David, Jenny, Veteran’s Day and Me
September 21st, 2006 by MaryBeth
In a perfect world life would be easy. We’d all get along and there wouldn’t be fighting. Yes, I’m being a little more serious than my normal column about fashion, jewelry, and celebrities. But…it’s around this time of year that I always think a little extra about my uncle and friend, David, who passed away in 1991.
Our family has always been pretty tight-knit – and Jenny (my aunt) and David, being only about 12 years older than me were more like close friends and mentors than your standard aunt and uncle. They dated forever and got married at the ripe-old age of 18, and were always smiling and laughing together. I remember learning all kind of things from both of them. Jen taking me showing me the “right” way to put on my lipstick. David calling that bad 6th grade “boyfriend” a jerk and making me feel better. Just all-around good memories.
Well, the “big D” (as his buddies used to call him) joined the Army right out of high-school and always told me just amazing stories. He got injured pretty bad in the first Gulf War, and…he was sent home. Seemed like he was going to recover, but things got pretty rough in the next few months. I was still pretty young (don’t want to totally give away my age!), and unfortunately, he passed away on November 11, 1991 – coincidentally enough, on Veteran’s day.
Yes, a sad story, but the years have passed, and Jen and I and the rest of our immediate family always spend Veteran’s Day together. We exchange little gifts, share some quiet times, a couple of tears and a bunch of laughs together. I like to give her a little gift every year…nothing too extravagant. Sometimes a little trinket, a charm, an Army pin. Something she can wear with pride.
The best part, is that on the 11th every year, she wears the gift I gave her the year before. So this year, she’ll be sporting a US Army watch I found at a surplus store last year. But, I think I’m running out of ideas!
I’m hoping some of you out there will give me some input. I’ve been thinking of maybe a little locket with an old picture, or even an Italian Charm bracelet that I can get customized with names and photos, or ….who knows?
So, please don’t hesitate to post a comment below with your ideas or stories. I was thinking about some kind of jewelry - I know someone out there has the perfect idea. (not too pricey, too!)
–MaryBeth
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