Log in to become a member of Fran Larson's Fan Club!
I knew Mother would be preparing at least two red foods for dinner. That was because Mike was coming to dinner. Four- year old Mike would only eat red "things." Ironically, he had bright red hair. Mother would prepare red jello or strawberries or whatever she could think of that was red. We all loved little Mike. His little face was dotted with lots of freckles. His green eyes showed mischief. Little Mike was my second cousin. He had a sister and brother.
Mike was my sister's ring bearer when she married. I can still see him in his white suit his red hair, freckles and that ever so mischievous look. Even then, Mike knew what he wanted to do and what he didn't want to do. The moment came for Mike to walk down the aisle holding the white satin pillow with the ring. Everyone turned to see little Mike walk down the aisle. After taking a couple of steps, Mike said. "Granny, I can't do this. My feet are tired."
Those are the two main things I remember about Michael Robert Hall, son of a military officer. Mike grew up and went to serve his country at Vietnam.
I never got to see Mike again. He was killed in the war.
At 18 years of age, he was just a child himself. He never got to fall in love or to marry or, to have children. Mike never even got to experience many of the freedoms for which he had died.
His mother told us that she had shed so many tears; she just didn't have any left.
I think of Mike often. I am glad Mother would prepare his "red things." I am glad that everyone loved Mike. He had wonderful parents. Unfortunately, I never got to thank him for his ultimate sacrifice.
I felt my heart beat with pride an also sadness a few days ago. It was at the Rays game. The color guard marched on the field with our flag. I felt a chill go through me as The Star Spangled Banner was sang. I caught a glimpse of everyone reverently standing still and facing our flag. I let the words drift through me. I hoped Mike was watching.
I surely do not think Mike would want us to be sad. We should be enjoying the freedom for which he fought. That is why I think we should celebrate the 4 th of July with fun, as well as honor. I personally am going to eat a couple of "red things", such as watermelon in honor of Mike. I think Erma Bombeck had the right idea:
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism .
Erma Bombeck
Francine Larson:
Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.
She is currently writing for The Pasco Shopper (Fl.) and The Highlands at Scotland Yards. Also writes poetry and short stories.She has a new personal web site:http://thedragonflylady.com/
Thank you Fran for a very special article. I read many online articles that are nice or insightful or funny, but you have conveyed clear emotion that tells a story that will stick with the reader.
I was lucky enough to be born in 1969 and until I watched Operation Desert Storm start on CNN in the middle of the night, I didn't have a feel for what "being at war" really meant.
I will remember your Mike on July 4th and I will tell the people I am picnic-ing with about him while we eat our watermelon and strawberries.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!
