Day 149

10/10/22

Today is a very special day at our house. Walking Goldens went on as usual, play time in the yard was a hit and breakfast is ALWAYS a favorite activity for these pups! When all of the babies had settled down, they started to look around for Mac. They looked for him in his usual spots, but couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, they joined me in the dining room and looked a bit forlorn. They want their people around them at all times (Well, perhaps Sam is not really there yet. As long as Mama is around, he is fine.)

Leaving at 4:00 this morning, our son-in-law Jon and Mac hit the road for the airport. Jon had submitted Mac's name for the Honor Flight and Federal Cartridge decided to sponsor him! (The Honor Flight takes veterans on a flight to Washington for the day.) Jon went as his "Guardian" and even had a shirt that displayed that role! When they went to a pre-flight meeting, the people in charge said, "Guardians...you have one job and one job ONLY! Don't lose your veteran!"

Those who knew about this event, sent letters for Mac to open on the plane. Jon and Katie secretly collected them so it would be a surprise. Daughter Amanda had her students write to him as well. Mac goes to her classes each year to speak about his experiences in Viet Nam after they read the book "The Things They Carried". (Mac always carried a pair of dry socks. Walking through the jungle, they were always soaked. To this day, it is one of his greatest joys.) I bet there was a tear or two when reading that precious cargo!

They landed in Washington D. C. at about 8:00 this morning and they were off! They have spent the day visiting all of the monuments dedicated to the military. With almost 100 veterans, some from WWll, the organizers must know what they are doing! The pictures are flooding in and it looks like all is going smoothly.

Mac served in Viet Nam in the late 1960's. He chose to be a medic because he wanted to help people...and he did. Saving many a life, he has made life-long friends...many of whom are heroes as well.

In a fire fight, Mac dragged his dear friend, Barry, through the rice paddies for about 100 yards. I have heard the story from both sides and it was life or death. Barry had been shot and had a broken hip. The unit fell back under dense fire, but Mac couldn't leave Barry. He grabbed him under his arms and dragged him to safety by using his feet to push both of them backwards through the rice and water. With each surge, the reeds were being shot off right in front of their faces. Both men still can't believe they made it out alive. Mac jokes that we always get a free meal when we visit Barry, but I know those two have a bond so strong it is beyond comprehension.

So, we wait for his return to Anoka. The dogs will be over the moon to have Daddy back and I will be as well.

When those soldiers returned from Viet Nam so many years ago now, they were not greeted with fanfare or appreciation. This time, when my soldier returns, I will be waiting at the door and the first words I say will be,

"Welcome Home".