Monday, May 25, 2009

Tribute to Uncle James

I wanted to dedicate this post to my Uncle James who passed away back in 2006. He was my Great Uncle. He was my mom's daddy's brother and he helped raise her and her two brothers. My mom's parents both died when she was a little girl. Her daddy died when she was 6 years old in a log trucking accident and her mom died a couple of years later. They were both in their 20's. Our Uncle James fought in 2 or 3 different wars. WWI and WWII. He was in the Marines and he told us that he joined when he was 15 or 16 years old. It wasn't uncommon back then for young men to lie about their age to get into the service. He told us many,many, stories of his time in the service. He even bunked with George Bush in basic training. That is one of the stories that he would tell us about. This is a photo of him and Garrett one Christmas. Garrett was helping him open his gifts.

This is what I saw when I came out of work yesterday. A beautiful rainbow and our American flag flying in the wind. I thought that this made a beautiful picture. So fitting for today on Memorial Day.


This is just one day to remember our soldiers who are out there fighting for our freedom. We must remember them everyday and keep them in our prayers.



I hope that everyone had a good Memorial Day and spent it with their friends and family.
God Bless The U.S.A.

14 comments:

Tanza said...

Hello Lee Laurie,
What a wonderful writing for your Great Uncle.. There is soo many touching stories of heros even in our own lives..What a wonderful man, to have taken in his nieces and nephews and raise them as his own.. Beautiful tribute to a giving,unselfish, special man.. You are blessed.. Have a wonderful week Le.. hugs to you ~tea~xo

Eclectic Chic Style said...

What a brave wonderful Uncle you had, and a sweet picture of him too. Your other photos with the rainbow and the flag are beautiful, wow!! No words even needed for those, they're amazing. Hope you had a wonderful day.
♥ Teresa

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Lee Laurie,
What a special tribute in honor of your Uncle. He was a true hero and we give thanks for special men like him. Your pictures are perfect and what a gorgeous rainbow. What a keepsake pic to treasure of your Uncle with Garrett. Thank you for sharing about your special Uncle. Because of him and others, we can enjoy this day with freedom.
Have a great week and blessing alwways.
hugs, Celestina Marie

blushing rose said...

Oh, Lee Laurie, this is a wonderful memory to share. My gr-uncle was one of the boys who 'lied' in WWI to fight for our country, fresh from Ireland. He was only 16. My gr-mother had an absolute fit when she saw him coming down the street in a USN uniform ... too late, he was already signed up. TY for your memories ... TTFN ~ Marydon

(PS how is Cole?)

Stevie said...

I remember your mom coming in the bank and taking care of some of your Uncle James' business. I also remember her telling me about you!
That is a good picture. Everyone was looking at it while they were walking to their cars to go home that day and with the flag in it also......some will say that it is just a spectrum of light, while others will say that the rainbow represents a path between Earth and Heaven, their is one religion that thinks it is God's bow of lightning, thunder and rain, then we have the ole Irish leprechaun's secret....pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, which by the way you will never find....HA and then of course you have the promise from God after Noah's Flood, that the earth will never be destroyed again by flood....and then the flag, our flag, the flag of the United States of America. Men and women who made sacrifices so we as Americans can choose which one we choose to be true.....may God bless the soldiers and their families, watch over them and keep them safe.
Love,
Stevie

Rhondi said...

Hi
What a lovely tribute! I'm sure you loved him very much.
I'm glad you are joining the porch party. I'll email everyone the day before to see if y'all got your porches ready. We have had so much rain here I haven't been able to do anything yet!
Hugs, Rhondi

Laurie said...

Dear Lee Laurie,
What a wonderful tribute to your Uncle James.
I love the photo with the rainbow.
Blessings,
Laurie

The Muse said...

So heart stirring...it is wonderful that so many of us have such remarkable family members who gave so much...! I am glad that you were able to share these memories...with not just us but with your young ones!

I know exactly what you mean about the age thing..LOL my dad "fibbed" too, in order to join...

I also completely understand the peaceful time you find while you are painting...I am just like that...blissfully absorbed in thought :) :)

Blessings my friend and many, many hugs!

Stacey said...

Hi Lee Laurie! Thanks for coming to visit my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. You made my day!

That was a very sweet tribut to your uncle. Such a precious picture too. I love the rainbow!

Now I'm off to see more of your blog. I just love visiting a new friend.

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

Wonderful story about your Uncle....I love rainbows...they just make you happy !!!!
Hugs,
Mo ;-)

Anonymous said...

{{{{UNCLE JAMES}}}}}

My uncle George was my beloved favorite. He served his country then his family until his early (in my opinion) death at 65. I miss him so very very much. I loved to call and hear his stories that he would tell me. He was not a very affectionate person but he always gave me a hug. Probably because I wouldn't take no but I'd like to think he thought on me as worthy. He was a hard man but no harsh. He was strong but gentle hands. He was story teller but not a gossip. He is my role model! I miss him.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi again Lee Laurie,
Sure enjoyed this post once again. Thank you for stopping by today. Have fun with the shabby shed.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

nikkicrumpet said...

He truly was a hero. As are all of the men and women who sacrifice and fight for this great nation. The photo of the rainbow and flag gave me chills...thanks for sharing both with us!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

This is such a beautiful post! So touching....and such a tribute to your uncle.

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving me a comment! It led me to yours. I love it and am a follower!

Lou Cinda