Gettysburg 101

I visited Gettysburg for the fourth time in my life - the second or third where I could spend some time absorbing the battlefield and understanding the importance of specific points of those three days and not just my personal favorites - Little Round Top and 20th Maine's fight and the march of Pickett's Charge. 

I know that, in my mind and the minds of many historians, Gettysburg was the most important three days of American history. Had there been a different outcome 155 years ago we might have a far different geopolitical map than what exists now. Many, many Americans do not realize what might have happened if Buford hadn't dismounted his cavalry, if Chamberlain had gone down, or entire Pennsylvania line had broken. 

On a gorgeous summer day we visited Cemetery Hill, Oak Hill, the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field, Little Round Top, and Culp's Hill. We walked the open field where Pickett left over half his division in pools of blood up to the Angle. 

It is hard not to walk that field and think of the men on who marched to their doom. I believe in service to the nation requires an understanding of the sacrifices of those who went before us. 

For me, it is a touchstone to the importance of what we do in the military.  Some day, when they can understand and appreciate it, I will bring the kids here.

20th Maine Fighting Position

Little Round Top looking into Gettysburg

The National Cemetery

Pickett's Charge towards the Copse of Trees

Camp Sea Gull 2018

My boys are at Camp for 4 weeks. . . 27 days. Both of them. At the same time. 

This is the first year that both TJ and Grant are at Sea Gull for the whole month and this is also the first year since TJ started going to camp that I am not working for YMCA Sea Gull and Seafarer. It’s weird to just be a “parent” and not come up with an excuse to be at Camp while they are in session. One of my favorite times to come up with the excuse to visit is over the 4th of July. Where else can you get front row seats to the fireworks and not have to worry about parking? It was the best! 

But now, I am just a mom and living vicariously through my children, sending letters every other day and checking bunk 1 for their pictures non-stop. I know they are having fun— how could the not, but I just kinda want to share the experience with them and keep tabs on all the fun they are having. 
This is TJs 5th year at camp. He first attended Starter Camp when he was 6. Mariners the next year at 7 and the 4-week session at 8, 9, 10, and now 11. Oh wait, this is TJ’s 6th year!? Really? Good grief. This summer he is in Cabin 35– also known as the Rivera because of its location close to the river. One of the best views at Camp, if you ask me. 

This is Grant’s 2nd year at camp. He first attended Starter Camp last year— when he was 6. After that one week he told Rich and I that he was ready for the 4-week session, so we skipped over the two week Mariner’s program. He can handle it. He may not wipe his own butt at home, but at Camp, he is gonna have to. I am excited for him and the confidence and independence he is going to gain. He is in Cabin 15 which is the youngest of the 4-week campers. In the past this used to be known asCabin 1. 

Two weeks in, and it sounds like TJ and Grant are having fun. TJ made the paddle sports team, has completed his Master Paddler (highest rank), and apparently played a big role in the cabin’s Stunt and Talent performance. Grant has been seen playing golf, shooting skeet, and it is reported that he already earned his Alpha! I think TJ finally completed that first rank last year!

With two boys at Camp that would mean that Rich and I are sans kids for the month. Yes. We are without kids, but we only got to spend 8 of the 28 days actually together. Rich is at Fort Knox and I am either at home alone or traveling for Camp Corral. It is wonderful that I have the freedom to do so and not have to worry about leaving the family behind, but it would have been nice for Rich and I to have a little more time together without the kids. Sigh, maybe next year?!

At least we had Disney.