Scenes from the Walk... The Memorial Towers

They had large towers with all of the cities that are hosting walks. On it, you could write your memorial message for your city.

Scenes From the Walk... 2

More of the signs...









































































(Hey, men... take note... this is NOT just a woman's disease.)

Scenes From the Walk...

I'm going to try and share some of the images from the Walk... First, some of the signs that helped remind us why we were there...

LIVE!

26.2 miles... COMPLETE!

LIVE!

23 down! 3 to go... So close!

LIVE!

20 miles down... 6 to go!

LIVE!

18 miles down... 8 to go... Feeling good... Tired, but good...

LIVE!

Passing Embassy Row!

LIVE!

Lunch is over and I'm back on the walk... 9.5 down, 16.7 to go. Can feel the beginning of a blister, so I applies some anti-blister cream.

Gotta stretch the muscles back out from the break..

Feeling GREAT!

LIVE!

9.5 miles and at the lunch stop... This is an amazing experience... THANK you to everyone who helped me get here...

LIVE! From the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

8 miles down... Have just passed Arlington and the Iwo Jima memorial...

Excitedly Ready to Walk

Here we are... it's TIME.

I'm writing from Washington, DC. It was an amazing rush to check into the Avon Registration center. There were SO many people! To know that each walker had raised at least a minimum of $1,800... the math gets impressive quickly.

I want to thank everyone who helped me get here. We've raised $2,300 in honor of Ellicia!! $2,300 to help fight this disease. $2,300 more to reduce the spread of this horror.

Tomorrow, the walk...

Numbers of a Random Quality

199

Birthdays Lost...

... But not forgotten.

Today is 02 May. Ellicia would have been 41 today.

It's notable to me now how I've managed to move from this being a Day of Celebration to a Day of Grief... To a Day of Remembrance and Honor.

I think it's no small cosmic coincidence that the closest Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to me is in Washington, D.C. On the weekend of Ellicia's birthday, no less. I register/check-in tonight, on her birthday.

It is a truth of this disease (and so many others) that it's "below the radar" for many until it touches them personally; and then, when it's over, it fades from view again. The hectic routine of "Daily Life" reasserts its firm grasp on our attention span - as it should.

I am honored and humbled by the support that has poured forth for this walk

Cancer Walk for Ellicia

I'd like to announce that I've decided to partake in the Avon - Walk for Breast Cancer.

The walk will be 26.2 miles long, or more recognizable as the length of a marathon. I think that's significant as battling cancer is often best thought in terms of a marathon - it's a long race.

I'll be walking in Washington, DC - where Ellicia found special memories on our last trip. And significantly, it's the weekend of her birthday - she would have been 41.

Avon's foundation requires a commitment to ensure the successful goal of the walkers. Each walker must make a commitment of a minimum of $1800 in contributions.

I am asking for YOUR help. I'd like to blow past that goal, personally. Breast cancer, like so many cancers, is a horrible disease. We need to keep funding the research to DEFEAT this disease - before it claims too many more of our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters... and little known fact, the men in our society, too.

Please, go to my Avon website where you can donate directly.

If that doesn't work, then you can also click the button below, and those donations will go 100% to the walk.

Thank you for your support. It'll be a long, hard walk... but, as Ellicia taught me, anything is possible.

A special thank you to the following blogs for highlighting our cause:

• Tanker Brothers
• Blackfive
• Love, Mom (Notes from the Fridge)
• Here, There, and Back Again
• Most Certainly Not!
• SpouseBUZZ

A Rare Experience!

Langley AFB is hosting its AirPower Over Hampton Roads airshow on 21 and 22 June.

Disappointingly, the Thunderbirds will not be performing due to a scheduling conflict.

So, there will be a stand-in.

A Team that hasn't performed in America in 15 years…

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows are coming to perform.  This will be a rare, and special treat.  I cannot WAIT!!!!

Read more here...

A Nice Big Jump!

A recent $100 donation from Paul H. has pushed us to 87% with only $230 left to go!

Getting Much Closer!

Twelve days until I walk...

Current tally is at 82%!

Only $330 more needed to reach the fund raising goal/minimum before the deadline. We can do it...

Bit by Bit... We Help Fight This Disease

We're getting there... $390 to go... We can DO THIS!!! I'm ready to walk... Please help...

Getting Close!

