The piece that told a thousand words

A morning walk to Grandma and Pop's.

The history of every country begins 

in the heart of a man or woman.

-Willa Catha

Without fail Grandma and Pop are sitting at the dining room table of the Mooney household every Saturday morning. Sipping on tea, Pop and Chris chat endlessly about cars while Grandma and Julie try to interrupt the boy talk when they can. It was now our turn for a little visit to their place, and what beautiful experience it turned out to be.

We were just about to leave town, our bags were packed and shoe laces tied but there was one more thing we had to do. Chucking puppy Taj on the lead, we strolled around the block to where Dans Grandma and Pop, whom I have now adopted as my own, have lived for over a quarter of a century. A little brick house that is just perfect for the two of them and Uncle Shane, the kind of house full of stories and love.

It was the day after ANZAC day and Pop, being a War Veteran, could not have been more proud to produce his little goodies that he has kept safe.  Having been to the dawn service with him the day before,  I could see how proud he was and how that feeling for him now lived on through Dan being in the Air Force. A tiny tear fell from his eye that morning. I smiled. He proudly pulled out out the uniform that he wore in Korean War. It was a piece that told a thousand words, nothing needed to be said. 

He continued to show us pictures of his 'hay day' in the Defence, producing certificates and medals that he was awarded to correspond with the mind blowing stories. What a life he endured.  I could have listening passionately for hours on end, asking questions to the finest detail and I guarantee he would remember every little thing. The morning ended with cuddles and kisses goodbye along with a firm pat on the back for Dan, Pops way of saying 'I am SO proud you'. It was a beautiful morning, just like every other Saturday we wake up in the Mooney house.

Yours in Cams, 

BL. x