Celebration of life

Today my nephew Brad would have been 17. He passed away last year on October 30th. Any of you who know me well, know I was still riding the post concert high when my world came to a screeching halt. NOTHING and I do mean NOTHING else mattered before or immediately after. For days I was devastated. I still have moments where I am overwhelmed. They are fewer now as more time passes however it doesn't lessen the loss.

I remember when Megan was pregnant with Bradley and how she stayed with us for a brief time in Kingston. Alan was away for a week or so and we were sprawled out on my couch one night having a "girls night in" watching a Steven King mini series (I can't for the life of me remember which one...I just know that's what we were watching. **After cheating and looking it up...it was "The Stand"). I remember her saying that he was kicking. That was the first time I have a vivid memory of Brad. And even from the inside Brad was NOT one of those kids who would (when kicking) be gentle. That kid left a foot indent. It was crazy.

When he passed away in October I was rocked to my core. He was my nephew after all, and out of all of my nieces and nephews he was the one I'd had the most exposure to even with our moving around with Alan's military career. I love them all the same, but he was the one that I had spent the most time with. I had not been out to the crash site, I wasn't ready to go. I didn't want to see it. I didn't want to put myself in that place. So I didn't go. Not until today.

When I was told that we were going to go and release balloons in celebration of Brad from the church that is just up the road from the crash site, I was hesitant. Did I want to put myself that close to where he had passed 6 months ago? Could I? But yes, it was time. I had to go. For him and for Megan.

We were running behind, and it was pouring rain today. Of course. Never fails. It wasn't for lack of trying to get out the door. But people were dragging their feet (including myself) and we were about 10 minutes behind heading out the door. I texted Mary saying we were getting the balloons and on our way at 1:15 (we were meeting at 1:30). She phoned me at 1:35 asking where we were (rightfully so), we literally screeched to a stop in the church parking lot. Climbed out of the car, said a quick hello to Megan (Alan's sister - Brad's Mom), listened to Mary's speech and released the balloons. Brad (for unknown reasons) had dyed his usually bright ginger hair to a bright green colour the night (or a few nights prior) of his passing. Thoughts are that he had done it for Halloween, but no one really knows for sure.  I thought Megan was going to fall over however when she saw is she started laughing so hard. Alan, Lexi, Adam and I had all used coloured hair spray and sprayed green in our hair like Brad had green in his hair the night he had passed. She was overjoyed and laughed saying "OH MY GOD I LOVE IT!!". I was elated. She; as I had when I conceived the idea; thought it was a perfect memorial to Brad and his memory.

Balloons to heaven (the ones in the foreground middle are the ones Alan, the kids and I released)

Today was far less emotional than I thought it would be. I didn't stand long out at the crash site, but I stood there in the wind and rain for a few moments having a silent birthday conversation with Bradley. I got back in the car before Alan who upon getting in to the car, handed me a piece of 'the car'...still... six months on...that had been nestled in the grass waiting. With that simple piece of plastic in my hand...I know Brad heard me.

Happy Birthday Bman! Peace, yo! 

~K

Continuing Stories of a Gas Bar Glamazon

I did not always aspire to work at a gas bar/station. I didn't wake up one morning as a young, impressionable youth and think to myself "Someday, when I grow up...I want to work in a thankless job for minimum wage, where people can be random assholes to me when things don't go their way." No, let me assure you dear readers, I didn't. However, I can also assure you, as sure as I'm sitting here, at said thankless, minimum wage job where random people can be assholes. EVERYTHING you are about to read is 100% true. (And that thought scares the crap out of me). These people are out there, they look normal enough (some of them) but at any given moment...there they are....ASSHOLES! (cue dramatic organ music)

I've been here for a year and a half now. And I sort of fell into this job. My brother in law owns the "sister" store to this one in the city, and someone he knew was opening this location. He told her I was seeking employment, that I was a good person, trustworthy, and reliable (yep he lied his ass off! - kidding!) So after sitting down for a chat one November afternoon, she hired me. I pretty much already had the job and was handed it, the interview was more of a formality than anything else. If you even want to call it an interview. She didn't really interview me, we just basically sat down and hammered out hours, wage and if or not I needed any specific days off. The rest of the "interview" was us jokingly knocking my brother in law in a good natured way. Hands down BEST. INTERVIEW. EVER. The fact that I love my boss only adds to it. And a great boss can make ALL the difference in the world.

