Contrasts

Today was a day of heavy storms and bright skies. Like most things in the world, a day of contrasts. I was out in the storm today, getting breakfast and thinking about what this day means to me.

It is bittersweet in memories of those who gave their lives for our country. To them, I raise a glass and think thoughts of thankfulness. One of them was my father who served but did not die in combat. If he had, I would not be here, so I am thankful for that. Now he is dead for eleven years, so today there while there are memories of those who make the sacrifice and who we miss with our souls, I still wonder why I am grateful that he served. He was a Navy diver and worked on the Nautilus submarine which was no easy feat at 6' 3". He was an artist and tried to make his way in the world doing art but he was not equipped mentally to make it. His art was fantastic. He often made very soul wrenching paintings and fantastical hanging mobiles. He died of a heart attack that took eight days to claim him because he would not go see a doctor. I wonder often what his last thoughts were.