I, too, was affected by WW2, particularly the war in the Pacific. My older siblings' father was killed over Japan, and my father, a friend of both their parents, married our mother after the war, brought her home to his family farm in Monona County, and they had 2 of us girls. In our little community everyone knew everyone, so I never realized it was unusual to have 2 last names in a family until I was nearly grown. My father was a medical officer aboard a hospital ship, with only pre-med training. He must have seen much pain and suffering. He never talked about the war, but also could never kill anything. For example, he could not shoot a cow who was dying, even to put her out of her misery. Experiencing the impact of the suffering in our family was one catalyst in my becoming a group process facilitator, preventing conflict in groups. Honoring the legacy I think also means doing all we can to prevent and stop wars.
Thank you for sharing your story of the father of your older siblings, as well as the impact on your dad’s life after the war. We grew up in neighboring counties. Yes, you’re right that honoring the legacies of our loved ones can be done by working to prevent wars, and conflicts. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful tribute to your relative, and so many who have experienced warfare.
A beautiful tribute and an important reminder to those of us left to be honoring those that have passed on!
I, too, was affected by WW2, particularly the war in the Pacific. My older siblings' father was killed over Japan, and my father, a friend of both their parents, married our mother after the war, brought her home to his family farm in Monona County, and they had 2 of us girls. In our little community everyone knew everyone, so I never realized it was unusual to have 2 last names in a family until I was nearly grown. My father was a medical officer aboard a hospital ship, with only pre-med training. He must have seen much pain and suffering. He never talked about the war, but also could never kill anything. For example, he could not shoot a cow who was dying, even to put her out of her misery. Experiencing the impact of the suffering in our family was one catalyst in my becoming a group process facilitator, preventing conflict in groups. Honoring the legacy I think also means doing all we can to prevent and stop wars.
Thank you for sharing your story of the father of your older siblings, as well as the impact on your dad’s life after the war. We grew up in neighboring counties. Yes, you’re right that honoring the legacies of our loved ones can be done by working to prevent wars, and conflicts. Thanks again!
Thank you, Cheryl. Take care.
Ms. Nelson,
Yours is a compelling story, gracefully told.
Thank you.
Beautifully and lovingly written
Thank you, Wayne!