I attended the Veteran's Day assembly at the elementary school last Friday. Emily really wanted me to be there, because she and Katelyn were singing with the school choir, and also, because Emily's class had learned The Pledge of Allegiance in Sign Language. So, Hannah and I went. And a mom of one of Katelyn's classmates was pretty rude to me about sitting in her "saved" row of seats (which wasn't even true--the people next to her had slid down a seat to make room for me), and that almost brought me to tears (I'm hormonal!) but I maintained my composure.
However, I did let a few tears slip later in the program. They had encouraged any student who knew a veteran to bring that person to the assembly so the school could honor them. There were probably a dozen or so who came. Mostly parents and grandparents of students at the school. My favorite was a gentleman who was elderly, who had dressed up in his long army winter dress coat, and had a medal around his neck, and a scrapbook under his arm. I'm guessing he served in WWII. It made me cry because it looked like he was ready to share some stories, and I would have loved to hear what he had to say, but during the assembly, he only got to be introduced by name and which branch of the military he had served in, and then sit back down. For me, that introduction stirred up feelings of respect and gratitude for this great country, and for generations of people who were more grateful and respectful on an every-day basis than most of us are today, even on a holiday designed to help us be grateful and show respect. (Did that sentence make sense?)
The principal of the school impressed me with his reverence for the holiday and his gentle ways of explaining to the students what this holiday is all about, and what they could do to celebrate and honor this day. I realized that I, myself, have never really thought about doing anything to celebrate this holiday before. And I decided that I would take the principal's challenge this weekend, and honor the veterans I know.
First of all, Thank You, Grandpa, for serving as a pilot in World War II. Thank you for being an example of humility and bravery, and for sharing your stories with us.
First of all, Thank You, Grandpa, for serving as a pilot in World War II. Thank you for being an example of humility and bravery, and for sharing your stories with us.
Secondly, Thank You, Doug's Dad, for serving during the Vietnam War. Thank you for teaching your sons to be disciplined and hard-working.
Thank you, Doug's Mom, for taking care of two little boys and giving birth to a third (Doug!) while your husband was away on military duty. That's just one of the reasons we love and admire you, and in honor of your 60th Birthday, here are 59 more:
1. You joined the church and changed the course of your life as a young teenager.
2. You married Gary and turned us all into Larsons!
3. You left your sunny California home and followed your husband to places like Mississippi and Indiana. (I feel your pain! ;)
4. You gave life to NINE BOYS. 
5. You even welcomed your sons and in-laws into the delivery room once! Brave!
6. You learned to not sweat the small stuff that comes along with NINE BOYS.
7. You spent 20 years of your life changing diapers and/or potty training.
8. You lived frugally, and met their needs.
9. You taught your sons to work.
10. You taught your sons to serve the Lord.
11. You kept the peace in the home.
12. You kept a clean home.
13. You sent off NINE faithful missionary sons.
14. You wrote to them regularly.
15. You have never stopped worrying about your sons.
16. You talk honestly about your concerns.
17. You welcomed daughters-in-law to your home, even if you didn't feel ready!
18. You love babies and children.
19. You love being a grandma.
20. You helped make it possible for me to graduate from college after Katelyn was born, driving to Provo to pick her up and babysit her one day a week.
21. We had good talks about what I was studying when I would come pick up Katelyn at the end of the day.
22. You are willing to sacrifice your own comfort, possessions, and desires for your family.
23. You made your way back to our beloved California, and created the best family resort: CasaLarson!
24. You keep in touch with your family. 
25. You took care of your mother until her passing.
26. You don't complain.
27. You play imaginative games with your grandkids.
28. You send postcards and notes to them.
29. Sometimes you even include a dollar, for a trip to the dollar store.
30. You pamper us!
31.You always have my favorite ice cream in the freezer when we come for a visit.
32. A trip to your house is a true vacation. You work hard while everyone around you relaxes.
33. You join in the fun.
34. You get crazy at family parties!
35. You make us laugh, and you laugh with us.
36. You celebrate our successes.
37. You forgive us for stupid mistakes.
38. You have pets so we don't have to.
39. You buy chicks for our fun.
40. You let us collect the eggs.
41. You come to Disneyland and go on rides, no matter how dizzying they might be.
42. You are pretty!
43. You are patient.
44. You are devoted.
45. You are tender and gentle.
46. You make us all feel cute/handsome/beautiful...as the case may be.
47. You love the beach.
48. But you didn't sell CasaLarson and move there. :)
49. You are a good wife.
50. You do your family history work.
51. You keep us all connected.
52. You like to share recipes.
53. Your mind is always busy.
54. You handle trials and obstacles gracefully.
55. You treasure your family above all else.
56. You treat everyone kindly.
57. You work with kids who have challenges and struggles.
58. You supported your sons through 7 Bachelor Degrees, 3 Master's Degrees, 2 J.D.'s and 1 M.D....and that's not the end!
59. You've celebrated 60 birthdays, and there is still so much in store. We can't wait to see what's yet to come!
*Sorry that tribute is a week late. I've been thinking about doing it for longer than a week. Does the thought count?*
And finally, a tribute to Emily.
Emily just finished her soccer season. She played with a great team and had a good coach who helped her develop her soccer skills over the last few months. I think it's amazing that not one of Emily's games got rained out. In fact, I don't think we experienced anything more than a drizzle, and that was only once or twice. It was cold, don't get me wrong. But I think it's quite lucky to be dry around here.
Emily was a pretty timid player in the beginning, but by the end of the season, she was awesome! She scored a goal in her last game on Saturday (her second goal of the season), which was so satisfying!
Because the team celebration was held at a pizza parlor on Sunday evening, Emily didn't get to attend. So we're making a soccer ball cake and having our own family celebration tonight. I'm so proud of her!
Since this is the season of thanks, I'll have more tributes coming soon! Coming up next: A Tribute to the Contour...
5 comments:
You're awesome, Rebecca. You totally made me cry. (Can I blame it on hormones?) Did you want to go talk to the veteran with his scrapbook at the assembly? I would have wanted to. There is so much to learn from the generation ahead of us.
Awesome.
So many things to say! I attended a very similar Veteran's Day Assembly today at my boys school. I was touched, so were the Veteran's that were honored, many in tears. I second EVERYTHING you said in your tribute. We have a great mother-in-law. I wish I would have thought of it!! Great work! And Happy 60th to Mom!
-Kaelyn
Thanks, Bec, for honoring your grandpa (along with others). I'll make sure that he sees that (maybe even on his new computer ---with a huge screen and big letters on the keyboard) which Uncle Dennis got for him. I enjoyed reading the wonderful (and well deserved) tribute to your in-laws as well. Great job! And "Good Job" to Emily! Glad I got to see at least part of one practice. Can't wait to see you all soon!! Love, Mom (Grandma Davies)
That was a very nice tribute. You are so sweet! I agree, Momasita Larson is one incredible woman! We are lucky to be Larson's!
~Liesel
well hello rebecca- that was a great post! Well, now that we have found each other, we'll check back on your life. Keep up the good blogging. You sure have a cute family. Is it going to be a boy this time? -Amanda & Matthew
Post a Comment