Queer's Prodigious Pair: Vietnam Venom. #MemorialDay

***Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States 

for remembering and honoring the people who died while 

serving in the United States Armed Forces.***

I had been to war museums before, but this experience in Hanoi felt daunting as hell. I would soon realize the reason being. Let's just start with the fact that the Viet War is one of the hugest elephants in soo many rooms. It almost felt sacrilegious that we were on their soil for leisure sightseeing. It wasn't before long that I responded to this "iron man" calling my name. 

My Grandfather shape-shifted! 

It felt like a reunion with an old friend. His essence felt familiar. IT WAS! My grandpa whom I affectionately call DAD. I was lost for words on how to explain such excitement to my wife at that moment. From the way I reacted, she knew to just get in position for a photo. Look at her pose! It's like she knew he was the man!

Now, ever so clear, I knew I'd be guided along the army grounds by my grandfather who never spent his waking hours detailing his trauma from the war. Strangely enough, I have learned much more about him since his passing in 2006. His spirit has intimately made a home on my traveling altar space. Not only can I tell when he is around, but my Wife can differentiate between her own late grandpa, as well. 

That above selfie in Hanoi was nostalgic of the moment of my salute in front of the US Flag. The last time I was this close to a huge flag of sorts, was when we did the military fold at his homegoing service. You may be able to tell by what my eyes were emoting, that I am and will forever be a proud "Daddy's-Girl" 

 

Unfortunately, I would have probably found more solace in learning that the missiles took him out. Instead, I'm almost certain that generational curses, family secrets, and pride manifested itself thru diseases and alignments. Therefore, I salute YOU ALL. I salute those who have been drafted into their own war, listed internally and never made it out. LET IT GO, Sus.

LET IT GO.