing?
Yep, that is the state I bounce back and forth in all the time.
I know it will be all right.. just keep wondering.

I am reading The Art of Sleeping Alone.
You would think I would have this mastered since it has been since 2009 - but additional insight is always good.
It is not the best memoir  NYT Review  but has points that are understandable.

Her - Memoir

On Wednesday as I was getting ready to leave Vermont - My friend Beth handed me the memoir Her. She thought I might like it! I had briefly read about it last summer but had not ordered it and then immediately recognized it.

I could not put it down. Can I say that one of my favorite books for 2013 was actually a book I read on the first day of 2014? It is a story about loss, spinning out of control, gaining control, happiness and sorrow.

One of the most interesting things Christa Parravani is now married to Desert Storm Marine Veteran Anthony Swofford... and most of you understand my deep connection to Jarhead

small world...
great authors...
together with an interview - article

When Women Come Marching Home

Service: When WOMEN Come Marching Home 3 minute promo from Rock Stotter on Vimeo.