I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who sent me sweet Mother's Day wishes - from the comments here, to emails, cards and phone calls - it was a great first Mother's Day for me. John and Heleena came to visit Aidan and me, which was a nice treat. Heleena took me for a pedicure last Saturday and then we all went out for breakfast on Mother's Day.
It's been a busy week at work, so that's why you haven't seen any updates. I also spent Mother's Day doing something NOT so fun. They recenty changed policies regarding the arrival of fallen soldiers, and we had our first arrival Monday. Sunday was spent at an interview with his widow. Luckily, I was just photographing the event and nothing more. I don't think I could have done much of an interview because I was bawling the entire time. Poor Heather (the one doing the interview) WAS crying. Anyway, it was very emotionally draining. Then the next afternoon, his body arrived at the military airport. I have lots of photos and I'll post a few later. It was great to see these guys getting the honors they deserve. Please keep his wife in your thoughts, I can't imagine what she's going through. Poor woman was highly medicated through the whole thing. She was fully cooperative with all members of the media because she said she wanted to spread the word about what a good soldier he was.
Well, on to less depressing updates. This weekend, Aidan and I went to the park at a local college. I wanted to feed the ducks and had a loaf of bread ready, but apparently everybody in this town had the same idea. Needless to say, none of the ducks were hungry and our bread went uneaten.
We also went to the Traveling Vietnam wall that came to our area for the weekend. On Tuesday, I also photographed its arrival. The wall travels in a semi truck, but it was accompanied by at least 500 Patriot Guard Riders. (If you don't know what those are, you should google it. Very cool guys.) Anyway, it was an amazing sight to see hundreds of motorcyclists go by. I had goosebumps. So today, Aidan and I went to photograph the actual wall after it was put up. I've been to the one in D.C., and it's an amazing sight. So was this. We have many local vets because they like to retire here. It was heartbreaking to see them tracing the names of their friends on the wall. I spoke with a few of them. Many of them were very emotional about it. Many had never seen the actual wall, so for them it was hopefully a bit theraputic.
Anyway, I hope to post some photos tomorrow - I have the day off to get a few things done around the house. Here's a sneak peak of what you're going to see! Enjoy!