19 days to go... We're at 76% with $1360 raised... $440 to go...

All of your help so far... is immensely appreciated! Thank you so, so much...

Please Click Here

Random Random Numbers

211.

Avon Fundraising Update

So far, we're now at $1,310... or 73% of my goal of $1800.

Ok, yes, I'd like to exceed the goal... I'd like to blow it away... be stunned by how much over the goal we made it...

But, at the moment, I'll be happy to meet the goal.

We're getting there.

Thank you to the Ladies of SpouseBUZZ

Tonight, Melinda and Rachelle of SpouseBUZZ hosted me on their internet radio show.

I must admit to being a tad bit nervous as I do not often get to speak in public, but it was a pleasure to talk with these wonderful ladies.

They put me at ease, and we were soon discussing all sorts of topics, ranging from the history of the cancer journey and to be able to discuss the upcoming Walk (see the post at the top of the page).

I encourage everyone to be tested... it's never too early. Remember, we always think life's tragedies will happen to Other People, but someone has to be that other person. Please, get tested. Testing is one of the best defenses against cancer. Even if you don't have any history in your family (Ellicia didn't), it can happen to you. And if it does, it is NOT the end of the world... just the beginning of another journey in your life.

Together, we can beat cancer. One day, it will be nothing more than just another sign of the Zodiac.


Click HERE to listen to the show... My segment is in the second half.

A Tad Bit Amusing

I'm a fan of "The Drew Carey Show". It's my sense of humor... suitably offbeat, I suppose.

One item I've always enjoyed is the way they would incorporate musical numbers into the show. The opening sequences might vary, or there'd be a dance number in the middle.

I'm not usually one for musicals, but the choreography was always impressive.

While I'm sure at least one of my readers would like me to include "Cleveland Rocks", but I will include their take on "5 O'Clock World". I guarantee you you'll never hear it the same way again.

A Wonderful Song...

I first heard this from one of my roommates in the barracks in Illesheim. He'd play this just a tad bit repeatedly...

Anyway, as much as I don't like "screaming" music... this one only barely has it, but otherwise has melodic themes and lyrics which intrigue me.

And is pretty special.

So, I encourage you to take a listen...

My Deep Thanks... and Let's Keep Going!

So far, we stand at $1,110!!! Only $690 more to go...

I can't thank you all enough for what you've donated... We can DO IT!!!

Please scroll up to find the links to donate... We can DO THIS!!!

Random Numbers... Again

215

RIP, Sergeant

The Associated Press is reporting that the remains of Sergeant Keith Matthew Maupin have been found.

First reported missing, then missing-captured, then-Private First Class has been gone since 09 April 2004 after his unit was ambushed.

His parents were notified Sunday that his remains had been identified.

While a video had been shown years ago of a Soldier being executed, it was not conclusively identified as Maupin at the time, and the Army had continued searching for him.

Rest in peace, Sergeant.

Cutting Hair for Cancer

Ellicia had contemplated and tried wigs, but made the choice to embrace her baldness once she lost her hair. Which is good, I think, cause she had one sexy head.

However, many women do not feel that comfortable... nor do they have to. There are organizations out there that collect donated hair to make real human hair wigs for women who lose their natural locks to cancer or more accurately, the treatment of it.

Tonight, the daughter of one of my closest friends donated her hair. And ladies, she's preparing to get married and still had her hair cut off!

Proud of her...

And if you're interested in donating your hair, then please click here.

Freedom Never Cries

I saw this video, and it's beautiful... Everyone who clicks to view it, $1 is donated to Operation HomeFront.

The man behind the counter in the video is Fred Ferguson, a Medal of Honor recipient.

The singer is John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting...

Please watch.

Thomas' Order of Birth

As I continue to clean and sort through boxes and crates, I found something appropriate as Thomas' third (oh my, how'd he get so old!) Birthday approaches.

The Army can have a wonderful sense of humor sometimes.

(And to you eagle-eyed readers... what's Army paperwork without typos...)

E's Senate Proclamation

In September, 2006, after we'd returned home to Germany and received our devastating news, I contacted Senator Jim DeMint's office to tell E's story and to ask if perhaps his office could do something special for her. The office staff had already become familiar with our family from our summertime visit to Washington, DC.

E & I were certainly impressed, and honored, to receive in our mail a package from the United States Senate later that month.