HOWEVER...

It's a Saturday and I'm working, which I haven't done in a dogs age. Jessy (my eldest daughter) usually works this thankless shift, however she's in Toronto this weekend with friends at an Anime convention and so here I sit working. And let me let you in on a little secret. It sucks. Hardcore. I'm tired (my own fault) and a wee bit cranky. I have however held my tongue (at least twice now by my count) and I've been a good girl. I know I'm JUST as surprised as you are!!!

The only entertainment I have had today is the Tweet duo Eurovision play by play by The LeBonsez (Simon and Amber respectively). They tend to agree on most acts however Amber seemed more in favour of the male topless France act than her Father. Hrm, i wonder why?

Today (of course) people have been total idiots. I know you're saying to yourself "Say it ain't so Kendra!" Oh...but I do say so my dear lovelies. Sad but true, the idiots abound. I had one customer drive up to a pump that had a big red "X" through a card (debit or credit) on the display, indicating to the non English speaking folk that the pay at the pump option was not available. So...what did this customer do? You betcha! He rammed his credit card in the slot and screwed the pump up so badly, that no one can use it. So I put a bright crimson "Out of Order" bag over the pump nozzle.

Now...what do you think happened next? YEP! Idiot_01 drove up, looked at the bag, read it, LIFTED the bag, put it back down, looked at it again. Then proceeded to lift the nozzle on the pump and put it into his tank. Am I on candid fucking camera right now?! I LOST it. I got on the PA system and said: "Sir. That pump is "OUT OF ORDER" You can tell it's out of order by the bright red bag over the nozzle that you just looked at. You will have to move to another pump". I was aggressive (probably more so than I should have been) but to be honest, and in my own defense. He read the frickin sign TWICE. And he spoke perfectly good English and I know he can read, so it wasn't like he had an excuse except that he's a dumbass. Ya know?

I'm done here in 40 minutes, and it won't be a moment too soon. I welcome it, with open arms. I'm off tomorrow, I have plans that on an emotional level I'm really not looking forward to. But after today...I'd rather be there...than here.

One Last Glimpse,


~K

Randomness from the mind of a Glamazon

It's Sunday, May 20th 2012...I am at work and for reasons only known to Gods and Muses I am feeling fantastic. I certainly slept no better or worse than any other night although I know I did sleep very deeply. I have zero recollection of dreams, although I am aware of the fact that I did dream. I have the recollection of dreaming, but not of what the dreams were about. Perhaps my mood is because I know come the end of this shift I won't be in until Thursday. Three whole glorious, blissful days off. Spectacular.

My birthday is rapidly approaching and like always, I welcome it. I know a lot of women my age always have this impending doom when it comes to their birthday. Not me. I LOVE it when it's my birthday. I always have. In 15 days on June 5th I will be 41 and Alan (my hubby) will be 43. We share the same birthday, which I always thought was so very cool. He always tells people I was his 2nd birthday gift that he had to wait sixteen years to get. I adore my husband. Last year he gave me the best birthday ever. Between my party, and his amazing gift of my four stringed goddess (my bass guitar)...I was completely gobsmacked and blown away. By everyone really...I couldn't believe it. People I have known almost all my life...people I thought I knew inside and out...got one past me! ME!!! Buggers. I love them all.

Next weekend (Sunday) would have been my nephew Brad's 17th birthday. We've been invited over to my sister in law Megan's house to get together. She wants to go out to the crash site and release balloons. I've not been out there. In fact, I've avoided it like the plague. I went out to visit my friend Nat's mother with her a few months ago and asked if we could take an alternate route. She complied understanding completely. I wasn't ready to drive past there, I don't know that I'm ready even now, but I've got to go. For Megan, for Brad and for myself.

