Day 158 Dad

Today as I sat watching the class of 2010 graduate I thought of a day just two short years ago when Zach was graduating. Now only two years removed from that day he is in Afghanistan carrying a rifle everyday. It is odd to fathom but yet real. It was a great day tiring but nice to see so many family members at Derek's party. So much activity at our house, Marjo's parents arrived from Finland last night late dinner and neither Lisa nor I wrote, but in our hearts and our our son Zach is always at the forefront. We think of the blog, the war, Afghanistan, the military, politics but we never loose sight of what is dearest.

Only 2 short years so much has changed, but yet so much remains the same. I am so happy for Derek as he starts the next chapter and I know he will do well. We are proud of him. Zach is too, and he sent Derek some wishes via facebook. I need the next chapter to start the chapter when Zach is out of Afghanistan and I am ready for it now.

What does it mean to graduate today what next steps do people take, interestingly for me what comes to mind are the words of a Democrat but not like the liberal, social justice type that many Democrats of today are but this guy was the real deal, American hero larger than life type guy who cut taxes who went his own way. "And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), Inaugural address, January 20, 1961

These words spoken almost 40 years ago still resonate, in America you can do anything, and free people with free choice can do great things. Look in the mirror and tell yourself what your contribution is!! Is it!! What is it?

Thank you Zach for making the tough choice for your willingness to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. You are superman and I love you dearly!