The buildings were beautiful. I enjoyed our visit to D.C., but I'm certain that D.C. is not the place for this country girl. Give me dirt roads, small towns, and the peace and quiet we have here on Cow Bird Lane. The lifestyle in D.C. is fast passed, go-go-go, and I really don't think the people ever sleep. I've never been on the Metro, or a subway. Wow. You either pay attention, or you get left. That's it, end of story. As Thomas and I learned, you have to watch the map and make certain of where you need to get off or you'll ride the metro for a good 15 minutes that you didn't need to ride! Good thing we had T-rav with us!
We visited China town, the local Target which by the way is two stories, and it's nothing like what we have here at home. Oh, and if you buy something don't think they'll just bag it for you. Oh no, get ready to pay for that bag! Sure enough. China town, again... not my cup of tea. Travis and Thomas were ready to eat at the first little restaurant we came too. Me, not so much. I wanted something I knew what it was. We settled for a burger joint that was delish!
Overall, we had a fun time in D.C. We met with our congressman, walked through some tunnel that you were not supposed to go through unless you were escorted by someone of much higher authority, oops! We ate at some great little restaurants, but most important to me was visiting the site where our friend Casey Watters was laid to rest in Arlington.
Let me just say what a humbling experience this was. Travis and I opted to view Arlington for ourselves. We did not take a tour, we walked down the quiet streets to the place where Casey rests in peace. As we came closer, I could feel the emotions stirring inside of me. A thankfulness, sadness, and then the thought of how many young men and women have laid their lives down for our country. I've watched movies, documentaries, read books and saw countless pictures of this place, Arlington. Not one of them can hold a candle to the emotions you will feel as you stand and look for as far as the eye can see of the white headstones. Humbling is truly the only way I can describe it. I felt a tear trickle down my cheek as I stood to the side of Casey's grave.
I stood in silence. Thankful for Casey, his life, and the bravery he showed our country. Thankful that I had the chance to meet him, his family and I prayed that God would comfort his family as I'm sure they miss him each and every day. We started our walk back to the main building when we looked to our right and there on the hill was a horse drawn carriage. A family, dressed in black walked behind the carriage. Atop the carriage was a casket covered with our American flag. We stopped in respect of this soldier. As if viewing Arlington wasn't enough to speak to you but to watch a service underway really spoke to my heart. We would not have the freedom we have it weren't for the many soldiers that rest in peace in Arlington, and the ones that are on the front lines of battle this very moment. I must say that visiting Arlington was by farm my most favorite part of the trip. It touched me in more ways than one.
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