Luckily I know a few. One “adopted” me 17 years ago and we attended her husband’s burial yesterday. When she started trying to direct her grown children from behind the scenes moments before the ceremony, I said to her “I don’t think you need to be organizing things” and she replied, “Oh, yes I do!”
Her husband, who was put to rest yesterday in a lovely ceremony at his alma mater, the Naval Academy, overlooking the Navy Yard where we witnessed an impressive Parade and 21-cannon salute, would have been proud.
This incredible couple were married 63 years, met at the Officers’ Club, had their wedding reception there and had his memorial reception in that same room while he looked on from across the bay. He married us nearly ten years ago, and his wife witnessed our marriage certificate and bought me a lovely bouquet, which I tried to replicate to honor the service, the gift, they gave us.
That gift was knowing a quiet strength that underlies a marriage and family, a life based on purpose.
The Captain was given a fine send-off on his final voyage, and the Admiral, his wife, remains.
I’m lucky to know several intrepid women and this is definitely one of them. Despite the circumstances it was wonderful to see the family again. Even though we move around a lot, we always keep in touch. This post is dedicated to the memory of a courageous and honest man, and to the woman who stood beside him for 63 years. Dee
Cooking with Dee 