Thought I’d tell a little about my visit to see our newest grandbaby, Will’s daughter, Esmerelda.

We headed out early on Friday morning (day after Thanksgiving) headed to Ft Bragg. My Aunt Betty, my brother Lee, his wife Ashley, and their kids, Ryan and Morgan and I all packed into Lee’s van.  It’s about a ten hour drive, so we watched LOTS of videos on the DVD player, and we saw lots of interesting things – one place that really caught our eye was South of the Border.  We started seeing signs for the place about 5 miles out- it reminded me of the Rock City signs you used to see everywhere. By the time we got there, our expectations were really built up – it turned out to be a small theme park with a flea market, antique store and fireworks stand, plus some huge cement animals and statues of Pedro. Looked like it might be a fun place to kill an hour or so- maybe on another trip.

We finally made it to the hotel late in the afternoon and got checked in. Then we headed over to Zully’s house for supper- because Will, Zully and the baby hadn’t been able to come to us, we had decided to take Thanksgiving supper to them. We took turkey, dressing, peas, carrots, “green stuff” (Will’s childhood name for pistachio salad), lemon pies, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs and Grandmama’s sweet tea.

It was a blast to see everyone- Esmerelda had on the prettiest little red and black outfit that made her look like a china doll.  Her nursery looks really sweet- lots of Pooh and friends pictures, and her name in wooden letters above her bed. She has grown so much – she’s already over 12 pounds! She is doing great- so many babies now seem to have problems getting settled on their milk- I’m glad Zully isn’t having that problem.

We also got to meet one of Will’s buddies, and I think everyone enjoyed getting together.

We left out early Saturday morning headed back; it was a short trip, but I sure am glad I got to finally see the baby, and to see Zully again.  Will’s planning on making a short trip here right after Christmas, so we’ll be seeing him soon.

I’ve just had one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had.

After the Luverne Christmas parade and toy run, we pulled back around to the old Armory to put our helmets on, before heading back to the peanut shed for the Biker Appreciation Day.

Randy and I both had our PGR banners on the windshields, and Randy was also flying his American and PGR flags. While we were talking a bit, an older fellow walked up and asked who was riding with the Patriot Guard Riders. I stepped towards him and said that Randy and I both rode with them. He held his hand out to shake mine, and when he did, he put some money in my hands.  He said, “here’s a little something to pay for the next tank of gas; I appreciate what ya’ll do.”

I told him that we really didn’t do anything, and he looked at me and said, “I’m an old Viet Nam vet, and I know that ya’ll keep those scumbags away from our boys’ funerals.”  I told him he was the one who had really done something, but he just smiled at me.

I’ve always considered it an honor to escort a soldier, whether he’s coming home, or whether he’s going to his final resting place.  It always amazes me to have someone thank us for doing such a small thing, for someone who’s given so much.