Lost at Sea

Today is Palm Sunday.  After getting home & searching on YouTube for Palm Sunday hymns, I came across this wonderful video of the Ohio State Marching Band playing the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father".  Military hymns are awesome (in the true meaning of the word, not the casual "that's awesome!" we hear too often when someone can't think of anything specific to say).  And this performance is fascinating to me because the band members actually sing the hymn themselves - so cool!!!

It makes me think about our family heritage, having Maine seafaring families including ship captains on the Rivers side (Rivers, Davis and others which I'm not remembering).  Walking through a cemetery near Port Clyde, ME, Dad and I found gravestones from these families years ago.  Sadly, we also saw many graves/memorials for young men (especially) drowned or lost at sea.  Oceans are probably the most wonderful and terrifying things we can know.

It also made me think of a ship lost during my lifetime, that had sailed out of Philadelphia's port next to Gloria Dei Church were I grew up.  You can read more about the sad story here, including some interesting theories about what happened to the ship:  The Disappearance of the SS Poet.

You'll notice the article includes a photo of a memorial placque, which is at the back of the church.  Grandad held a memorial service for the men who were lost, which was attended by family members from all over the country.  This is one of the very meaningful things Grandad did at Gloria Dei - you can read a bit more at the church website:  David Buchanan Rivers.

Well, having shared a bit of history with you I hope you will enjoy this video as much as I do !!  We need to remember to be grateful to all those families that have loved ones working on the coast or out at sea.

Exciting Times

Alex, now that 2018 is here things have been "happening" !  One not so good event over the past couple months, but MOSTLY exciting stuff.  Some recent highlights....

1. Shortly before 2018, you turned 21.  Woohoo!   We had dinner at MizuSushi, presents, etc.  But that was only after you and Taylor you celebrated with Gage at Uncle Bucks.  I don't know too many details, and that's just as well.
2. In January you broke your right ankle (tip of your tibia) on your first trip down the bunny slope, skiing with Taylor.  She took you to the Edwardsville urgent care clinic, then we had appointments with Dr. Hernandez who we really liked.  Fortunately, no hard cast - just crutches and a brace/boot that you could walk on before too long.  It was a simple fracture and healed quickly.  But an achy foot and no driving for (a very boring) 5 weeks or so was rough.  By the end of February, you were driving again and off for a long weekend at Slippery Rock.  You've been saying that it's very unlikely you will ever going skiing again....
3. Then a couple days it was back to work at Gerrity's, where your boss very much wants you to continue working in the produce department.  The prior week you gave notice of resigning from Gerritys because of much upcoming travel....  but store management is willing to schedule your hours around the trips.  So no need to quit - great news!
4. WHAT TRAVEL, you say???  Well very soon you are heading abroad for a 10 day visit with Uncle John and Aunt Fran in Qatar.  Leaving from JFK Airport in New York City, connecting in Istanbul, then on to Doha (and back).  It will be Very interesting and a wonderful opportunity to see part of the Middle East - from a geographical, political and historical perspective.  You will have much fun with Noel and Larson too.  The next special highlight is a weekend visit with Uncle Jason and Aunt Maryanne, traveling with Aunt Pam.  Good times!
5. But really what prompted me to (finally!!) write a new post in Carroll Boys was your application to Misericordia University and, as of March 1, receiving a letter of acceptance/scholarship notification.  I am so, so proud of all the work you've done to become an honors student at LCCC, decide that you are very interested in politics and apply for the Government, Law and National Security program.  Fantastic!!  Congratulations Alexander Finley !!!

It makes me think of the fun and excitement of Wyoming Area graduation, so I've re-posted one of my favorite pictures of you in the blog header.   

There is much work to come..... and for now, let's be joyful !!!!