Survivors
September 27 - 30, 2003 National Gold Star Mother's DayThe last Saturday of September each year is National Gold Star Mother's Day. This year I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Long Beach, California to spent this weekend at the Gold Star Manor. What an opportunity. It was really nice. I left my Midwest home for St. Louis Airport to catch my flight. I couldn't find the turnoff for the airport. I realized I had missed my turn off. I knew I had plenty of time but it's still not something I wanted to deal with at that time. Before long, I knew I was on the wrong road so I turned around and not a mile passed when I saw the turn off to the airport. God does direct my path. At 6 AM, my friend, Shirley, had called to have prayer before I left. I had already E-mailed my phone number and address, etc. to a couple friends and my sister. We lost a couple hours somewhere over Arizona, I guess and California is two hours behind me so that worked out great with my working late and sleeping late. It was perfect for me. When I got up at 10 AM my time in California, it was actually only 8 AM their time. All good things come to an end and it came to an end for me after four days of being treated royally with a driver, meals, room and hospitality that had no end. The staff was very busy with residents in the 348 apartments; yet, we had a very nice ceremony and reception remembering the mother's who has paid the supreme sacrifice of losing a son or daughter in time of war. Mother's from World War II to the Persian Gulf War were present and took an active roll in the program. To memorialize the memory of a son or daughter is the greatest honor anyone could pay a Mother. I believe there are eleven Gold Star Mother's at the Manor and two Gold Star Dad's. I gave Bethann one of my Betsy Ross dolls as she's such an asset to those at the Manor. At the reception, Bethanns mother, daughter, and her husband all pitched in to help. I'm sure Bethann appreciated it and I know the Mother's did. Clara was also a great help in taking pictures and handing out the programs. This gal is always willing to help. Post 2967 gave everyone a Flag pin to wear. Some dear lady had crocheted lap robes and booties for the mothers, as well. These are perfect for the nice cool evenings. I arrived at the Manor on Saturday afternoon and was shown to the Guest Rooms which was very nice, stocked with food, candles, post cards, drinks, phone numbers, nothing was forgotten, except maybe one thing. I made my way over to the coffee shop, looking for a Pepsi machine and met some of the other residence. One of the ladies got up and left and soon came back with a six pack of Pepsi and a package of cookies. So everything was supplied... Thank you, Betty!! Evelyn took me out to dinner Saturday night at the Soup Plantation and we had a very nice buffet plus I got to know this very humble lady. Evelyn took me to the beach after the ceremony on Sunday and we walked four flights of steps down and then out to the beach. That was the easy part. The hard part was coming back up the four flights of steps especially after we spotted a parking lot right near the water... We had sat and chatted for about three hours in the cool breeze of the ocean so that was very relaxing. Maybe she'll forgive me for having to walk up four flights of steps. Monday morning, I just toured the Manor, taking pictures of the rec rooms, chapel, reception hall, library, riding the Gold Star Express around the 23 acres with Phil, meeting William the Guard, seeing the administration building, their little gardens, swimming pool, meeting other residents and the other staff persons. Besides Bethann who is the one in touch with me via e-mail, there is also Linda, Suzanne and the Director, Mr. John Higginson. Residents have to be 62 years of age so that give me a few years to determine whether my future will be in Long Beach or the Midwest. Evelyn and I drove to the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove on Monday and walked some more. That place is unbelievable. I almost took a picture of the ladies rest room. It sparkled with gold and marble... I'm sure Evelyn will never forget me. I'm just hoping she'll be able to walk again. We covered the miles not forgetting Trader Joes, 99 cent store, Albertsons, and Save On to have some film developed before I left, actually looking for post cards, too, as post cards make the best pictures. But how many different pine trees are there?. . . Before we got home from Garden Grove, we also toured Anaheim, Cypress, Bell Flower, well, in other words, the scenic route. I thought we were going the right direction! She'll never let me navigate again... Before I left Springfield, Sandy told me to take a Taxi to the Manor. She said, "Once you get on your way, you'll be glad you did!" I was. Nancy said it was cold and it was very cool but not cold as we at home it. I was so disappointed that we didn't get the Barbie lunches on the plane this time. We only got a tiny package of pretzels and a Pepsi. A diet Pepsi so I couldn't be very disappointed. On the way back, we picked up a sack breakfast of an energy bar, a small package of raisins, and a tiny box of yogurt. Yes, I should have lost a few pounds. I stopped again in Springfield on the way home and had another roll of film developed, and after seeing the pictures, I picked up a perm as my hair didn't hold very well. I'll give myself the perm this weekend, getting ready for the next trip. I think I'm finally awake now. I have so many good memories of last weekend. I am impressed with the Manor and the grounds is beautiful and very peaceful. I really am so blessed and humble. Carolyn is a contributing writer for 4MilitaryFamilies.com. | 