The Office of Senator Jim DeMint

Proclamation Honoring E S of the City of Summerville

Whereas, the City of Summerville has been home to numerous citizens who have given their lives to the betterment of society; and

Whereas, E S (nee Tyler) was born in Summerville the second day of May, 1967, to Mrs. Gloria Annette Sweat Tyler; and

Whereas, E S spent her formative years in Summerville, attended the College of Charleston, and earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology; and

Whereas, E S pursued a Master's degree in Early Education at the College of Charleston; and,

Whereas, E S wed W R S, Jr; and,

Whereas, E S deserves praise for her role as a devoted Army wife and loving mother to K S (sic), M S, and T S;

Now, Therefore, I, Senator Jim DeMint, am honored to recognize E S as one of Summerville's distinguished natives, who has represented the City of Summerville, South Carolina to the United States of America and the Global community.

Dated this 22nd day of September 20006.

(signed)
Jim DeMint
United States Senator

These documents, especially the personal letter from him to us, will certainly be something for the children to treasure in later years. It meant a lot to E when it arrived, as she never imagined herself as being honored for anything, as she was just doing what she was supposed to do, what she wanted to do.

Thank you, Sen. DeMint.

Random Number 4

224.5

Ellicia's Artwork #4

(a self-portrait)

Ellicia's Artwork #3

Ellicia's Artwork #2

Ellicia's Artwork #1

I've been making remarkable progress going through boxes. Something I'd avoided for... well, a long, long time. Boxes had been piled high in rooms... and I've been terrifed to open any of them.

Now, I am doing just that.

And today, I was rewarded with an unexpected surprise.

I found Ellicia's water colors.

A Beautiful Star Spangled Rendition

I wish embedding hadn't been disabled (poor choice)... so, please click over to here to watch some very talented young girls.

'Nuff said.

Gray Eagles

I had the pleasure of seeing Mustangs at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends.

I'd encourage you to go to this site (I wish they let me embed the video here) and watch a very touching video about a Mustang pilot being reunited with his restored aircraft.

Gray Eagles

An Incredible THANK YOU

Thank you to Kevin, Gregg, and Bruce for doing this. Imagine my surprise when it popped into my email box...

Take a look: Pundit Review Radio

I've never heard my words read back to me... and to hear it like this... honestly, I just curled up into a ball for a bit. I am so honored to have been Ellicia's husband and partner, even for the short time we were together. She taught me so much - about what's important, how to live, and how to face the future even when it's a future that is very frightening.

Thank you, Pundit Review... thank you.

Talk About Being Enthusiastic!

This kid is VERY enthusiastic about his baptism... hehehe Wouldn't it be something to see this in person?

Not Waiting Until Veteran's Day

Sometimes, we just can't say "Thank You" enough. I urge you to click below and see those who've gone before.

And next time you see a vet, please... let them know you appreciate what they did... back then.

Please Click Here

Breast Cancer Walk Update

So far, we've raised $790 in Ellicia's name for the Avon Breast Cancer walk. That's 44% of my goal of $1800!

Thank you ALL so much for your generous support...

And now, An Amusing Interlude

One of my favorite songs... I've loved it's wit and cleverness for years....

And it gives such a wonderful example of Murphy's Law...

Enjoy:

Don't Tell My Cats

I hope no one lets my cats know I have this picture. They'd probably claw me to death in my sleep. I'm not sure they'd even wait for me to be asleep. They'd definitely protest...

A Special Treat

Sometimes, Life throws you a special treat. Today was one of those special moments. While waiting to start a mission, I caught a VC-25 taking off from KPHF on one of their many practice flights. Could clearly see the Seal of the President of the United States on her pretty belly.

Was a tail-wagging, toe-tapping moment. Wish the pics were better, but... alas.

"Khmcrzx"

Khmcrzx

Dark brown, or is it
Chestnut? Little matter. It sings,
It flows - as if woven with
Music.

The gentle strands seam together
In beauty pure, as if composed
By God. And certainly, it
Must be so.

For only God can create eyes
That twinkle, like the heavenly stars
Themselves.... and a smile with radiance
Like the sun.

As surely as if gazing into the
Sun, to gaze at her smile will
Blind. And it's a blindness
I'll welcome.

And if inside, in her
Heart, her Mind, her Soul,
She's as much as she is out,
Then all the world is blessed.

