Family Loss is something I have not felt until recently, I feel like I've been robbed.Â
When I say this I don't mean I feel like someone stole my personal belongings. I feel like I was robbed of a few more years I would have been able to spend with my Great-Grandfather Daniel Alexander. It's been hard for me to except that he is gone. It feels selfish to want a few more years. It feels selfish to even want one more day. But I want him back. March 7th, we honored his life as a Navy Veteran.Â
One of his fondest stories that he told me time and time again was what he did on his 18th birthday. He eagerly joined the Navy. By his nineteenth birthday, he was shot down over the east china sea, surviving his entire crew and became a prisoner of war. He was released after nine months agonizing months. Surviving World War II and the Korean War. He continued serving his country and retired after 25 years as Chief Petty Officer. One of the highest ranks in the Navy at that time. He then went to work for Boeing and retired after 22 years.Â
He loved history and his family. He was a survivor and he lived his life to the fullest. Traveled the world and soaked up every moment into his tac sharp memory. I could write a novel of his triumphs, wisdom and love. But this picture is one-thousand of my words.Â