Memorial Day weekend.......I used to consider it the beginning of summer and my vacation from the world of textbooks and students...until I lost a son. Then everything changed and I am not sure what kind of day it was. Most people are in celebration mode this time of year but that did not seem quite appropriate when it is a day to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.
My son did that. He did not die in battle. He died training for battle. He went down in an massive explosion over the Pacific Ocean with three other pilots. Not bodies recovered. That is hard to say and even harder to accept. Matt was my special son....the one that called many times a week and always said I love you mom and he is forever gone. I love my other children. They mourn his loss as I do but no one misses like a mom.
Carry the Load is healing us. It brings together those with a common purple who all somehow know the pain of loss. We have grown in our acceptance and PRIDE. Those lost are not forgotten. They are honored for what they did. Most families say their lost sons and daughter would not have it any other way.
Our kids know why we are here and now so do our grandkids. Memorial day has meaning for us all. A new dimension has been added...a namesake for our lost son....
Matthew Joseph Shubzda attended his first Carry the Load and someday will understand the significance of the event and his name.
I hope he understands what a great man his uncle was. We always tend to glorify those that leave us but in the is case and I think my son is pretty much worthy of all of the accolades.
He was much like my dad and that is a good thing.
I love the pictures. I love the memories. I love the friends we tun into who always have stories to share. I am grateful for the continued support and I am blessed by the love that surrounds us this weekend each year.
We will all continue to help
Carry the Load.
