U.S. Veterans

For my Uncle John, a Navy Man, and to all those past and present, I salute you. 

I saw you from a distance
Sitting there in your fatigues

Hands clamped to hold your chin up
Eyes closed to shut out all the rest

It was then I began to wonder
What it felt like to be a soldier?

Coming home after a long time passed
With only a duffel bag at your feet

Do you feel alone in this world
‘cuz chaos hasn’t left your sight?

Am I oblivious to what is out there
‘cuz you kept immediate danger away?

Finally you opened your eyes to us
And my questions were answered

Part of you sits waiting for your flight
while war imprisoned the rest

Not sure whether you surrendered it
Or it took without your consent

Back on Freedom soil to continue on
Part of you that still remains strong

My hand on your shoulder you look up
Have I said, “Thank you for your sacrifice”

Words seem hollow compared to your actions
All I can offer are these simple things

You look at me and smile with a nod
For starters, it is good to help with the mend

Veterans and War,

Bea

You Can’t Handle the Truth!

Well…I’m trying to handle it. The time has come for me to say good-bye. I’m sad my European adventures and time with my Love is ending, but I know I was blessed and appreciate the opportunity. We’ve explored so many places within Germany and Europe that we’ve tracked our walks and they totaled approximately 210 miles since January 9. I’ve been pretty proud of our footage. Here’s a recap of the journeys we took over the past 5 months: (Germany) Hattingen, Essen, Monschau, Plettenberg, Bochum, Krefeld-Lynn, Wuppertal, Munster, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Kempen, Schloss Burg, Altenberg; (Luxembourg) Luxembourg; (Scotland) Edinburgh, (England) Windsor, (Spain) Roses, Cadaques, Figueres, Barcelona, Girona, Banyoles, Besalu; (Belgium) Brugge; (Holland) Amsterdam, Venlo, Domburg, Zoutelande; (Italy) Lake Garda, Verona, Bologna; and (Sweden) Stockholm, Trosa, Nykoping. I want to thank you all for following us in our travels.

As an update to my “I Got Your Back” post, I haven’t shed my weight like Germany shed the snow, but I haven’t gained either. See how I made that a positive. ;) At the present time, I am unable to sell my condo due to unforeseen matters. Once those unforeseen matters are cleared up, I will put it on the market. For anyone looking for a condo on the south side of Chicago in a historic part of town, and within walking distance to the train, shoot me an email and maybe we can work something out.

At the present time, my Love has not found a teaching position in the U.S. What this means is that he will be coming to the U.S. with me through the month of April for his spring break and student exchange excursion, but will return to Germany in May. I will look for a job, hopefully freelance or within the Chicago downtown area, while he finishes out his school year in Germany. If he still doesn’t have a teaching position in the U.S. by summer, he will come in July during his summer break and then return to Germany at the end of August—another year of separation.

It will be a tough year for us, so I ask you to send good thoughts our way…or a job. LOL! Anyhow, this will be my last post before I leave for the States on Friday. I wish you all a safe and awesome week.

 
Bea, who is looking forward to a shower without a hunched ceiling.