washington my way

i love washington. i guess it is obvious from my earlier posts. this trip started off like any other. very simple-pick up a school group and take them to d.c. things changed quickly. it started off by me being one hour late to pick them up. the directions given me were wrong and the incorrect directions were supported by my gps. when i picked them up, i apologized profusely and i realized then that this was going to be a great trip. i asked if they had an agenda and the leader said no. they knew where they wanted to go but after that it was pretty much up to spontaneity and traffic.
we saw and did so much in 2 full days. we hit the ground running about 1000 and we would get back to the hotel around midnight. seeing d.c. at night is almost as cool as seeing it during daylight. our last night, we went on a dinner cruise on "the spirit of mt. vernon" and it was very nice. the kids (and adults ate and danced and had a good time. while they were inside, i had the chance to go outside and enjoy the downtown lights from the potomac. we went by reagan national. the planes came right over the ship and when they landed, it looked they were landing in the water. so cool.
we got to go to Arlington National Cemetery and yes, i cried. i always do. whenever i go, i always have an agenda. this time it was section 60. that is where the casualties from iraq/afghanistan are laid to rest. it is very sobering to walk around and see the birthdates of these heroes who gave their lives for you and me. the ones who were born in '85, '86, 87 really got to me. i have a 20 year old daughter whom i love very much. i can remember when she was born, were i was in my life, where i was working, etc. some of these heroes were born around that time and as i think of her and the joy of my firstborn and i know the parents of these people felt the same things i did. where we are today is very different.
i am proud of my children. they are the joy in my life that i desire most right after my relationship with Christ. i look forward to seeing them, touching them and being with them. i ache at times because they are not near enough.
the parents of these kids are proud of them. the difference is mine are here and theirs are not. no more hugs, phone calls or visits. i can not imagine their pain. i pray for them. i pray for their lost one (s). i am grateful for all their loved ones did for me and you. and if it really matters, i grieve with them. when i am at Arlington i am aware that these men and women don't get visited often enough. it is an honor to go and be with them, pray over them, and even talk to them. i don't know anything other than what the headstone says. one day, i will see them and have the pleasure of shaking their hand.
what an honor that will be.
until next time...