She is the essence of beauty
Beauty is the essence of her.
And somewhere, a heart is happy
This world's, this one, already is.

Reid Stanley
October, 1992

"Dad?"

Dad?

Hello lil' baby,
Welcome to this world!
Breathe in deeply, and
Fly your flags of dreams unfurled!

Who's your Daddy,
Lil' one?
Where is he Tonight?
He wishes he were here, with
All his soul and might.

You're growing up, my child.
And taking on the world. Your
Mommy loves you greatly and
Your Daddy even more.

Who's your Daddy,
Lil' one?
Where is he Tonight?
He wishes he were here, with
All his soul and might.

I know you feel alone,
Being only thirteen.
Your father's out there somewhere,
As someone you've never seen.

Who's your Daddy,
Lil' one?
Where is he Tonight?
He wishes he were here, with
All his soul and might.

Happy Wedding Day, oh child!
This is your day to shine.
So while you make your party most wild,
Remember you'll always be mine...

Who's your Daddy,
Lil' one?
Where is he Tonight?
He wishes he were here, with
All his soul and might.

And the cycle is complete,
I'm a Grandfather today.
I only wish I knew, so
You wouldn't have to say:

Who's your Daddy,
Lil' one?
Where is he Tonight?
He wishes he were here, with
All his soul and might.


Reid Stanley
April, 1992

"Haze"

Haze

I live in a world
Unique in its own way,
With its clear
Truths and beautiful
Clarity, life goes on.
But, there are times
When I must leave
This world; for
What I search, I
Cannot find here.

The world I live in
Is unique, but not
Alone. There is another,
Where there are no clear
Pictures, no black or
White; only the gray
Haze.

Ah, the haze. It's all
Encompassing, obscuring
Most things from view.
Yet, still I come, searching,
Hoping... hoping to see
Her.

It is here that she walks,
In this world of haze.
It is here, this world to
Which I must come, for
I cannot see her in
My world.

As I stand in my world,
The time comes, of its own
Accord. I relax, close my
Eyes, and slowly, so very slowly,
The haze comes. It washes over
Everything -- I can see it
Swirling at my feet, but I
Do not mind. I welcome the
Haze, for with it she comes.

Finally, after a time
I cannot define, I arrive
Completely and wholly into
This other world. I have no time
To waste, none to spare.
I open my eyes.

At first, I see nothing,
Not in this world of haze.
I move on, walking, running,
I know not which. Looking,
Searching, I know she's here;
But where?

There she is!
A figure,
Out there, gliding in the
Never-ending haze. She
Does not yet know I'm
Here. I must reach her, I
Must! I increase my
Speed, but I'm not
Tired. I never tire,
In the world of
Haze.

I catch up to her. With
But a glance, I soak
Up her beauty, and
Looking again, I drown in
It. Her sparkling, knowing
Eyes; her straightly, crooked
Back; the knowledge she holds,
and the knowledge she
Does not yet hold.

Slowly, she stops. Anxiously,
I wait as she slowly turns
Toward me. She smiles, oh
That smile of hers. I reach out,
And though my lips do not
Move, I urge her to return,
To return to my
World.

She steps forward, but
Hesitates. She smiles again,
And slowly shakes her
Head. I lose contact with
Her as she she starts to walk, again.
I blink, quite naturally of
Course, but I know it's a mistake.
When I look back, the haze
Is already clearing.

I scream out! But only
A whisper escapes. I
Know she's lost back to the
Haze.

I look about... the colors
Have returned. I know without
Checking that she is not here.
A tear trace its way down
My cheek, ever so slowly.

I know I will return
To my world of haze.
Yet, for now, I am stuck,
Here, without her, in my world:
Reality.

Reid Stanley
January, 1992

"The Bear"

The Bear

The room is
Dark
Save for soft glows
From my lamps.
Quiet pervades -
I can hear
Wind
Whisper by.
I lie there,
Eyes closed,
Wanting to make it
Real.
Lyrics flow,
Taking me away on
Clouds of dreams.
But she's not
Here
And I'm still
Alone
Tonight.
So I hold it
Close
Yet still
No substitute.

Reid Stanley
14 February 1994

Love Is

I still remember this one. It surprised me, as my writing sometimes does, when I finished. It wasn't by conscious design. See if you see why.

