Dearest friends,
Today is a very important day for America. A day to remember and never forget. A day that shouldn't be celebrated just once a year but everyday. The yellow flowers on today's post have always been my Mommy's favorite, because they were her Uncle Bennie's favorite. From the time Mommy was old enough to walk, she would go with him to the cemetery every Memorial day, with yellow roses, to honor his fallen friends. She will take him some today, just like she always has since he died and I will go and water his grave (a private joke he and my sister Samantha had). He died in 1992. He served in the army in London during World War II and the memories for him were very hard but he never forgot. He was my Mommy's Uncle, her Godfather, her confidante, her best friend. From the day she was born until the day he died, he was there for Mommy and she was there for him.
Memories of Uncle Bennie:
He is the one who taught my Mommy how to smile. He used to say it never hurts to smile {Mommy's motto}. He was a gentle man and thanks to him, Mommy's love of flowers, symphony music, reading and animals molded her into what she is today. The very first dachshund, Gizmo, was introduced to the family by her dear Uncle Bennie. Gizmo was almost 20 years old before he went to the bridge and was there waiting to greet Samantha when she left Mommy. When he had had so many heart problems and his company asked him to retire 2 months earlier than his retirement date, he felt he was worthless and took to his bed. Nobody could get him to do anything but Mommy refused to let him give up. So Mommy bought Samantha, for herself but because she knew if anybody could get through to him it would be a dachshund. She was right!! Mommy made him go with her to pick Samantha up that first day and just like that his smile was back. For the next 2 years, Mommy would drop Samantha off at Uncle Bennie's house on her way to work and pick her up each evening. On the weekends, they along with Aunt Annie (his sister that lived with him) would drive all over Texas. looking for bluebonnets, dogwoods, ponds to fish in and parks to just find a tree and read a book under. Those were the best days of Mommy's life to be with the Aunt and Uncle she worshiped and the love of her life, Samantha. So you see, Uncle Bennie is the reason I am Mommy's girl. He started the passion for dachshunds that lead Mommy to Samantha, then me, then my brothers and rescue.
Uncle Bennie made this wall plague for my Mommy the year he died. It is very precious to her. It hangs over his picture it says:
"Prevent a Hassle. Smile First"
Bennie Anthony Ricca -- We miss you so much.
This post is dedicated to all who have given their lives for all of us. GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!
Love, kisses and {{{huggies]}} to all......Mona & Mommy too!!
15 comments:
What a beautiful post. Happy Memorial day to you as well Mona.
Thank you for a beautiful post and for your story. We remember today and everyday.
Mom is having a very hard time watching the videos, as they make her cry and she already can't breathe with allergies. A case of Kleenex is in order.
Hugs
Sunny&Scooter &Jamie the momma
Thank you for the wonderful post, Mona. Mom had some uncle's who fought in wars and one of them is buried close to where we live. For the last few years she has taken yellow roses to his grave on Memorial Day. She says it is her way of remembering all of the fallen heroes.
Roxie, Sammy & Andy
Mona
That is a bootiful twiboote to ouw bwave hoomans who sacwifice so much to give us fweedom
Happy Memowial Day
smoochie kisses
ASTA
That is a very beautiful post. Happy Memorial Day. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly
Oh Mona, your mommy's uncle was so very handsome and I can tell he was a beautiful person just like your mommy. This was just a most wonderful tribute.
Uncle Bennie taught your mommy sumptin very special...doxies are da ONLY breed...hehehehe! Ok, so he taught her much more than that and your mommy did da same fur him.
Puddles
Hi, Mona...
What a beautiful post...Thank You for sharing your Uncle's story...
Happy Memorial Day to you, too...
Abby xxxooo
A beautiful post and also Uncle Benny sounds like a specially beautiful human.
wags, Lola
YES! Let freedom ring from our mountain-tops to our valleys and from coast to coast. Let us NEVER forget the sacrifice of those who came before us, and those who serve now, so we may enjoy the freedoms of our beautiful country!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful tribute!
Happy Memorial Day!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Furry well pawed our furiends!
Thanks fur sharing your special memories!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
A lovely post for a very special day.
Mona, this is a wonderful post! My momma says she understands because she thinks of her grandpa. Her grandpa was in WWII as well and she and her brother loved to hear him talk of his memories. He didn't do that very often so it was very special. He even had a purple heart that he showed her once. Thanks so much for sharing your moms memories.
How are you feeling?
Snuggles,
Twix
A loving post - so beautiful of you to remember your Uncle.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Such a poignant story. Thanks for sharing it!
Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
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