Back at Home and A Fallen Hero

Just wanted to thank all of you for your most enjoyable comments on my blog last night.  I had a great time reading about how all of you do tater salad and dawgs and burgers.  Seems like everyone has their own special way…and isn’t that how it should be?  How boring if we were all alike…but really, MIRACLE WHIP??? Oh my, that’s almost sacrilegious (just kidding)!!

We spent the night at 7 Feathers RV Park last night – just too tired to make it all the way home.

As we neared our exit from I-5 to home, we noticed an extraordinary amount of traffic.  Then we noticed the exit ramps to  one of the main thoroughfares were blocked.  We spotted two helicopters low in the sky…unusual for Eugene.  As we passed under an overpass decked with flags, I remembered.

Last week one of Eugene’s finest lost his life for no good reason…but then there never is a good reason, is there?  Officer Chris Kilcullen had pursued a vehicle that had ran a red light.  He finally caught up with the female driver and pulled his motorcycle alongside.  She took out a gun and shot him point blank.  WHY???  Apparently there is some instability in her life but I do not understand how ANYONE could behave in such a manner.  I did not know the  officer but I grieve for him, for his family, and for our community, that such a tragedy could occur.

So today was the Celebration of Life and processional honoring Officer Kilcullen.  Although this is a tragedy beyond understanding, I am heartened to see the community come together to honor this fallen hero.  Everyday there are men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve, not only in our cities, but our military men and women as well.  Honor them and thank them any chance you get.
 
Political considerations aside. we all owe a debt of gratitude to these brave individuals.  Who would have thought a traffic stop would mean death for a young father and husband?  The potential for danger is there anytime one of these public servants do their job.  I am glad at least, that most people nowadays honor those who serve rather than treat them the way we treated out Vietnam vets.  God Bless and be with the family of Officer Kilcullen and all who serve.


In other news…upon arriving home we found things in good shape.  We only had 14 messages on the phone (I thought everyone knew we were gone!) and our held mail was slightly under half a ton!!



I was a little disappointed that our rhodies and azaleas were not in bloom yet, but I guess the weather had something to do with that!  Just too dang cold.  Some of my other perennials are looking good…the Columbine, is in full bloom, the peonies are looking good and have some HUGE blossoms, most of the hostas are looking good, but one has been the all day buffet for the slugs!  Gonna have to take care of that little matter – it’s an ongoing battle here.


So we will spend a couple of days cleaning up and unloading and reloading then it’s off to see kids and grands in Portland for a couple of days.

P.S.  Just decided to listen to the phone messages before I forget.  The reason there were so many messages is Russ’s former mother-in-law (whom we have sorta adopted) fell and broke her hip while we were gone.  She was 88 on the 27th of April.  She is in a re-hab facility right now and we will have to help her make some decisions about her long term care and housing.  This will not be easy.  Prayers would be appreciated if you are so inclined!

Thanks all and good night.