4am would come too early for him. Mom would have his coffee ready and for a long time his cigarettes. I'm not sure he even ate most mornings. He would go warm up the truck and come back in one last time to kiss mom and to tell us he loved us. We slept through most of them, and if we were fortunate we would be just awake enough to see him put the cover us up and kiss us on the head, then he was gone.
6:30 is to early to get up I tell myself, Erin is usually first up taking a shower. I can hear Collin up already talking about cars or the cat. He is wide awake, where does this energy come from?? I begin to call the kids to wake up and Katrina wants to be held. My body aches but I take the hug and it knocks me back up against the couch. Here comes Payten, "Daaaaaaaaaaad Collin is touching the cat." She is the cat police.
Dad would come home sometimes by the time we got home, but usually later. He found some odd job after work to make a few extra dollars, to help with bills or just to have a few extra dollars to get a snack at work, or in later years be able to play golf with his friends. He wouldn't buy a club he would take ones that his buddies were going to throw away. They were defective in some way to the owner, but my dad would take them as a treasure doing what he could to repair them. He was so handy.
I struggle to get Payten's hair brushed, Collin fed and Serena is done helping. Connor is bringing up the clothes, and Payten asks me what is Veterans Day? I have these moments where I want to give this long speech about something to teach the kids something, but usually the shorter answer is the best. To say thank you for serving our country, I say. Hmm, Payten replies when do they get to stop serving daddy?
Around this time two years ago, my dad was in a hospital bed he had blockages in his heart that required surgery, the hospital had little signs they were putting on the doors that said happy veterans day. Dad was proud of serving, his stories of being in the marines was something as a child I didn't quite get, and as I got older appreciated most of the time. Now I would give anything to hear them again. Tell me dad how you met Chad Everett, or how you met John Wayne. Just one more time.
I thought long about the question, and answered "I don't think they ever stop, Payten." Veterans serve their country their family and their friends. Veterans put themselves last when they deserve so much more. Pa-paw served Uncle Donny served, Grandpa served, others served, to protect you.
It was a windy day at the cemetery the day they laid my dad to rest, Amazing grace played on the loud speaker, the 21 gun salute was given. Stephen Lee Bridgers 1944-2011 a devoted husband, loving father, a hero to us, even if I didn't say it enough appreciate it enough. Day in and day out he had a heart of service, honoring his country and loving his family.
Tonight, I will go home, to hugs and kisses. I will listen to my childrens stories and then I will put them to bed, I will cover them up and pray over each of them. Thank you for those who served who will serve and who died so my family can live. Dad...I love you
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