A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Colby's grandpa Shirl had died. Colby was super close with his grandpa and has always looked up to him so much! It was amazing to see how many family members genuinely love and will miss him- there were very few dry eyes in the church during the funeral. It was definitely sad but so good all at the same time- grandma Millie has been gone for over 9 years and I'm sure their reunion in heaven was amazing!
A little bit about Shirl:
He was a member of the Merrill’s Marauders (named after Frank Merrill) or Unit Galahad, officially named the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional), was a United States Army long range penetration special operations unit in the South-East Asian Theater of World War II which fought in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, or CBI. The unit became famous for its deep-penetration missions behind Japanese lines, often engaging Japanese forces superior in number.
In slightly more than five months of combat, the Marauders had advanced 750 miles through some of the harshest jungle terrain in the world, fought in 5 major engagements (Walawbum, Shaduzup, Inkangahtawng, Nhpum Ga, and Myitkyina) and engaged in combat with the Japanese Army on thirty-two separate occasions, including two conventional defensive battles with enemy forces for which the force had not been intended nor equipped. Battling Japanese soldiers, hunger, fevers, and disease, they had traversed more jungle terrain on their long-range missions than any other U.S. Army formation during World War II.
The men of the Merrill's Marauders enjoyed the rare distinction of having each soldier awarded theBronze Star.
Later in life, Shirl was able to live his dream by having a very productive farm and cows. He has 5 children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I had Nikki's camera throughout the funeral trying to get pics for her so I didn't take my own photos but Colby took a couple with his phone of the display.
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On a lighter note, the weather has chilled- we stopped watering the garden and it is definitely sweater weather. We enjoyed the slightly warmer weather this evening and took advantage of it by going out and watching Dad mow the lawn.
(Do ya love the battle wounds all over her face? Baby vs cabinet door- cabinet door won)
Over the last couple months- yard work has taken a back seat to homework, tests, and studying. The grass had grown to an unmanageable level! It's nice to see it nicely mowed today.
We are still lovin us some pink boots! We have a couple pair!
Charlie is nervously chewing on her rag- she is scared to death of the lawn mower- and Millie is busy moving toys here and there.
Wish us luck- first day of nursery tomorrow!
