Welcome to My Nightmare

10 20 2006 2

It was a day of extremes – sadness to enjoyment at both ends.  This morning was rough. I know it wasn’t an easy decision for Mom to agree that it was best to put Missy to sleep.  Once we got there it was obvious, even drugged she was in pain and getting worse.  Mom sat with her awhile. 

The vet and the staff were all crying, they had fallen for the little dog instantly, like Mom had.  They gave her a sedative so the final shot wouldn’t hurt and she wouldn’t struggle against it.  They didn’t charge us for the shots, thankfully, just for the care she had received the day and night before.

We stopped on the way home to eat our snacks since neither of us had anything to eat in the morning.  We took the Pines residential road and stopped just beyond the bridge.  I ate a boiled egg and part of a mini Italian loaf.  I got out of the car and walked to the bridge. I hadn’t seen the falls and rocks since I was a small child. I had a few moments to myself to grieve on my own. Not only for Missy but all the ones we lost this year.  I still ache terribly for Evan, Alex and Peaches. Hell, I miss Banshee, Finn, Noxie and Nicky.

We came home, feeling somewhat numb. I tried to get Mom to talk about Missy a bit, good stuff. I think that helped a bit. 

We were set to go to a melodrama tonight, a benefit function for the Marine League scholarship fund and decided to go even though Mom really didn’t feel like it.  Almost everyone from the League that I know was there. They seem to have adopted me and think I’m cute. LOL  We ended up at Mike’s table with his wife Brenda and their guests.  Stewart joined us, which was great.

The theater group entertained us with singing, dancing, a short melodrama, and a tribute.  The skits were funny, one had everyone almost crying from laughter and just that one skit was worth the small price of $10.00.  The dances were good and the melodrama fun. Everyone got in on the hissing, booing, and cheering. And goat noises. Trust me, goat noises fit in.

The end tribute was fantastic.  A good number of dancers had done a tribute earlier to all the Armed Forces which was great, especially since the woman representing the Marines was in a dress blue uniform and white cover.  The ending surprised all of us: a stage full of dancers in red t-shirts like ours and red hats with the USMC emblem on both.  They did a routine to the Marine Corps Hymn.  Amazing!  A woman came out after the first rendition with the American flag and sang the hymn along with the music.  Almost every Marine in the place was on their feet at attention, as is tradition whenever the Hymn is played, especially if one is in uniform.  The League considers us in uniform if we’re dressed in the red t-shirts and hats.  I think Mom was proud of me being there and part of this.  The ending was so great, I felt tears welling up. I remember when I was small, the protests and anger towards the military and veterans. Growing up with vets that were bitter at the way they were treated when they came home and the older vets (Korea and WWII) not understanding. Thank the gods that things have changed.  No matter what one thinks of this war in Iraq and Afghanistan, everyone seems to support the troops and the common wish is that they all return safe and sound.  To be honored for having served, even for the short time, felt…. amazing.

Mike said that he knew they had something special planned but that the ending was fantastic and surprising. 

I think I’m a better Marine now than when I wore the uniform. I’m proud to be among these guys to have worn the uniform.