To Memere's house we go...

We went to Destin for Thanksgiving this year. I think when we say that, it sounds like we are going on vacation. Like we are that couple from the movie "Four Christmases" that always take a vacation and skip the holidays with family. It makes me laugh. In our reality, Mike's grandparents retired there so we are afforded the luxury of seeing the ocean every now and again. This year it was important that we make the trip(....like I would ever complain about going to Destin.)

Back in April, Mike woke me up one morning after he got in from PT. He said, "I think Pepere died last night." I sat up immediately and said, "why do you 'think' that?" He had gotten on Facebook and seen a status update posted by his aunt that basically said Pepere had passed. It was very odd to me that this is how we would find out such important information, but I guess these are the times we live in. With Twitter and Facebook, information travels fast, and unfortunately in cases such as these, there is no sensitivity where normally needed. So Mike called his father to confirm what we already knew. It was not an easy call, and later Mike's dad apologized for not calling sooner. He had to prepare himself to deliver the news, and he, like us, didn't expect it to be on Facebook. We traveled to Destin for the service. It was wonderful so see the entire family, but terrible under the circumstances. 

Colonel Clovis Proulx (Pepere) spent 30 years of service in our Army. Though stricken with Alzheimer's , he was proud for the moments when Mike graduated from college and commissioned as an officer, following in his footsteps. (On the way home from these events he kept asking why they drove so far just for lunch.) Mike wore his uniform to the funeral service for Pepere, and it made Memere cry. I believe Pepere was honored. The service was interesting... Pepere was probably cursing from Heaven. I can picture it. If you knew him, you probably can too.

In July, we all traveled to DC. Pepere found his final resting place in Arlington. It was very humbling to be in that cemetery among some of our nations bravest and best. We will be traveling to DC again soon, and I'd like to see his tomb stone. It wasn't completed when we were there. I also wish I had gotten a picture of Mike saluting. I probably should have taken the picture even though it would have been totally inappropriate. At least I would have had that moment. 

So spending Thanksgiving with Memere and the family was especially important this year. Not everyone was able to be there, but it was very nice. The weather was beautiful; I miss warmth. (Its pouring down rain and I'm freezing at the moment.)

                                         My Only Picture with Pepere. He knew me that day.

                                              Mike with Pepere and Memere after graduation.

Also during Thanksgiving week, Mike became a 1st Lieutenant! Last Friday, I attended his promotion ceremony and placed his new rank on his shoulder. This promotion is not huge (its based on time served- 18 months- rather than merit) although we will celebrate the small victories along with our friends who were all promoted as well. Congratulations to our friends around the world who have also been promoted!!!

On a side note.......I will be sending Christmas cards out this week so everyone will have our new address soon. Also, I'm collecting addresses from friend and family who have moved this year. If that is you, please email me. Thanks!