This beauty resides in the yard of my in-laws in Kingston, TN. As you wind your way up the driveway it is the first thing you see. My brother-in-law Nathan built this with his own 2 hands and his engineering degree, just like everything else on Hammonds Hill.
He has served in the Navy Reserves for over 40 years, did a year in Desert Storm and 4 years ago served in Iraq. Even though he is Navy, our troops were so strapped for Commanders he did his tour on the ground in charge of a troop of men so much younger (all in their 20's) than him that they nicknamed him "Grandpa". He just retired from the service this year at the age of 60.
He spent countless hours laying 8 layers of decorative stone into the ground and above to make sure his Freedom Flag and Navy Flag fly straight and high each day. This is his monument to Peace.
He is a small town guy with a big heart, broad shoulders, a wicked sense of humor, dirty hands and a fierce love of his country. He is the poster child for the American Dream. Came from close to nothing, got a job at the local power authority, bought a piece of land, built every structure on the land (the house is made from the trees he cut down), joined the service to give back and put himself thru college at the age of 40. He is in his own right, a rock. A rock that gives hope and helps keep the peace.
And we are grateful to the Peace Rocks that line this planet, human or otherwise.
Imagine all the people living life in Peace - John Lennon
2 comments:
Wow, Nathan sounds amazing. His monument looks so impressive!
Were you serious about sending me a piece of Sedona stone? I would love a piece! (Only very small and light!) If you were not, don't worry-just wondering as it was a lovely idea!
Dear Sister Rock Shoes,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wisdom and sparkle for Rock Week. I know I can always count on you to come out and play.
FYI: pumpkin week is coming..3rd week of october..start taking pics now.
xo
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