|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
One Memorial Day brought tragedy of a different sort
It was my third son's red beret, which he acquired during his tour of duty in Viet Nam. With black leather trim and a Hanoi patch front and center, it has a special meaning for me. My son had just graduated from high school when he decided to enlist in the Army, as had his older brothers before him. They both had served in Berlin during the cold war, but this time, my third soldier son was to be on the front lines in an active war, not a clean-up action in Germany. My son seemed to enjoy his training and made many friends from different parts of the country. I had letters from him in Viet Nam telling me how pleased he and his buddies were to receive the care packages I sent them. One of the letters he sent told me about a long night spent pinned down under a truck with three other soldiers. There were many other close calls during his service with the Army Corps of Engineers, but at the end of those three years, thankfully, he came home without any physical wounds. He and I spent many nights just talking after he had been out riding his motorcycle or driving his car around our country roads. While waiting to enter college, he decided to take an interim job as a photographer working for Gulf Oil. Barely three months after he came home, we had a phone call from the police and rushed to the hospital. My son had been working the night shift on the Memorial Day holiday, and when driving home he had been hit by a drunk driver, and killed. That day the world changed for our family. So I hope you celebrated Memorial Day and remembered the dead who gave so very much for you. And please, as always, drive safely and soberly.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 30 percent of Americans over age 17 have high blood pressure - about 60 million people! There are four main factors that can help you control your blood pressure: diet, weight, exercise and stress reduction. Reducing salt intake, alcohol and caffeine, as well as reducing stress and overall body weight, all help keep the blood pressure lower. Have you heard about the Senior Keeper Class at The Zoo-Northwest Florida? It offers a behind-the-scenes look at many fascinating facets of our zoo, ranging from migration to veterinary techniques at the Zoo's Animal Clinic. The class is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the first Friday of every month with the zoo educators. No reservations are necessary. Just sign up at the gift shop. The cost is only $3 in addition to regular Zoo admission. Want to know more? Call the Zoo at 932-2229.
Here's a somewhat topical joke: What is the penalty for bigamy? Two mothers-in-law! See you next week! |
      |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
