Losing "the greatest generation"

I have always considered myself lucky to know many people from the WWII generation. Some were servicemen, others were the women who kept this country running while our men (and boys) were away in Europe and the Pacific. The stories they have shared with me and the wisdom they have gave will stay with me always.
This past Thursday I lost one of those friends. Andy had volunteered to fill in as my "adopted" grandfather since I had lost the only one I ever knew. He would sing to me and always had a smile. He told me I was beautiful anytime he saw me, then we'd compare tattoos. Andy outlived his wife, several of his children, and most other people from WWII. His health had started to decline, but he bounced back every time. Well, almost every time. I will miss Andy everyday, and I am sure I will expect to see his smiling face when I go to the American Legion. Rest in peace my dear friend, you deserve it after a long life bringing joy to so many.

A good day for some rehab

Pigeon Hill did not beat me! I made it up the hill, over to little Kennesaw, and back to Burnt Hickory Rd. Along the way I found some little lizard and toad friends, enjoyed the view, and thought about how amazing Dr. Morrison is for getting me back to my life. Yay, Dr. Morrison

And his trusty PA Todd!

They are an awesome team. Thanks to their dedication, knowledge, and hours of chopping away on my spine I am able to enjoy the view again.

Climb around on some rocks

Meet some new friends

And get the blood flowing to have that glow of a person beyond happy to be pain free.

Look out, I am back and I am heavily modified for improved performance.

Back on the trails

Tomorrow I will start hiking again. I find myself torn between taking the easier Cheatham Hill loop (and finding the hidden cemetery where I have spent many hours hiding in the past) or going all out and going up Pigeon Hill. The thought of being back out by myself makes me happy and sad at the same time. So much of my time has been spent on the mountain trails. Being out there is sure to bring back memories of my youth. Watching trains, sneaking around in the dark, playing frisbee, hacky sack (always with the damn hacky sacks), car tagging, and just being with good people who always made me smile.
There has been a lot lately that has made me feel nostalgic for days gone by. Rocky Horror is playing at the Strand theatre, listening to a lot of G. Love and Special Sauce, starbucks sunsets, talking with old friends, something in the air. Where did that life go? Many of the people that made those years special are still close to me, but some may be gone forever. My circles of friends continue to grow and I can only hope that more memories will be made everyday. Still, I hold on to those times that made me smile. Getting back on the trails is just one of the ways to keep them close.

Just a little maybe