One Last Glimpse.

~K
RIP Robin Gibb :(

Once Upon a Time...

Growing up in the 70's there was one unalienable, unavoidable truth. Disco. Loved it or hated it, it was very prevalent and helped shape an era. I think above almost all else that is one of the things I held dear, which helped shape me and meld me into the person I am today, was the music. You cannot mention disco music without speaking of the Queen: Donna Summer.

I can remember going to Toronto to visit my Uncle in November around, near or on the weekend of my Dad's birthday (November 6th). Every year Toronto has a massive Santa Claus parade and we would always go. This one weekend happened to be my Dad's birthday. I have a memory of going to the Eaton's Center (a mall downtown) with my family (2 uncles, an Aunt, Dad, 2 cousins my sister and myself) and going down the street into a Sam the Record Man (This MASSIVE store on Young Street) with my Uncle Jim, cousins and sister. This store was HUGE. I've already blogged about my love of the vinyl, but this...THIS was my holy land. My wailing wall, my Vatican.

I can remember flipping through the records with my Uncle trying to find the PERFECT gift for my Dad. I'm not sure why we ended up selecting the Donna Summer album ("Donna Summer: Live and More") or who in the end, made the final decision as to which album we were getting. I can remember thinking that this woman, who I had never heard of ; as far as I was aware; looked so extraordinarily glamorous on the front of the album and I was intrigued to know what she sounded like. I knew my Dad would want to put the album on once he unwrapped it and I couldn't wait!

It wasn't until much later that I found out the impact and what an icon she had become for the gay community. To me (even now) none of that matters, I try not to get into the politics when it comes to music; if at all possible; if a musician is good, that's all that matters. The music. And hers was unbelievable. I always liked Donna Summer, but I think hands down; for sentimental reasons; my favorite song was "Fairy Tale High" followed closely by "Enough is Enough" a duet she did with another gay icon; the incomparable, Barbra Streisand. 

I'm sad today because it feels like a piece of my childhood has died with Donna's passing. However she left us one fantastic legacy and gift to remember her by. The music.

One....Last Dance...

~K

DDdreamin'

It's been a while I think since I had my last Duran dream (that I can remember anyway). I've dreamed a lot lately about my Mom, Mother in Law and Nephew (all passed). Or normal things that would seem "mundane" and really mean nothing to anyone but me. But I digress...

Last night I dreamed that I was sitting side stage at the front (but ON the stage) at a concert of some sort. Andy was there playing with them (but was VERY young). At one point Roger walked past me to a chest of drawers behind me and started looking through it for drumsticks while the band was still playing. His cue was coming up, so he began throwing the sticks over his head in a panic looking for the right set. Either eventually finding them or in fear he'd miss his cue, he hot footed it back to his drum kit and resumed playing.

Later Simon, John and Andy were sitting on Roger's drum kit riser. I remember getting the feeling like they were filming one of those cheesy 1970's TV variety specials. John and Simon were sitting there with Andy on the riser reminiscing, when Simon took John's hand and said to him in a TOTAL cheesefest moment: "If I had to take this journey with anyone....I'm glad I took it with you Johnny". I remember John grinning big and then the two of them doing this fake mellow dramatic cry and embrace. Then John gave Simon a really big kiss on the lips and then them cracking up about it. I seem to recall Andy throwing his head back laughing like it was the funniest thing ever.

The next thing I can remember is standing in some sort of gift shop with John and discussing with him the North American tour.  I got the impression (not sure why) that there was 8 or 10 Canadian dates alone (so this was a MAJOR tour). I also recall his appearance while still relatively the same age being different. His hair I think? Longer maybe? Or perhaps a throwback 80's style of some sort? I'm not sure. I just know it wasn't the same as it currently is. I remember I asked him if he was prepared for the North American girls. He grinned and said in a cocky tone "I think I can handle them". I smirked and said just as cheekily back "Are you sure there John? North American women are a whooooole different animal". To which he slipped his sunglasses on, licked his lips and smiled before he said "I'm counting on it".

Bastard.

