481 Days

Two weeks ago, Jon received word that one of the Staff Sergeants that he worked for in North Carolina had passed away unexpectedly. They believe it was a heart attack because he just went to sleep and never woke up. He was 28 years old. After getting all of the details from our friend Randi ( who we used to live across the street from) and discussing it between the two of us, Jon and I decided to go down to North Carolina for the memorials. We left last Thursday evening and stayed through Sunday morning.

The memorial was held on Friday on base. It was sad. Memorials and funerals are sad in general, but this was different. One of the traditions at a military memorial service is the roll call. The SgtMaj of the squadron started "taking roll" and when he got to Eric's name, of course, there was silence. He called it a second time and again, silence. He called it a third time using his full name and rank and after the third silence, a bugler played Taps. I think it's one of the most moving things I've ever witnessed and I hope that I don't ever have to witness it again. It was just so solemn and when we talked with the SgtMaj on Saturday at the viewing, he told us how hard it was for him to get through it.

The viewing was held on Saturday and I wasn't sure what to expect as I've never been to a viewing. I thought that since the body was present it would be even more solemn than the memorial was, but it was actually the opposite. I walked in and people were talking and laughing and sharing memories. I got to meet and talk with Eric's wife who was being very strong. A second viewing and a funeral are being held this week in his hometown so our thoughts are with her and his family.

Friday

Getting ready for the viewing on Saturday

After the viewing we all went back to Bryan and Randi's house (where we were staying) and decided to make a huge dinner. There had been so much sadness and mourning and I think we all just wanted to have fun and celebrate life. Death is always a very strong reminder of how fragile life is and that we all need to be thankful for each day that we are given. We cooked up some pork ribs, burgers, steaks, fries, and green beans (hey, we needed at least one vegetable among all that meat!) and spent the evening eating and playing XBOX Kinect while the kids played and watched Toy Story 3. Our friends Ty and Stephanie came over as well and it's the most fun that I've had in a while.

Saturday evening, making cupcakes


Garrett and Caleb




Ari and Lucy


He got to lick one of the beaters, hence the chocolate face.




Lucy complaining






They got caught fighting....


...so they had to sit in the time out bench and hug each other!


We miss these awesome little guys




Mama and Lucy




Dessert!






Randi and Lucy






Playing golf on XBOX

We left Sunday morning after saying goodbye to a few of the neighbors. Seeing everybody again made me realize how much I miss that neighborhood. I truly don't think we'll ever find another one like it. We only lived there for five months and yet we still have good friends that we can go back and visit. I wish we had gone out there under happier circumstances, but we still had an amazing time.

Rest Easy, Staff Sergeant Eric Groenendaal
May 4th, 1982-December 30th, 2010