This is how I spent my weekend after a visit with Venom.... National Fallen Firefighters Memorial 2009 - a set on Flickr

I came home a totally different man than when I left. There'* is something about spending time with 123 families who are all grieving the loss of a firefighter in their family. Though it was not particularly a sad event, it was geared towards making certain that the family survives the ordeal, mourns in their own way and finds a network to help them over the years.

I was honored to be part of the escort team for National Park Service Firefighter Andrew Palmer from Sequim, Washington. Andrew lost is life when a tree fell on him on his first day on the fire line on July 25, 2008 : NPS Mourns Death Of Firefighter Andy Palmer (NPS Digest). Andrew was 18 years old.

Quite and Honor Purple. I had a great time hanging out for the afternoon at the Car Show w/you. Great to meet members in person, especially when they are as they seem. Really nice to check out Carlilse'* massive grounds full of restored cars we grew up with and reminisce. And my usual at Chili'* later was awesome food I'm not "allowed" to eat anymore. LOL

I'm going to have to go threw that when I'm not falling asleep at the keyboard. Always a great honer to stand for the fallen.

I had a great time as well. It was fun to reminisce about the "antiques" we remember riding in, seeing or in some cases owning. I will keep your Chili'* secret and Mrs. Venom will never know from me! Thanks for making the drive and being the guy I thought you were!