November 11 held many commemorations for me. A friend’s son had his Bat Mitzvah in Houston; a nephew got married in Tulsa; a friend’s memorial service was in Indianapolis, and it was Veteran’s Day on which we celebrated with our Community Parade. Bryan and I wanted to be in Houston, Tulsa, Indianapolis and here; deciding between them was difficult.
Aside from Bryan and I, what common link do these occasions have? Isaac Fein, the young man coming of age, is the grandson of two Holocaust survivors. His grandparents were liberated by American troops, met in a displaced persons camp in Germany, married, immigrated to America and raised their family. In lieu of gifts, Isaac requested donations to Disabled American Veterans as an expression of his strong appreciation for the sacrifices of our country’s veterans. Michael Ferguson, my nephew, is the first second-generation member of the Broken Arrow, OK police department, following in his father (my brother)’s footsteps. They both believe that evil will flourish when good men do nothing and daily risk their lives to protect and serve. James He, the Chinese missionary, was the husband of a young lady from an Indianapolis church where Bryan pastored. James and Kristen met when she was serving in China. He became an American citizen while attending seminary in the US and had a great appreciation for the benefits of citizenship, especially the freedom to worship God as we choose. He and Kristen served in China until he was diagnosed three years ago with stage 4 lung cancer; they returned to the US for treatment and he died two weeks ago.
In a similar way, November 13 is a momentous day, as our younger son, Kenny was born 34 years ago. Our closest friend, John Shelton, also died unexpectedly on this day 8 years ago. As we waited for word that John was in recovery to have a celebratory birthday dinner, we instead left the hospital in shock and grief. In some people’s minds this might mar the date for us, and Ann, John’s widow. Rather, it is an unexpected blessing that each year as we celebrate Kenny’s birth, we are reminded of John’s impact as Kenny’s Godfather, mentor and our dear friend.
All these loved ones believe in the best of America and strive to continue the heritage of freedom, capitalism, service and sacrifice our forefathers provided. Their lives remind me of the value of connections and the sacrifice required to retain our freedom. Freedom is not free; it cost the lives, fortunes, and effort of millions. May we never take it for granted, any more than we should take for granted our loved ones. Let us, rather, remember to celebrate daily the many blessings we have--that of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the pleasure of relationships.