Author Archives: lbender59

You Remember That Woman Who Gave the Apple to Snow White?

A light snow fell as I turned into our driveway. I parked at the far end. Our yellow house, built in 1927 from a Sears and Roebucks kit, glowed in the afternoon sun. Surrounded by a white picket fence, our home was almost cliché. Thankful for a half-day of work at the Naval Chaplains School,Continue reading “You Remember That Woman Who Gave the Apple to Snow White?”

To Honor Their Courage and Commitment

I turned off Rifle River Road onto the snow-covered driveway leading to the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds. Two sets of tire tracks told me I was last to arrive. Following them, I passed a collection of small historic buildings gathered from around the community to form the Antique Village. During Fair Week each August, crowds wanderedContinue reading “To Honor Their Courage and Commitment”

Overworked and Blessed: A Christmas Story

I stopped for another traffic light. Dear God, I don’t have time for this. It’s almost Christmas and I’m not ready. I’m so tired and my head hurts. Please, I need help. A few minutes later, I rounded the corner and parked in the driveway near the back door of my parsonage. On the wayContinue reading “Overworked and Blessed: A Christmas Story”

One Day in September

Everyone has a 9/11/2001 story. Here is mine. May God bless the remembering and sharing of yours. Tuesday. I looked forward to it every week. No early morning. No meetings. No paperwork, project management, or pastoral counseling. Just me, my laundry, some genealogy research and a chance to breathe. I poured coffee, sat cross-legged inContinue reading “One Day in September”

To Shield and Protect

Adlesperger Hall sat atop a steep hill in the wooded area above Butler Stadium on Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. Named for LCPL Christopher S. Adlesperger, who, while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, had single-handedly raced up a stairway under fire and cleared a rooftop in order to shield wounded Marines from further harm, the buildingContinue reading “To Shield and Protect”

The Homegoing

Thirty-five members of Alpha Surgical Company stood in the parking lot outside the Medical Battalion’s headquarters building. Clad in dress blues, they were thankful for the early morning muster. At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the weather is oppressive in August, and they wanted to get on the road before their uniforms wilted.Continue reading “The Homegoing”

The Mighty Pen Project

For several years, I have participated in the Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing class for veterans sponsored by the Virginia War Memorial. https://vawarmemorial.org/mightypen The professor is David L. Robbins: Learn more about David here: https://www.davidlrobbinsauthor.com/ David has helped and encouraged us to tell the stories that should not be forgotten. Some are personal, meantContinue reading “The Mighty Pen Project”

Okay So Far

Camp Chesty, on the outskirts of An Numaniyah, occupied a patch of desert the Marines had taken from the Iraqis on 3 April on their way to Baghdad. Part airfield, it hosted the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters and subordinate units, housed in tents. Each unit had its own space, separated from the others byContinue reading “Okay So Far”

A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version

In the next few days, many of us will gather with extended family to celebrate the holidays. For some, this will be a joyous occasion filled with laughter, stories, good food and the chance to relax with people they love. Others will spend quality time with relatives who insist on indulging in a favorite addiction,Continue reading “A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version”