One Last Glimpse,

~K

Oh really? Ya!

So, I had to laugh when they announced the two dates here in Ontario. I figured that there would be a date in Ontario, although I didn't expect it to be the Air Canada Center again in all honesty. I had thought/hoped perhaps it might either be The Molson Amphitheater (always a great place for a concert in my opinion) in Toronto or Copps Colosseum in Hamilton (both locations Duran Duran have played in the past if memory serves) or perhaps maybe even (dare to dream) here in London at the John Labatt Center. Although having said that, I'm a little vexed there has been no west coast, mid province or east coast dates mentioned. There rightfully should be as they were missed the first time around.

But then they announced it would be in Orillia. Orillia? Seriously?? For not just one show but...TWO? REALLY?? In ORILLIA?? Orillia is a small (30,000ish) population community about an hour and a half north of Toronto. It's fairly small and pretty rural. You may as well slap a pair of jean coveralls on Nick Rhodes with a straw hat, some hip waders and set him on top of a John Deere tractor because honestly folks...unless they're going to gamble for two days at the casino where they're playing, that may just be the most excitement and entertainment they'll see. It's heavy duty farming, cottage, and camping country up there...and I no more see Nick on a tractor than I do camping in a tent. Although both would be hilariously amusing.

@Barbarella_5 suggested perhaps John will be spotted strolling the isles of the local Walmart which made me seriously scream with laughter while at work this evening. Can you IMAGINE??

All I can suggest to you boys...bring a book or two. If you're lucky, they may have heard of that new fangled thing called the "interwebs" by the time you get up there. OH and bring a can of "Off" mosquito spray - yer gonna need it!

One Last Glimpse,

~K

Still Dancing...30 years on

The quintessential 80's album "Rio" is 30 today. Wow. Could it be? Where does the time go? Its mind boggling really. I was a mere 10 years old when Rio came out in May of 1982, one month shy of my 11th birthday and another 4 months before I would even know who Duran Duran even were. So much life ahead of me. So many things to learn and know. In retrospect, it's all amazing.

Rio was (and still is) a fantastic Duran album. It really set a new standard for the 80's sound as well as videos. It proved you could have style, class and look damn fine in a suit but still have a flash of guyliner flair about you. Whimsical and romantic Duran Duran stormed the world. And who were we to resist?

Duran managed to seamlessly interweave the funk of disco,  the glam of glam rock, and as well they tossed in a bit of punk-esque aire into the mix. Unique and extraordinary was the final product known as Duran Duran.  They bred a new era...they were and are the New Romantics.

Not all Duran albums were made equal (and they seldom ever are) Rio is probably one of the best albums Duran has ever produced, however their most recent "All you need is now" is a brilliant album in it's own right. Proving yet again why Duran Duran is king at what they do.

Happy Birthday Rio. May there be many more years of "dancing on the sand" with you and the "Band designed to make you party".

One Last Glimpse,

~K

Journey through the music

Music has never let me down in the places it can take me. It's always been there for me like an old friend to lift me up or subdue me, whichever I require. It is as much of an art form as something like a sculpture or a painting. The beauty within it is in the eye of the beholder or listener, and not everyone sees and hears the same thing within a song as someone else. Its one of the few things you can look at from multiple facets and angles and hear something different each time or the same thing every time.

I'm at work, listening to one of my favorite artists Darren Hayes who was the lead singer for Savage Garden before they split. There's something about his voice (much like Simon's) that can be seductive, playful, simple, innocent, sultry and sexual within his lyrics and vocals that can invoke a response from me because of that talent. I can easily go from wanting to be playful and laughing to wanting to be seduced and bedded from one song to the next. That to me, takes talent. To be able to invoke such an emotional response in people. But then again I guess that's normal for art to make that sort of impression, after all it should...shouldn't it?

Once in a while a song will come along that has a more significant effect on me than others. Usually if I'm in the right mood it can leave me in a puddle of mushy blubbering mess. It can encompass, envelope, and coat me in splendor and I am enraptured.