Love Is

It's a funny thing,
Love is,
Yet there's little
Humorous about it.

It's our most powerful
Emotion.
The way it can lift us up,
And can destroy us.

It drives us to do
Things
We'd rarely do. It
Consumes us, completely.

It leaves us in a state
Uncontrolled,
Yet we rarely mind
'Cause Love doesn't care.

With it comes complete
Peace --
And unbelieveable torment.
But it's all worth it...

For with Love, we get
Life's greatest rewards.

Reid Stanley
January 1992

"Together At Last?"

Together at Last?

Silence.
It's one of the most
Disquieting noise around.
No phone rings,
No mail to rip open.

You're so nice,
That's right, Nice.
Sweet, Caring, Gentle,
Handsome.

Alone. A great friend,
But alone. Why are you alone?
You're a Dream come true,
Or so they say.

Like art people admire,
But few desire.
Is something wrong?
With you?
With them?
Or, not at all?

Time will prove true,
They say.
How long can time
Tick on, alone?
We are social animals,
Not good alone.

People pass by, and that's
All -- pass by.
The silence is back.
You're alone,
Not again,
Just a mere continuation.

Do not fear, though, as you should not.
You are alone,
And not alone.
There is, they say,
Someone in the five
Billion for you.
Wait.

You are not alone;
You have patience to keep you
Company, for no one else
Will. Indeed, perhaps, you
Are...

Alone.


Reid Stanley
January, 1992

"Answers"

I recently unburied an unexpected treasure trove. Well, it's a treasure trove to me. Poetry I'd written, and which I suspected was long lost in the multitude of moves I've made.

It's fascinating (to me) and certainly a flashback to hold these original printouts (I type everything, always have, always will), complete with editing mark-ups.

And the subject matters which inspired the writing... brought back from the dusty archives of my mind (in some cases, where it should stay).

The first is "Answers". This was written after my first, and only, brief incarceration. It was a learning experience, and the point I define as "rock-bottom".

How long does it take
For a life to shatter?
Is it important how long?
Does it really matter?
Of course not.
Whether in two seconds
Or two days, the life
Is still shattered.

The more important questions
Are the How,
the Why...
It's in the answers,
Or at least, the attempts to
Answer, that a life can be
Rebuilt.
And rebuild one must,
For if a life stays shattered Long,
It dies,
Like a goldfish out of its bowl.

For me, one weekend
Cracked, and then shattered,
my life.
It's not hard to do;
All people have fragile lives --
All one must do is find the weak spot.
Mine was found.

For me, it wasn't being arrested,
Though it played a part.
It wasn't my car,
Though, it, too, played a part.
It was the one thing which brings all men,
Be they great or unknown,
To their knees.

Why did she not come?
Even a small friend would come.
Why not her?
For eighteen hours, I could think.
I'd lost my car,
My future.
But I thought of Those least.
How is she?
Is she alright?
Those are what took up my mind.

But even the question did not Hurt,
So much as the answer.
It was, of course,
An answer I did not want;
But the mind is its own worst enemy.
I could not deny the answer.
It permeated everywhere.
I could not escape,
Not even to my Hazeworld,
For it was there, too.

The answer must be true,
For only the truth has the Powers
Like the answer.
To stay,
To envelop,
To surround,
To Hurt.
And it did not stop
At eighteen hours, no
It continued,
And still does.

I have fixed all disasters
Of that weekend,
My Life is no longer
Shattered;
Yet, there is still a hole:
Why did she not come?

Reid Stanley
January 1992

Godspeed!

Forty-six years ago today...

The United States launched Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn into orbit. His mission decidedly charted America's future exploration into space. We had previously dipped our toes into the water through the missions of Alan Shepherd and Gus Grissom. But, these were suborbital "lobs", enabling us to get a feel for this new arena.

And we've been exploring (sometimes fitfully, yes) ever since.

I Know Diddly

I know diddly-squat about horsemanship and horses.

Ok, that was being generous. I know less than diddly.

However, this video, sent to me by a friend, is quite impressive. Please, take a look, and enjoy.

And to all the little girls who would like nothing more than to have a pony... enjoy even more, because when you follow your dreams, happiness follows.

Random Number 3

234.5

Children and Fire Alarms

And now, a Public Service Announcement from A Storm in Afghanistan.



And just for starters... Click here for a Voice Alarm.