Plus, move over Michael Phelps, meet Navy veteran and retiree J.R. Cassidy, still competing at 97 and winning Gold!

I met J.R. at my final events, the football and softball throw, which I am so glad I signed up for. If I hadn’t I would never have met this inspiring…

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     At my kids’ karate this afternoon, the topic to begin class was ‘intuition’. The instructor went on to say that intuition was like a sixth sense, which, for a kid, wasn’t a bad definition. The lesson led to a discussion of occasions where one might feel uneasy or threatened by a person or a situation, regardless of an actual perceived threat. The brief discussion of, what we in military circles would call ‘situational awareness’, suggested that someone else’s hurt feelings are not as…

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On August 8, 2011, when my son, Derek, was in the SICU at National Naval Medical Center (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center)(also known as Walter Reed Bethesda), which is located in Bethesda, Maryland, I was given news that shook me to the core.  Derek was septic.  His blood pressure was beyond dangerously low.  The doctors rushed him off to the Operating Room to try to save him.  It did not look good.

In a daze, Derek’s fiancée, Krystina, and I made our way down…

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The rumor is that the thrift shop on the Anacostia side of Joint Base - Anacostia-Bolling has re-opened. Details are:

Open Tues and Thursday 1530-1830 and the First Saturday of the month 1000-1400.

Address - Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, 2770 Enterprise Way, Building 72, Room 149

Phone- 202-433-3364

Always remember to check ahead to be sure of the hours before you venture out. The shop just re-opened about being closed for awhile.

During the stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland (WRNMMC), we saw and interacted with several non-profit organizations.  These non-profits help patients and family members with meals, blankets, t-shirts, toiletries, spa days, etc.  They are invaluable.

One group…

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Friday night my hubby and I went on a double date to the Wolf Trap to watch Rain-A Tribute to the Beatles. This was the beginning of our non-touristy adventures in DC. We were more than pleasantly surprised with our visit. The Wolf Trap is definitely a must for every family.

We were shocked at how close it was to us. We thought it would take way longer to get there. Instead we found out it was just a short drive into Virginia. We arrived early to discover arriving early is a must for…

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Every couple of weeks, I hope to be profiling our wounded warriors' caregivers.  To kick start it, I am going to tell the story of my family.

Derek was injured on July 23, 2011.  He was on patrol when another soldier was injured.  His group was called in to secure the landing zone.  They found themselves…

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