This year, I had planned to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at the nursing home that my father resides in, however as he is now in hospital, this is not to be. I am not entirely sure whether he would have had any true awareness of the purpose of the ceremony anyway, but part of me likes to think that he would. When visiting him this past week, he was wearing a poppy, as was I. However, mine was a bit askew. He pointed at my poppy and gave me a stern look as if to tell me to straighten it up. I am fully aware that it could have just been because he recognized crooked when he saw it, but my heart says it's because he knew what the poppy meant and that it should be placed properly. I will attend the local ceremony without my father, I will honor our veterans for him and will remember what he cannot on this special day. I'll also make sure my poppy is properly placed.
My dad, having been a Naval reservist before dedicating 40 years as a civilian with DND, was always proud of our military. He spent his career working with Navy personnel and although he was a little disappointed with the fact that both my sister and I married "zoomies", he nonetheless was proud to be the father-in-law of two enlisted men.
Following in his footsteps, I have worked with DND since the age of 17 and have met too many wonderful military personnel to count, although I remember every one of them. The majority of the people who have been (and still are) in my life all have a tie to our Armed Forces in one way or another. My heart always fills with pride to see those I work with on parade at a Remembrance Day ceremony, or standing alongside those who served before them. I have seen these people spring into action at a moment's notice to deploy so many times that I've lost count, and the term "comrades" certainly comes to mind in these instances. The way these women and men pull together to get the job done continues to amaze me. It makes me honored to be in their presence on a daily basis. Although I do not
wear a uniform, and my role bears little of the importance that theirs does, I think of myself as part of the extended military team and family, and I cannot think of a better group to belong to.
I have always considered November 11th to be an important and special day. It will now forever hold other memories for me of a much different nature. November 11, 2012 was the day that my 25 year marriage imploded and life as I knew it changed forever. It was not an unexpected or shocking event, yet it wasn't something I had planned on my to-do list when I awoke that morning.
The next few months were a very difficult time for me. Starting over at this stage of my life absolutely terrified and overwhelmed me. Although I wanted to keep this private for a bit, there were a handful of military co-workers that I had to make aware of the situation, partly because my spouse and I worked in the same general vicinity, and partly because I wasn't sure how many of my duties I would be able to deal with at the time. The support that I received from those co-workers was astounding. I will never forget the kindness they showed me and the time they took to do whatever they could to help me get through my days, both professionally and personally. I remember thinking then, as I do now, that I am so very fortunate to work with these people, because they have the biggest hearts in the world and will not hesitate to form a protective circle around someone they consider their own.
When I battled a different, much more difficult war this summer, these same "troops" gathered around me again and stood by my side to help me through it. My superiors and Commanding Officer ensured that I got the support and understanding that was needed and they allowed me the flexibility to only work a few hours a day for several months. The rest of my co-workers picked me up when I needed it, and didn't leave my side until I could stand on my own again. The welfare calls, texts, and visits came in daily, and they were there for me at any time of day or night. Some listened, some talked and some literally just held my hand in silence. Many were not aware of the situation, but they instinctively knew I needed them and were there with no questions asked. Again, they formed that protective circle around me and stood beside me as I faced another tough personal battle. I couldn't have fought that battle without them, and I certainly couldn't have claimed victory without them.
On Remembrance Day, not only will I remember those that gave their lives for their country, but I will remember those that gave their time, support and friendship to me when I needed it most. I will forever remember all that they did for me and I will always be grateful for the friendships that existed before
last November, and those that have been created since.
Remembrance Day for me will now also be a day of not only honoring our veterans, but honoring the gift of friendship that my extended military family has blessed me with.
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