Arlington

We had the privilege and honor of attending my uncle's burial at Arlington Cemetary at the end of March. My uncle served in the United States Air Force for 16 years until retirement in the early 1990s. My Dad and my Uncle Chuck served in the US military at the same time. When we lived in Iceland my Aunt Sharon, Uncle Chuck, and cousins Stephanie and Stephen lived in Holland. One of my most vivid memories of childhood was being able to visit them when they lived in Holland. Uncle Chuck left this world at a young age and he will be terribly missed. We are all saddened by this great loss. My Aunt Sharon is very special to me. She is my Dad's sister and she and I share the same passion about health and nutrition. When we chat on the phone, it's quite common to talk for hours. I often wish that we could live closer and see each other more often than we do. Her daughter, my cousin, Stephanie died tragically young only two years ago. Now, she has lost her husband. Her faith and strength simply amaze me. She is very blessed to have a son who has taken very good care of her through all of this. My cousin, Stephen lives near D.C., and we actually met at his home before going on to Arlington. I was so thankful to see both of them at the end of March, but did wish it was under very different circumstances. My Aunt Sharon lives near her two grandsons and is a very present figure in their lives.

I have spent most of my life away from family. While growing up we lived far from our Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and cousins. Now, I am raising my own family away from our extended family. It is at times like this it makes me really long to be near them all.

Aunt Sharon if you happen to read this I just want you to know how much I love you and pray for you each day. I miss you and wish that we could be near you.