To say the weekend was busy would be an understatement. In the short period of time we spent in Normandy we saw 3 Cathedrals, 2 Abbeys, William the Conqueror's grave, the Tapestry de Bayeux, a Botanical garden, Monet's garden, Monet's house, 3 museums and a decent amount of the countryside as we biked about 30km to Omaha beach. In between there was wonderful food and even better company.
I couldn't help but spend a lot of time thinking about my family this weekend. As great as it is that I have this opportunity to travel, it doesn't feel completely right without them. I thought a lot about my dad. Not only because he is a history buff, especially when it comes to World War II since his dad fought in the war, but because there were a couple moments when I had an opportunity to do what he would have done and I did.
One thing I love about my dad is how respectful and passionate he is. My whole life, no matter where we are or what we are doing, if my dad sees someone dressed in uniform or wearing something that indicates their service, he will go up to them, offer his hand and say thank you for your service. It used to embarrass me
, but now I admire it. When I was at Omaha beach, after hearing about all the young men who lost their lives, men who were only as old as I am now, and after seeing grave after grave of unidentifiable soldiers, I saw a Veteran walking with his wife. Although I usually am too nervous to do something like this, I thought about my dad and decided to shake his hand and thank him for his service. The reaction I got was completely unexpected. His wife became emotional. He looked completely shocked. He thanked me so much and I could see how much it meant to him. And at that moment I thought about how much my dad means to me. On the train back to the city we were staying in, I heard some Americans speaking and I wondered where they were from. I had another chance to be like my dad and introduce myself and ask where they were from, so I did. They were so happy I came up to them they invited me to sit down on the train and have a beer with them as we discussed the impact we had all felt from the unbelievable thing we had just seen.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. Normandy is beautiful and the history is so rich. It was somber but beautiful, and on the train ride home, my heart was very full.
Emma, what a wonderful account of your visit to Normandy! I'm so glad you and Megan have had the opportunity to visit. Someday your mother and I will too. I am very proud of my father and brothers for having served their country. I can't imagine the fear they faced. Your papa and Uncle Eddie were both young men when they went to war. I'm sure they returned very different then how they left. I've often thought how fortunate people my age are having not been called into service. Thanking someone for their service is the very least I can do...
ReplyDeleteAs for talking to strangers in public, well, that's a little bit of your grandma sneaking through. She would talk to anyone, anytime. I'm glad that it's a trait that has been passed on. As she would say "it's better to make friends than enemies"
Love you baby.