A Fitting Memorial Day + #YOLOmondays Link-Up
Happy Memorial Day!
Now, I’ve mentioned my mama a few times on this blog before. The truth is, I can’t mention her too much – but especially on a day like today.
Today is not only Memorial Day – a day where we honor those brave men and women who gave their lives in serve to our country, but also today would have been my momma’s 66th birthday. And the fact is, although totally explaining how she died is a bit complicated, the fact remains, she died because of her service to our country. The disease she battled for so many years was due to her exposure to chemicals while serving in the Vietnam War – it just happened to take her life 30 years after she returned home.
As much as I’ve mentioned how much my mother meant to me, I have truly done a disservice to her service of this country and all that she did for women veterans.
My mom served as an Army surgical nurse in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. She was stationed at the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam.
In 1983, she wrote a book called Home Before Morning, an autobiography that chronicled her time in Vietnam. It was the first book of it’s kind written by a woman veteran. The book was actually the inspiration for the television series China Beach.
She was the founding executive director of the Women’s Project of the Vietnam Veterans of America from 1979 to 1984 – even testifying before congress on behalf of the over 7,400+ women Vietnam veterans. She continued to fight, until the day she died, for the rights, recognition, and benefits of women veterans.
She was truly a pioneer and someone who just didn’t take no for an answer. She refused to let her illness define her, beat her, or control her.
My mom was truly an American hero – even though if she were here today, she’d just say she was doing her job.
So, on this Memorial Day and what would have been her 66th birthday, I’m honoring my incredibly brave mama.
Happy Birthday, Mom – thank you for serving our country and thank you for being my hero.
Lynda Van Devanter Buckley – May 27th, 1947 – November 15, 2002.
- Follow your hosts Molly @ still being [molly] ,Carly @ Lipgloss & Crayons , and your guest host for the week LB @ LB in Wonderland
- Grab a button and / or post a link back here in your BLOG POST (NOT your blog’s main page) so your readers know what all the #YOLOMONDAY-ness is about. We love you guys linking up and we do go through and read all your posts… so if you do not give credit, we will have to remove your link. That’s no fun, right? Right. So be nice and share a link! Pretty please?
- Link your blog post up using the linky tool below! It can be ANYTHING! An outfit post, a giveaway, a story, a recipe, whatever. Why? Cause it’s #YOLOMONDAYS!
- Visit a blog or four that you’ve never been to before and leave a #YOLOMONDAYS comment – you never know, you might “meet” someone new that you will lurve!
- Have fun! Cause #YOLO!
Dear Molly,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s death. I just finished reading HOME BEFORE MORNING and was hoping to find your mom and thank her for one of the most moving accounts of surviving Vietnam that I have read thus far. I had friends who served and my first high school “crush” who was MIA until 3 years ago when identifiable remains were recovered in Cambodia. Your mother was a hero in every sense of the word and knew firsthand the insane futility of waging war. I wish you and your family Godspeed. I have no doubt that your mother is in God’s warm embrace, welcoming her fellow warriors and all the while smiling with love for you and your family. After all, no one loves you like your mama does. Take care and God bless you.
Great post.. truly amazing!
Thanks for including me in your “favorites” this week!
sheree xxx
What beautiful pictures and words you have shared about your mom. I can’t imagine how difficult not having your mom here is on you and your dad. But, I would like to say thank you. It is because of the sacrifice of people like your mom (and your family) that we get to live the life we do in our country. I know thank you isn’t enough, but I do mean it. Thank you.
You mum sounds amazing. What strength and character. And what a lovely way to honour her. Thank you for sharing. And thanks so much for hosting!
One of the best posts I have read. Truly inspirational.
What a beautiful post Molly. I honor your mama with you today. Sounds like she was incredible. What an example to look up to and what a legacy she’s left even after she’s gone. I don’t know you personally and didn’t know your mom, but tI’m sure your mom would be proud of the bold stances you take here on this blog by writing such sincere and honest posts. Happy Memorial Day, Molly!
What a fabulous post about your Mom. I loved learning about her. A true inspirational woman.
bisous
Suzanne
What a beautiful post, Molly! Your mom was beautiful, and was an amazing person! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Dhruvi
Stilettos & Sequins
Beautifully written & what a beautiful momma!
I just stumbled upon your blog and your mom’s story is so cool! I remember watching China Beach as a kid – I’m sure a lot of it went over my head but I can still remember being happy when the “Reflections” song came on because I knew I was going to get to see something special.
Your mom was an American hero!! She is surely smiling at you for this is such a fitting tribute to her service and for the service and sacrifice to all our military men, women and their families!
Have a great memorial day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog
WOW! Thank you for sharing that lovely tribute. I got chills — the good kind — reading your post today.
Beautiful tribute to your mom, she would be so proud of you.
xo
Morgan
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. That is SO cool that her book inspired China Beach! Thanks for sharing this with us!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Group Giveaway!
Beautiful, Molly. Thanks for sharing more of her story. I loved China Beach. I remember living in Colorado for the summer babysitting for a missionary family when the finale played. I put the kids to bed, curled up by the TINY tv, moved the rabbit ears, and watched the finale. Summer 1991. I cried!
I hope they did justice to her story and experience with the show.
You honor her well.
How wonderful to have an amazing mom! Thank you for sharing your story 🙂 You’re going to be a great mom too!
xo Lulu
simplylulustyle.com
Your mom is an amazing lady!!
NO WAY! It’s my mom’s bday too! Same year and everything! Is your mom’s book on amazon? I’d love to read it, she sounds like she was an amazing woman!!!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com