A Story of Service and Sacrifice
It’s Different This Year
Dear Readers, in Shady Pines Story Town Memorial Day usually means picnics, parades and neighbors gathering on front porches.
But for seven-year-old Ray Robinson, the atmosphere this year feels a little heavier. While the rest of our close knit community prepares for the festivities, Ray is learning a lesson about service that isn’t found in his textbooks.
A Different Kind of Silence
Ray’s world is usually filled with the sounds of Saturday morning cartoons or Boomerang barking and the meows from Halley’s Comet when he goes to the Sanders’ house to play. Boomer and Halley are two of his best buddies. Lately the loudest sound in his house is the silence.
Ray’s father is in the military. Once again he’s been deployed somewhere overseas. Neither Ray nor his mom knows where they sent him. The war with Iran continues to grab headlines. Is he close to that conflict? The boots that used to sit by the front door are gone. The chair at the head of the table is tucked in tight, unused. The fear is real.
The Weight of “Wait”
For a sensitive child like Ray, time is a strange thing. “A few months” feels like a lifetime when you’re waiting for a game of catch or a bedtime story. What if his dad’s gone for more than a few months? What then?
Ray’s mom does her best to hold everything together. She sometimes takes on odd jobs around town to keep up with the bills. Ray thinks she tries to stay busy so she doesn’t have time to think.
Providing Support
That’s why Ray’s mom started dropping him off at the Shady Pines Community Center after school. Edna Sanders works there part time. It’s where Ray first met Boomer and Halley. Edna’s four-legged kids often make rounds at the center with their mom. Ray started joining them. Director Rita Malena knows that Ray and his mom are going through a tough time. She pays extra attention to the studious youngster and often sends Ray home with a casserole for their dinner.
Sometimes Edna takes Ray and her “kids” to nearby Stonewall Park to play catch. Ray loves to watch Boomer run after the flying disc. Halley thinks it’s just another silly thing that the Australian Shepherd likes to do. She figures it’s far better to hang back and get attention from Ray in between throws.
Even with this distraction, Ray often thinks about his mom. He notices the tired lines around her eyes when she thinks he isn’t looking. He sees her checking the mailbox with a hopeful expression that fades when there’s no handwritten letter from his dad. The fact is they live every day with the uncertainty of how to manage until he comes home. It’s like a cloud that follows them even on the sunniest day.
The True Meaning of the Holiday
This Memorial Day, Ray isn’t just thinking about history because he’s living it. He’s learning that behind every soldier is a family like the Robinsons, doing the hard work of waiting.
We often think of bravery as something that happens far away, but Ray and his mom remind us that acts of bravery are often happening all around us. This Memorial Day weekend let’s celebrate the unofficial start to summer. At the same time, let’s practice Shady Pines Strength by being extra patient and kind to everyone we meet. You never know who might be carrying a heavy heart or waiting for a loved one to come home.
A important reminder of the real meaning of Memorial Day and not only the sacrifices our Servicemen and women make, but also the emotional and financial struggles their families face. This story from the child’s perspective is especially touching to me.
Oh thank you Janis. I’m so glad it resonated with you!
A great reminder to think of others in some small act of kindness- especially those who are missing a loved one. Children especially need to be taught what Memorial Day truly is- not just a cookout, beach trip, or a day off of school.
Thank you Linda. That’s a really good point!
Do you remember the poster that said “War is not healthy for children and other living things.”? Still true. Here’s hoping all our communities will be as supportive as Shady Pines, every day not just Memorial Day. Keep the cuddles coming, Boomer and Halley.
Thank you Sandi. That’s really sweet
What a great great message Both Martha Jane and I were delighted to feel the kindness of Shady Pines
words BE KIND TO ALL and not
just this Memorial Day …. every day
I’m so glad you both liked it Jane
Very good message
This is a very poignant story. Thank you for reminding all of us about those who have to wait with such uncertainty
A great story that really hit home. Although both grandsons are now civilians I remember how hard it was for their kids and wives the last 8 years , sometimes being deployed 9 months out of the year. To all service men & women, thank you for your service.
Thank you Barbara!
A great story that really hit home. Although both grandsons are now civilians I remember how hard it was for their kids and wives the last 8 years , sometimes being deployed 9 months out of the year. To all service men & women, thank you for your service.
This story hit the bullseye for me. My daughter in law has had to wait just like this family. It is so hard
Thank you for sharing that Berne
What a tender story. We often don’t take the time to really find out what our neighbors are going through. This hit me on a lot of different levels.
As someone who comes from a military family I really appreciate your take on this holiday. Very well done story
Terrific piece.
Memorial Day for those who died in service.
Veterans day for those who served.
On both days, we should honor, recognize, and celebrate those who are presently serving and their families.
THANK YOU !!!
I appreciate that Frank. So glad you liked it!
A beautiful story and message. I loved the last three lines. My uncle was killed in World War 2 and my dad absolutely never forgot him. He made sure we never did either. My sister will go to the town memorial on Monday where he is remembered. I can’t go but I will remember him. Thank you.
Oh Sharon. That is so impactful. Thank you for sharing!
Waiting is hard for anyone but especially when you are wondering if a loved one is in harm’s way. Very touching story
This is beautifully done. Thank you for bringing this angle to our attention
Thank you Jim
This story is a good reminder to remember the families too when celebrating Memorial Day, who sacrifice so much while their loved ones are serving in the military.
Thank you so much for pointing that out Teresa!
Very sweet story once again, Mary Jane. Good reminder that military families carry the weight of the wait for their loved ones in often invisible ways. Kindness to them is essential ❤️💙
Thank you so much Nancy!
A very heartfelt post that really hit me hard. A friend of mine just lost her brother after a life long battle with the agent Orange effects he suffered in Vietnam. We think our veterans‘ sacrifices are over when they come home, but they often continue to sacrifice for our nation and people. Thank you for emphasizing the real meaning of Memorial Day.
That’s heartbreaking to hear Sheri. Agent Orange claimed more lives than we probably will ever know
I appreciate this point of view regarding Memorial Day. I tend to think of those who served. Now I will also think of those serving and their families.
Thank you for that Elaine!
Nicely done!
Nice shirt! Spot on once again – thank you!
I think you may know when and where I bought the top and who I was with when doing so! Glad you liked the post
What a great reminder that freedom isn’t free and that the cost is borne not only by those who serve on the fields but those who they leave behind. As always, a great life lesson!
Joanne thank you so much. I’m glad it resonated with you!
I come from a military family and you really made the pain of waiting feel real. Thank you.
Thank you Sharon. I appreciate that
This site does a really good job of using its characters to get across important subjects for our kids to consider. I’m sending this to my daughter. Our two grandsons need to see it
What a great story. It really touched me. We really don’t always know what’s going on in the house just down the street do we?