Happy thoughts of one trip to DC, bittersweet memories of another
Thanks to my family near and from afar for the thoughtfulness that came about to make Mother’s Day special for me. Sunday was a busy day. The dining room table looks dressed up with so many pretty flowers and cards.
The living room got a lift when Paul displayed his spring landscape, in oil, loaded with flowers and blossoms, aplenty. We know our granddaughter, Sarah Peace has been patiently waiting for a picture from her grandfather.
Lori has five daughters. Lizzie and Olivia have paintings. Alexis and my namesake Mary Shannon are in line for the same. Starla’s three children received grandpa’s art already.
Then, when our painter has filled the desires of the family, I just might find room for another on my wall.
I sure am glad I purchased that paint-by-number kit of The Last Supper back in ’ 71. The old painter has long ago left those simple painting projects behind, did the course work and discovered and developed his talent as an artist.
A copy of Sarah’s picture will be added to the pages of his book.
— 0 —
The honor flight is May 26. Tonight, the guardians that accompany our veterans taking the trip are in training , in Plainfield. More injections in Paul’s knees on Friday are scheduled and on May 25, the day before the trip. If walking becomes tiring or painful, chairs are available.
Paul is somewhat familiar with Washington, DC and the surrounding area, including Anacostia. He received personnel training at Bainbridge, Maryland, during his tour of duty in the Navy.
His brother Lowell Frank Sartor, a young soldier at the time was a patient at Walter Reed. Paul spent quality time with Frankie sightseeing in the Capitol, the week before his brother took his own life, in Terre Haute.
The last thing the young 21 years old soldier told his little brother before the weekend leave was over is still vivid in his mind. “Paul Boy, I am going to be released from this hospital in two days.
I’m headed for California. When you get out of the Navy come out West!”
There was no way to read what was going on behind his broad smile. Within days of the fun-filled weekend , the Navy Chaplain informed Paul, his hero, Frank had committed suicide with a single gunshot into the mouth, in Terre Haute, the reason unknown.
The army medic’s picture and his dog tags are displayed on Paul’s honor wall here, along with several other member’s of our families that served their country during wars, conflicts and peacetime, admirably. Frankie’s place on the wall is front and center, as well as his dog tags.
I never knew him, however; when I visit Highland Lawn and I hear about the young boy that built his own soapbox vehicle for the Derby race, suffered polio at an early age that crippled him and earned the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts later. He survived a military helicopter crash in France and more than this writer has room to mention.
Paul speaks of what a wonderful brother, mentor and friend Lowell Frank was to him during the worst and best of times of their young lives.
I see him before me clearly, in glowing light, a special angel.
Now I must check on the kids. I think I hear a bit of log sawing going on the couch.
I can be reached by phone at 317 -286 - 7352 or drop me a line to 649 South Grant Street, Brownsburg, IN., 46112.
Posting a comment requires free registration:
- If you already have an account, follow this link to login
- Otherwise, follow this link to register