Perhaps it's the melody, a drum beat, a bass groove, a guitar riff, or a keyboard/synth sound. Or sometimes it's none of these...sometimes it's a gentle drifting cello. Sometimes its something as simple as a heart felt lyric or all of the above put together. The end result is still the same.

There's only a handful of songs I have come across that have the ability to do that (depending on my mood of course, it's not every time). And they are among some of my favorites. Such is the case with a Savage Garden song titled "Two beds and a Coffee Machine". It's a song about abuse, the love, devotion and protection of children, and the confidence that no matter what...you'll make it through if for nothing else...for them. It will be a hard road, but in the end as long the children are okay, everything else will be. I love this song for reasons I can't explain. I have no idea why I have such affection for this song. I mean yes, it's a beautifully written song, gorgeous piano and cello, but it is a HUGE Debbie Downer lyric wise.

That doesn't make the rest of the songs that don't have this effect on me any less great in my eyes. If it can evoke an emotion (assuming of course we're talking about a song that one enjoys) then the possibilities for its artistry are endless on the places it can take you to. Within the music somewhere is the key in it's simple melodious self to unlock the world.

One Last Glimpse,


~K

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

This blog entry is to someone who likely won't ever read it. Simply because I'll probably never show it to her. She knows this page exists, and in the beginning read some of my entries. If she chooses to come here of her own volition then perhaps she'll see it, but I'm not holding my breath. But it serves me better in the end to get my thoughts and emotions out than to hold them in.

I find it funny (not really) how quickly people forget the reason things all went south and are more interested in playing the blame game instead of taking a moment of introspection (my word for the day) and looking within for the reason and answers. Instead, they're far too busy pointing fingers. They neglect to recall how everything actually went down and how, where and why the chips fell the way they did. It's much easier to play the blame game when the blame rests solely on your own shoulders than it is to admit mistakes and say "I'm sorry".

I'm among the first to admit saying "I'm sorry" is difficult. The closer you are to the person (or persons) you've slighted, the harder the words seem to be to say. But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be said or don't need to be said or heard. Even if they're not said or required to be heard, an effort to repair the friendship would be great or at least some effort to recognize the fact that there was an issue would be great you know? We all make mistakes. No one is an innocent.

But I think you're only deluding yourself if you're not looking at this whole situation realistically and in it's entirety. You're doing yourself a disservice, as well as the friendships you've chosen to leave behind. That's sad to be because that's not the person I know. The person I know didn't do the things you're doing and have done over the last year. That's someone else entirely that I don't think I even want to know. It's like you're totally lost in Wonderland somewhere. Which I guess is your option too, the choice is yours which way you want to go with all of this. In the end how far you decide to chase the White Rabbit down the hole Alice, is up to you.

One Last Glimpse,

~K

Somebody that I used to know...

It's funny, sometimes people you think that will always be a part of your life, people you think you're closest to, that have always been there for almost as long as you can remember it. But then; for whatever the reason; they  leave. Sometimes its a gentle quiet movement and progression and removal from your life, by either their choice or yours...or perhaps amicable. Or sometimes theres screaming, yelling, throwing of insults or dishes, a slam of the proverbial door and that's it. The end result either way is a friendship is over.

Two people that I have known in the last year and a half have done both scenarios.  One of them needs to grow up, grow a set and stop living behind a mask and be who he really is and wants to be. The other had her life together but the desire to be with someone, ANYONE instead of being alone despite the loss of herself, her self respect, and her spirit seemed irrelevant. When her relationship began with this person (the nicest word I can use for him) she was warned that it would end badly, not by myself but by others including a psychic medium who told her to get rid of him. But she decided she wanted to be in the relationship anyway. Subsequently pushing away all of her friends who; for the record; all made an effort to be nice to him. And even now when she could be repairing those relationships since the relationship she was in is now allegedly over; she elects not to (for whatever reason). She's so broken now, that even those who were once her center and closest to her are distanced. Efforts have been made, but she just either doesn't wish to resume the friendship or isn't ready to. But more over, she's changed. She's not the person she once was And I'm not certain, even if she wanted to resume our friendship that I would be eager to. Not only has she changed, but I think I have as well.

