VETERAN.

we lost my grandpa 8 years ago, and when I went home to new mexico in september, grandma and I went to santa fe national cemetery to spend a few moments remembering lt. colonel arnold austin.

























I was lucky to have grandpa in my life for as many years as I did. he fought in world war II, vietnam and korea, and came home safe every time. we were luckier than most, I know, and I'm grateful that I was able to know him rather than just hearing stories told by my grandma. she still tells the best stories though. they were married when she was 17 and he was 18, about to enlist in the army. she made her father sign the papers, threatening to run away with him if he didn't. the contrast between the strong, levelheaded woman I know now and this impetuous lovesick teenager that she describes is a testament to the life that they lived together. it's a beautiful love story.

I thank them for the life they devoted to this country, and for raising my father (a west point grad) to be the man I love, respect and depend on. I am grateful for my family.

grandma loma & my father