One thing about this “Photo a Day” challenge I’m participating in:  I can’t wait til I’m “in the mood” to take pictures. I have to look for things to shoot some days; I guess that’s the purpose – to see more photo opportunities around me every day.

This is the beginning of a quilt for a very dear friend of mine. He laughingly commented that he wanted a doll and a quilt – so I’m making him a teddy bear and a quilt (which will be sized for the bear). I didn’t figure he really wanted a doll…

He’s away from home for a few days, and I hope to have it all done by the time he gets back. He’s been going through a rough patch, and I hope this will remind him that he has friends who love him and are thinking about him.

Randy and I were honored to be a part of the funeral services for PFC Steven Dorough last weekend. Steven had joined the Army his senior year in high school and would report for duty after graduation. Meanwhile he was training with a local National Guard unit. He was proud to be in the military and wore his uniform often. He encouraged his friends to consider joining as well.

About a month ago, he had seen the PGR during a military funeral and told his dad, “if something happens to me, that’s what I want”. They had no idea it would come so quickly – he was killed over New Year’s Day weekend.

Over 60 members of the PGR, some from as far away as north Alabama, came together to honor Steven and his family.  We escorted his family from the funeral home to the church, then stood a flag line for him. His pallbearers included classmates, members of his unit and PGR members.  Seeing the large number of people who came out during frigid temperatures, it was clear that Steven was a special young man who had touched many lives.

I don’t know how to explain what it feels like to stand in a flag line to honor someone; I don’t feel it’s a duty, but it’s something I’m always glad to do.  It’s an honor to be able to show respect to someone who has given such a huge sacrifice for others, but it’s not only that either.  I’ve never known the person we’re there to honor, but I always feel as if I know them during that time. The best way I can explain it, is it’s a very small way of saying ‘thank you’ to a family who has given so much.

I don’t want anyone to feel I’m using this as a way to pat myself on the back, because nothing could be further from the truth – that’s not what the PGR is about; as we say, it’s not about us, it’s all about them (heroes).  I’d encourage anyone to join – you don’t have to ride a motorcycle, because we always need vehicles to help with the escort. You certainly don’t have to be military, or I couldn’t be a member.  All you have to do is want to show honor and respect to our country’s heroes.

This is Jenn’s new little buddy, What? Since this picture was made, I added yellow, green and purple ribbon hair (in honor of Mardi Gras) and a lace crown.

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