Ooh-rah!

For the last twenty-eight years, Leroy and I have hosted the Faulkner Family Fun Fest. These annual events were an opportunity to gather my side of our family. We’ve always held the event in December when some of my out-of-state family would be in town. Sometimes, they were the only opportunities all year to see my brothers. I thought interest and participation would wane when Curtis and Jon (previously California residents) moved to Montana, but it didn’t happen. They still come.

This year, we did something a little different in honor of my brother Jon, who passed away in August. We all gathered at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery to help lay wreaths on veterans’ graves as part of “Wreaths Across America.” This event was something Jon had volunteered for in the past, and we thought it would be a fitting tribute. We created a safety orange (Jon’s favorite color) sweatshirt to wear in his memory. On the same day, we had family members laying wreaths in Montana, where Jon is buried, and in two cemeteries in Utah.

I was excited for this event, but I underestimated how meaningful it would be for everyone involved. For us in California, the day was cold and wet, but I didn’t hear one complaint. In fact, we all felt Jon’s spirit telling us to “Suck it up, Nancy.” Everyone pitched in and truly enjoyed the process. We were a team, and I know Jon would have been proud of us. Afterward, we all met at our house for pizza, and the conversations were heart-warming. At one point, I paused and looked around at my nieces and nephews, realizing they had all grown into really good people. I even appreciate the significant others who have joined our party. These are terrific kids, and I am so touched they still show up for the old Aunt Kelli.

“Ooh-rah” is the battle cry used by the United States Marine Corps. Marines use it as a greeting or salutation, but also to demonstrate enthusiasm. I could hear Jon’s voice saying it over and over again that day, and I think it is the best way to describe the experience. Jon lived a life of service, and his enthusiasm for life sustained us that day. We went to honor Jon, but we left remembering who we are because of him: a family that shows up, serves together, laughs hard, and loves even harder.

Ooh-rah!