I’ve written extensively about losing Larry Hull, my late husband, and our daughter’s father, whose plane crashed in Laos in 1971 during the Vietnam War. Larry is one of thousands of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during that difficult and divisive war. Before he left for war, I promised Larry he would be buried at Arlington National Cemetery if he didn’t come home. 35 years after his death, when his small forward air controller was shot down behind enemy lines, Larry’s remains were … [Read more...]
I’ve Looked at War from Both Sides Now
February reminds me of love, with Valentine’s Day just two weeks away. Of course, for me, it’s a season to celebrate the unbreakable, beautiful bonds I’ve built with those whom I’ve loved and admired deeply over the course of my life. As I’m now in my seventh decade, this group increasingly includes friends and family who are no longer living, including my soulmate and late husband Larry. This year, with news that America’s longest war – the conflict in Afghanistan – may at long last be … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Ballad of the Green Berets
With all the heightened rhetoric these days about the potential for armed conflict between the U.S. and North Korea, it seems especially fitting this week to commemorate National Purple Heart Day on August 7. This special day honors all of the brave men and women over the years who have been injured or given their lives for our country. This post specifically honors my husband, 1st Lieutenant James Larry Hull, and father to our daughter, Laura. Larry was posthumously awarded the Purple … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: The White Cliffs of Dover
Music, like stories, brings us together. Last month, May 29th, we celebrated Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. On June 14th, Flag Day, we celebrated the adoption of the flag of our United States. And, in less than two weeks, we will celebrate July 4th, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. We honor the men and women who served and are serving, as well as their families. Like a tapestry, our lives are … [Read more...]
Military Family is Forever
With the attention being paid to military families during this election season, I’ve been thinking about how important military communities are throughout deployment and afterward. Military families everywhere understand the struggle of saying goodbye to their loved ones as they are deployed. Once Larry received his orders for Vietnam, I tried to brace myself for his departure as much as possible, but nothing could really prepare me for the experience itself. In my memoir, Where the … [Read more...]
