With all the festivities surrounding my middle olive shoot’s wedding on Saturday #hartleywedding
The emotions, planning, celebrating and expectation
I forgot about Memorial Day
Until yesterday driving home from Delaware!
Though we never forgot about our oldest son who is deployed in Qatar
And longed for him to be with us physically
Our hearts broke with the reality that wasn’t going to be possible
But we found a way to bridge the distance
Nate was a part of the ceremony
I’m still trying to take it all in – the beauty of the day, the sweetness of the Lord
Where do I begin?
On this Memorial Day, I honor my Soldier
I was escorted down the aisle by my orange hair, freckle face OS – so proud was I for this honor
But my husband didn’t walk alone behind me –
Parting from tradition, the Hubs was also escorted –
Our Soldier “walked” with his dad, carried on my husband’s iPhone
Then our Army Ranger “sat” on his dad’s lap and saw the wedding from the same perspective as the rest of us
It was about 6:15PM, Qatari time
Nate wore his Army fatigues
Observing the event in the middle of a desert
The pastor welcomed family and friends
He paused and told the crowd of about 140 people
Someone very significant was missing from the wedding
Aaron’s older brother, Nate
At that moment, this YouTube video was played
Our Army Ranger welcomed his new sister into the family and he read 1 Corinthians 13 from the Bible
Nate reverently saw the bride and groom exchange vows thanks to Facetime
Oh friends, if you knew what comfort it was to have Nate with us
It’s a good thing I was sitting because I would have needed a chair
Such was the extent of pride and love I carried within me
In a way, we have already celebrated Memorial Day
We represent countless military families that get creative
Surmount the obstacles and offer support
What a day, what a life, what a fount of blessings
I scarce can take it in…
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
What an awesome way for Nate to take part in the wedding!
We had other special touches to acknowledge Nate as well but it was very special. Thank you Lisa!
Thank you for sharing and thank you for your family’s sacrifice for mine.
Becky, that means a lot to me!
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in service to our country. Veteran’s Day is a day to thank and remember those who have served our country. My husband has been in Afghanistan for 10 months. As much as we love, miss , and are proud of him, Memorial day is not for him, thank God. But then, even Obama couldn’t get this straight. He was in the Stan instead of Arlington Cemetery, where he should have been.
Thanks Spiritmom for your message. I guess I goofed up and it’s tricky because they are very different hoidays that are often confused. Bless you and your husband for your service. My son is coming home from Qatar, Lord willing, in September. Appreciate your comment and your family’s sacrifice.