Today we have computers, cell phones, itouch, ipad, high speed internet, anything a person could need to communicate. You can see and hear in real time a person halfway around the world. You can know instantly what they had for breakfast or what their plans are for the day. Today for military personnel it is as if they are in the next room.
A spouse can call their mate and talk to them about what they are thinking about like whether to call the plumber, electrician, or what color should they paint the bedroom. There is no waiting for the mail for the military today.
Well, in the 60s it was a different world. Because of Glenn's degree in electronics communication, the Navy came looking for him. He joined the Navy's critical rate program and knew he would start his active duty soon. We married in July, 1965 and he was to start his tour of duty the following July. We were transferred to Memphis for four months with ATT and then back to Jackson, MS. We bought a house and I returned to my job at the hospital. Life was great for us newlyweds but it was short lived. Our world was turned upside down when he was called up and placed aboard ship within a few days. No basic training for Glenn.
I wrote to him daily, sometimes two or three times a day. My world was upside down for sure. Oh, I had family, friends and business associates but that was not like having him around. The hole in the heart of a spouse whose husband is in service cannot be filled by anyone or anything. The letters took three to four weeks to reach him or I. I lived to go to the mailbox and get the letters from him. I still have those letters and cherish them.
So on this Memorial Day or any day you communicate with a loved one who has an active duty family member in the military tell them, "thank you." Thank them for their part in staying home and keeping the home fires burning so the military can keep our country free.
