Sock Food

There's a saying, "God has given us our memories that we might have roses in December." In life, there are moments which create memories without planning or provocation. And then sometimes we work very hard to make memories that will last a lifetime. My wedding was one of those. My wife and I created a series of memories we will never forget.

This past Friday, I planned and created another memory that I will never forget because of the impact and deeper meaning it entails. My fabricated memory is shown in the picture below.

I'm on the left, my son is in front of me, my dad is on the right, and my friend since grade school, Ed Ward, aka "Rockhound", is dressed up in Navy pilot garb.This is the memory I wanted to create. I took my son out of school early (only an hour) and made my dad rush to meet us from an all day class on gang warfare (there are a whole lot of other stories there). I really wanted this picture.

Ed, now a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, has been flying for over seven years and I have never seen him in his flight suit or had a personal tour of the jet he flies - an FA-18 Superhornet. On Friday I did. I felt slightly bad because he was really trying to impress Ethan, my son, with all the cool things about the fighter jet. But Ethan is six and his interest comes and goes like a spastic butterfly. He was really impressing my dad and me who both think jets are pure awesomeness. We clung to his every word like a dog waiting for his owner to toss a treat. And we got some great shots, too.

Here Ed is discussing the hollow nose cone of the jet. I'm guessing that's where the co-pilot goes when one is needed.

Ethan looks into the afterburner while Ed explains how far the flames will shoot back. At this point, I wondered why we didn't have to sign a liability waiver. It's a good thing he didn't have a remote start on his key ring.

The reason for Ed's visit was to fly over the Indy 500 Festival parade and at the end over the winner's circle (video below). I'm not sure how many people I told about this but I think the numbers could create a city. The video below is from Ed's mom (I believe they are outside the track). Ed is the lead jet. I am still in awe and shock that someone I know does something this flipping cool. 

Here is Ed and his dad, retired Navy. Navy blood runs thick in their family.

This was too great an opportunity to pass by - and on Memorial Day weekend, of all times. I am eternally indebted to Ed not only for helping me fabricate this memory but also for helping to keep the world a safer place, for putting his life on the line for me, my family, friends, and all other Americans, and most importantly, for being a friend for nearly 25 years. Thanks buddy!

And this year also marks Ed's entrance into fatherhood. He had a little boy. I know he'll work hard to fabricate memories and reflect on those for the rest of his life.

As for me, my boy, and my dad, everyday is another great memory waiting to happen. I just wish I had enough brain capacity to remember every moment.