The reason why I'm writing this blog entry about these two people I used to be very close to is because I had two separate dreams about both of them last night. One dream was SO real, I still can't believe it DIDN'T happen. I was so convinced that I had gotten a facebook inbox sent to my phone, that when i got up this morning and went downstairs to my computer so I could read it fully and respond to it. When I got to my computer and opened my Facebook I was baffled as to why it wasn't there. I have no recollection as to what the inbox said, only that it was from her to myself and two of our other friends. I wish I could recall what it said now.

The other dream also had me receiving a message, but it was more like a telegram almost. I was in an airport and someone came up and handed it to me at baggage claim. I recall the message and that I read it (in his hand writing) off a piece of paper. What it means, I have no idea. It said he was in Calgary area and would "be home soon" and was hoping we could get together and talk. The only thing I get the vibe its in reference to is a mutual friend of ours little sister who is not doing well with cancer. But to be honest I don't even know if he knows that or not. It's all very odd.

Thankfully I don't feel weirded out by these dreams. I hate that when you dream about someone no longer in your life and you get all weirded out by it. I'm just perplexed by it all, ya know? I find it odd that I dreampt about two people, that I once cared very much for, that I no longer speak to (who knew each other I might add) on the same night. Like what the hell am I supposed to do with this? Does it even mean anything? Is it supposed to? Who knows.

One Last Glimpse,


~K

Here's the thing...

Spiders and bees are my two big bug fears. It's spring and of course the little bastards are everywhere. I've seen umpteen spiders around the house that have captured my cat's attentions. I don't even want to think how many they've eaten and then licked my hand. YUCK! As if that wasn't bad enough now bees have invaded. We rent our property so it's really not my problem to deal with. It's more an inconvenience for me than anything. Apparently, they've made a nest in the archway above my front door. But if that wasn't bad enough I guess they have made their way into the furnace. Fanfuckingtastic. I hope tomorrow they'll show up bright and early to deal with this or I'll be none too pleased. I do not need bees invading my home. On the upside because I rent - I won't be footing the bill for this. YAY!

So the guys are currently down in South America - Buenos Aries to be exact. When I was about 12 or so, my Father took my sister and me to see the musical "Evita" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Eva Duarte Peron was the wife of the now former Presidente of Argentina. It's song "Don't cry for me Argentina" has been sung and recorded a lifetime over by various artists.

For reasons only known to The Muses and the Gods themselves I have (since John Tweeted this morning saying they were en route there) had this image of him being driven down the street, standing poked out of a moon-roof of a car, arms outstretched, 1000 watt smile slapped on his face singing "Buenos Aries" at the top his lungs. Yes okay it's sung by a woman, and it's a little show boaty, over the top, Neil Patrick Harris-esque but hey - this is my imagination we're talking about. The thing of it is... the lyrics even fit:

"What's new Buenos Aries?
 I'm new! I wanna say I"m just a little stuck on you!
You'll be on me too"

"I get out here Buenos Aries!
 Get this! Look at me dressed up somewhere to go,
We'll put on a show!"

And yes, I know it's ridiculous mind numbing randomness- but hey - it's okay! My entries have been really huffy lately. It's time for some fun and randomness! Oh! And maybe a confession...are you ready??? Here goes....

I've always been a geek. There, I've said it. It's okay, I'm alright with it. I'm a chic geek, and I'm okay with that. I like music, food, fashion, art, shoes and the like but I also like to geek out with my computer games. I used to play just console games before we had a computer. I liked the original Nintendo. The button-ry was simple: up, down, right, left, start and pause. No problem.

But now you can practically spell out the alphabet. ABCD...X? REALLY? Unless it's going to give me a mani/pedi, order me a pizza, and fetch me a drink from the kitchen I don't think I need that many buttons. There are so many buttons they've moved on to shapes. The triangle button summons a foot masseuse named Sven, and I'm pretty sure the circle button will sell my soul for...you guessed it...MORE BUTTONS! Isn't life complicated enough? Do I really need a mini joystick steering wheel thing that vibrates? Let me answer for you....NO. I do not.

