Tuesday, November 18, 2008




On Sunday, our family had the pleasure of attending the Retirement ceremony for my exceptional husband Rich, after 24 years of unfaltering and dedicated service to the US Navy. It was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony filled with traditions as old as the Navy itself. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one, I highly recommend it...it is a very moving experience.
My friend Leah and I spent the entire month of October and into November preparing every last little detail of the ceremony, and I have to say that it went off without a hitch. We had family from 2 different states make the drive into town to be a part of this monumentous event, and to those of you who could not make the trip, we fully understand and we appreciate your cards and phone calls.
I just want to take a minute to thank my husband for being who he is. He is probably one of the most honorable people I've been blessed to know. He has been a beacon to me and to our family. He is so patriotic and proud of this beautiful country in which we have been blessed to live, and watching him retire and "stand relieved of his watch" was a bitter sweet experience. I know he will miss the commeradery of his shipmates and the honor of wearing his Navy uniform in service of our country. I know closing that chapter of his life was hard, and I just want to thank him for giving us the opportunity to honor him with a ceremony. (no, he did not want one - but I insisted! I think he's kind of glad I did now.) I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to bring our lives together. He always knows best!!
That said, I hope to have the pictures and videos of the ceremony soon, as I was trying to focus on the event itself and at the same time keep the kids somewhat quiet, I really didn't do much picture taking. But there were at least 4 other cameras going the entire time. So, I should soon have discs of the entire thing to share with you.
Congratulations babe!! It is all so well deserved!! You're the best!

5 comments:

Florene or Lori said...

I am so proud of you, Rich! It has been not only an honor to watch your commitment to both the Navy and our Country, but also to have you as a very welcome and blessed part of our family. I only wish I could have been there to witness such an auspicious event. It does my heart good to know that Heather has been so blessed with you as her husband, father of her children (all of them!) and helpmate. We all know who had a hand in sending you into her life, and for that blessing, I give thanks every day.
I am so proud of you!
MOM

Florene or Lori said...

And for you, Heather --- you did yourself proud in getting all of that arranged for your husband. I know how proud of him you are. I'm sure he is pleased with all that you do for him. I love you little girl! You are my hero, you know!
MOM

Kim Messick said...

Congratulations again Rich! We too are so proud of you and your dedicated service to our country and your family. Wish we could have been there and I'm looking forward to seeing video of the occasion! I know it was awesome - just like you and Heather are!
Love you lots!
Kenny and Kim

Aubrey Messick said...

WOW! I didn't even know this momentous event happened. It sounds like it was an incredible experience. I can't wait to watch the video and see the pictures!

Becky Montoya Wright said...

What a wonderful tribute to your husband. He sounds like a great guy! It's nice for you to speak so freely of your admiration for him. Great post.