Caring for My Chaos

Happy Memorial Day! Even though it's the unofficial first day of summer, we must remember to honor those who have fought and died for our freedom. Their sacrifice is the whole reason we are able to celebrate freely! Thank you to all those men and women! I hope you have a safe and wonderful day with your families!

This is my grandfather, James Felix Stepp. He served in World War II as a paratrooper. He was dropped behind enemy lines in the North African Theatre:Sicily and was captured during his time in the war. He was captured by the Germans and held at Stalag 2B Hammerstein West Prussia. I'm not sure how long he was held; I know it was over a year. I also know that for the rest of his life, he hated cabbage because that was the staple in his diet during that time. My uncle told me that when he came back he was under 100 lbs. He never talked about his time in the war. I picked up bits and pieces over time from others in the family. I remember his POW number that had been tattooed on his upper arm. He was liberated from the camp and went on to marry my grandmother and have 4 children. He lived till 1995. He was 18 when he enlisted in 1941. I've looked up his enlistment records and giggled because he had listed his occupation as a movie director. He was not. I always think of him o...

Thank you so much to those who are serving, have served and especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. I think too often it is taken for granted that we do have freedom and sometimes forgotten the price of that freedom. So, make sure to say thank you to any veteran you see today! Make sure they know they are remembered and we are grateful for them!

This is my Grandpa Stepp. He served in WWII and was a POW. I have a lot of family members who have served in most of the armed forces. So, every Memorial Day, I think of them and the millions of others who have served to protect us and our home. If you know a veteran or someone serving, thank them today. Thank you to all of you serving and who have served! I don't think they can be thanked enough!