To all the veterans, thank you for your service. No matter how small a part you played in saving the world, it was an important part. Together you have made our country strong, resilient, and free! God bless.
Lt S. Melvin Rines was born during the depression in 1924. It was a time when the ice man delivered ice weekly so families could keep their food cold in the ice box. Phones were attached to a wire that was shared with other families, and the switchboard lady knew everything. A family car was rare, and a Sunday drive was a special treat. The church was a community that shared meals together, helped those in need, and prayed for each other.
Melvin was 8 years old when he rode his bike 4 miles to a grass strip airport, hoping to catch Johnny West flying his biplane. He fantasized that Johnny would invite him for a ride. “Hey Kid, do you want to go for a ride?’ He was never asked. He and his brothers made cardboard planes in their backyard and shot down the enemy.
He enlisted in the Navy as a fighter pilot in the Pacific during WWII and in the Korean War. Flying High, the Story of a Fighter Pilot tells his story of growing up in Berlin, New Hampshire, training, crashing parties, and flying off of aircraft carriers. It is an exciting book. He wrote it so we would remember. As his memory fades, it helps as all remember.
He and his wife, Mary Jo, had three kids. He taught us to wash the cars, learn to swim, play ball, and so much more. When we were very young, he would be a horse and crawl to the couch with us on his back, buck a few times, and dump us onto the couch. We would squeal with delight and scramble back on and wrap our arms and legs around him with such determination as he bucked and dumped us off again and again. So much love and laughter in these games.
Now he is 101, and my brother and I are caring for him. He needs help 24/7, and it is difficult for him to get around and find the words to express his thoughts. Yet we continue to Live in the Gift together. We fill in the gaps of his stories that we have enjoyed many times before, and we tease each other as we remember the past. Laughter and joy ring through his home. He is so appreciative of our help. We appreciate the ways that he has loved and supported us through difficult times and celebrated us during the good times.
Remember the good times, forgive and forget the bad times. Walk the rest of your life focused on the Gifts, and there will be laughter, love, and joy. To all the veterans, thank you for your service. You have made our country strong, resilient, and free! God bless.
Be bold, aim high, work hard and have fun!