I think this is why my favourite mode of gaming is now computer gaming. My computer gaming passion actually started from one of my friends who I would consider one of the least likely people to EVER be a gamer. She introduced me to a game when we were in grade nine called "Below the Root", and the rest as they say is history. 

BTW Rach...have you seen my other shuba? The one I have is torn.

One Last Glimpse,


~K

PROUD military wife (Ret.)

Recently on Facebook someone I went to elementary and secondary school with posted an image of a soldier (going on the uniform I'll SAY it's an American soldier but I'm not 100% on that either). Knelt beside someone on their stomach, beaten and holding their head up by the hair with the tag line: "I MURDER CHILDREN and your taxes pay for it and people think I'm a HERO. Silence is betrayal." and above it she wrote "War is Murder". Ummm what? No.

I am the PROUD wife of a retired member of our military. To lump a minute percentage of those who go off the rails and do unconscionable things with the true heroes of our military is disgusting. I was LIVID (and still am). I'm not a pacifist, I'm by no means an anarchist either though. But for her to post what she did is truly disrespectful in my opinion. She may as well wipe her ass with the flag, spit on it and set fire to it for lumping everyone together. And I'm also PROUD to say I can HAVE these opinions and freedom of speech BECAUSE my family and my husbands family and my husband fought for my right to do so.

After much writing, deleting and re-writing on my part (I saw RED at this post by her) this was what I managed to come up with as a reply:

"I'm sorry Linda that's where we'll have to agree to disagree. My husband is a VET of our Canadian Military who went to Rwanda in the 90's. If someone came at him with a machete - child or not; with the intent to kill; I would hope he would defend himself accordingly. And if that makes me a monster...so be it. My husband IS a Hero in my eyes...a piece of him was taken in Rwanda that he is JUST NOW finally beginning to get back. Hopefully someday I'll have the man I once married back to me. He did things, HORRIBLE things and SAW horrible things over there that was NOT his choice. But he is a hero none the less...just like his Grandfather before him who was behind enemy lines and at Juno beach in World War 2 fighting for our freedoms as well as many of my own relatives as well.



I realize the idea that this photo is portraying is VASTLY different than what I've just said - people who go on pleasure kills and what not while deployed. But you saying "War is Murder" -- it's sadly not that cut and dried in my opinion.

I'm proud of our military, what it achieves, what it does. It's that small percentage of people who make the headlines for doing unconscionable things that far overshadow those people who are the silent heroes in this world. Those who deserve the ticker tape parades and all the accolades but rarely get them."

She then went on to tell me she felt our military members were DUPED (her EXACT words) into signing on the dotted line. DUPED???? REALLY???? FUCK. OFF.

I realize everyone has the right to their own opinion. I'm certainly not knocking that. But when MY HUSBAND, my relatives, and friends relatives (whom THEY are proud of as well) and my husband's GRANDFATHER  who went BEHIND ENEMY LINES and was at Juno beach in World War 2 to defend our country so that we can HAVE the rights to say our own opinion essentially wipes her ass all over my countries flag that is where I draw the line.

I'm proud of my husband and the things he did, the scarifies he made. I'm proud of our true soldiers past and present who have served for Queen and Country, those who behaved the way they should, the silent heroes deserve more than just a pat on the back "job well done" and a ticker tape parade that will never come.

One Last Glimpse,

~K


Addendum: Just because the person who this blog was about decided to continue on her Facebook this morning. Let me clarify one thing to her in case you ever read this. When I unfollowed/unfriended you it was NOT because of your beliefs (however misguided I think they are) on war and our military even though you think that is the case. Well no, that's not it at all. I unfollowed/unfriended you because you insulted my husband, and the proud military lineage of a multitude of people that I love and care for. A right that they fought for...for YOU. For YOUR RIGHT to have the opinions you do, you should be thanking our soldiers for not flipping them the bird. You can twist this whatever way you like, but make no mistake as to WHY I unfriended you.