As a citizen of this great country, Memorial Day for me ( and I am sure with most Americans) is a day of reflection. There are several men in my family that hold the title “Hero”, for me. Everyday I give thanks for their presence in my life. For if we were not blessed to be “family”, my life may have been different in many ways. I wanted to share my pride and my thankfulness with all of you. You know, I am quite sure that many of you also have the same breed of men in your families. These men are a special, unique breed that take service to and for their country AND community to a higher level. My dad, Mel (pictured on the left), served in WW II (T/5 U.S. Army), and he was stationed in France for a bit. Daddy must have REALLY loved France, for my younger sister’s name is Roxanne, and my given name is Gabrielle. What do you think, a few mademoiselles may have crossed his path? Thanks Dad, I DO LOVE my name! LOL! Well, Dad passed away at 50 years of age – too young. Another hero of mine is my late big brother, John Leslie (AKA Big John). John was a career Army man (Staff Sergeant) and a decorated Vietnam vet. When you are 11/12 years old and your brother is in Vietnam, in combat and you receive letters from far, far away, that brother is larger than life! After his retirement from the military, John served as a veteran’s advocate. He fought to get formal recognition of Albany’s African American WW I Hero, Sgt. Henry Johnson. Well, John passed away in 2005 at 58 years of age – too young. John has a son, John Leslie II, who is not only a new dad (John Leslie III is 6 months old), but is currently serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. I am proud of my nephew who thus far has served two tours in Iraq, a tour in Africa, and now in Afghanistan. I am sure Big John is beaming with pride! Back in 2007, I met my nephew John Leslie II at JFK airport, when he came back from Iraq (pictured below). In December 2010, John came to visit before he went off for training (or whatever it is they do prior to being deployed), and he was elated to see that we were happy in our new community.
I also have a live in hero … my husband, Retired FDNY Lieutenant, Joe Thomas. Joe started out as my knight in shining armor, but he has been my hero since the day he was called to serve with the Fire Department of New York City. Joe gave 25 years to the fire department. Every day he left our home to report for duty, to possibly save lives and property for the citizens of our fair city, he was, and remains, my hero. He along with the hundreds of first responders became the “worlds” heroes on 9/11. There’s my Joe, pictured below (in the light blue shirt) with some of his men, at Ground Zero on the night of 9/11. I am so thankful that Joe and I, together, were able to find a place so tranquil yet active , to spend our retirement years.
My dad and brother would have loved Solivita. They both were fishermen and I KNOW they would have been out there on the lakes, competing to see who had the biggest catch or taking one of those fishing trips with The Solivita Fishing Club. Talk abaout a songbird – dad would sing in the car, in the kitchen, on the stoop (us Northerners use that term for the front steps), anywhere or anytime he felt it, he sang it!. Guys and Dolls or The Starliters, our community choral groups would have loved his humor, his voice, and his charisma! But one thing I know for sure, they would have been two of the proudest members of The Veterans Club of Solivita. Unfortunately, they both left their family at too young an age and to enjoy such an active and vibrant community as Solivita. Well, all this to say THANK YOU to my own heroes, and to the HEROES & SHEROES of SOLIVITA! I am proud to call you neighbor. It may be a day or two late, but HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Sorry all, I didn’t leave you with any “Hugs”! So….
Hugs,
Gabby ; -)
WHAT HUNKS YOU HAVE IN YOUR FAMILY. WOW!
The Memorial Day ceremony put on by the Solivita Veterns Club gave me time to reflect on my personal experiences in the Army and of the many “heroes” I’ve been associated with in my lifetime. After the ceremony, there was a softball game between the women’s team, The Diamond Dolls, and the veterns. Of course, I coached the women. The score was close with the veterns emerging as the winners. Actually, there were no losers. After the game we had a picnic with good food, good people, and lots of games to play.
Just another wonderful day here at Solivita
Gabby, Your reflections were quite moving. It gave me pause to think of my own late Dad, a world War II Vet and my significant other-Michael, a VietNam Vet and so many other of our contemporaries who fought that war, and so many our students- boys and girl, who continue to serve. They are all heroes. Thanks for the perspective.
This made me cry and thank you for that. Bless them every one.
Glad you’ve found yourself in such a wonderful-sounding community.
Wow! Gabby, I learned so much about your family. Wonderful post, John
GABBY THIS ARTICLE WAS GREAT. I GOT A CHANCE TO “MEET” YOUR FATHER,BROTHER AND NOW YOUR NEPHEW. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOUR HUSBAND WHEN YOU AND I WORKED TOGETHER. MAY YOU BOTH CONTINUE TO ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT.
aunt gabby i love this I miss ALL 3 of my Johns very much
This was so nice. Thanks for sharing it. Miss you girl!
What pride!!! What valor!!!!! Your tribute is beautiful.
Wow, I knew that there was something extra special about my neighbors. Gabby thanks for the wonderful post.