A few years back I made a girl's trip to Red River. My girl friends and I stayed at the Hall's cabin in the Upper Valley in Red River. As a kid I spent lots of summers in this valley - riding horses, chasing Mutz' cattle, chasing boys...Anyway, this is a different story. Back in the day, there were not so many cabins in the valley other than the Hall's cabin. The next cabin over was owned by a wonderful couple, the Saffels (don't know if I am spelling that right). They had a cute little barn-like cabin and spent their summers in the Valley. The Halls were good friends with the Saffels, but everyone knew and liked them. They were always friendly, happy people. Mrs. Saffel was the kind of lady who mothered everyone and never minded us kids playing around her house. I remember the Saffels coming to my wedding - lots of memories.
The Saffels had one son - one child. He was killed early on in the Vietnam War - back when no one really understood that we were in a war. I never met their son, but even as a kid, I can remember being horrified and saddened that Mrs. Saffel had lost her only son - only child in war. On Memorial Day I think of people, mothers especially, who lost sons in war - the ultimate sacrifice.
As far as I knew, the Saffels were never bitter or ugly over their loss. But I still hurt for them and remember them on this day - a day to remember those lost in war and those who loved them.
6 comments:
Sound like wonderful people. Today is full of memories. Thanks.
As a kid growing up, I had a neighbor who was conscripted in 1968. At the funeral his mother was like a rock, but his father who had survived WW2 had to be held by his brother and my father. I didn't even know we had a war, as it wasn't discussed much in school, and our family didn't have a TV. My oldest brother who survived the war, died last year. I can't believe where all the time flew...
Rest peacefully, soldier.
They were good people. Thanks, Jo.
The years are flying.
Thanks Moogie.
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