The red, white & blue.
I would say that I kind of grew up in somewhat of an idyllic neighborhood in the bay area surrounded by orchards, old homes and pretty little streets- with flags flying out in front of some of the houses even. It wasn’t perfect of course, we had the now all too common divorce, remarriage, blended family issues that caused a few ripples and I will admit that I was a bit of a cranky teenager. (Thanks for loving me even so Mom)
And in spite of what the area being pretty amazing- at 17- I just wanted something SO different than what I knew. And so I set out after high school in search of what I viewed as freedom to be me.
The road trip took me through Colorado and Wyoming and I landed in Montana one cold autumn evening.
Now know that I had never seen temperatures below probably 30 before. (California folks) And I remember when I pulled up to the hotel I was staying at when I first got to Montana -I was sure that the thermometer outside proudly displaying ‘4’ as the temperature – was wrong.
I mean, clearly they lost a zero and meant it was ‘40′ outside… not ‘4’.
Until I got out of my car
And yes, it was most definitely 4 degrees.
That same parking lot was also the first time I saw that cars had cords coming out of the front of them that were plugged in. Not because they were fancy cars like the hybrids that charge like we have today- but because the engines would freeze without being plugged in. I thought it was strangely funny to be honest. Like where in the world had I landed? That might have been the first time I realized that those freezing winter days in the bay area where we were bundled up- were really not so freezing after all.
But in spite of the cold, Montana was full of just what I imagined.
Horses, big old barns, farm animals, cowboys and wheat fields. And just like that Garth Brooks song… yes indeed- those wheat fields really do dance in the wind. And I loved it.
On that random stop in the middle of my late teenage life crisis and my ‘finding myself’ journey- I found myself out of food and gas money. So, I took a job for a few months in that cold town and that was where I met a guy who changed everything.
He was a charmer- with the kindest blue eyes, sun kissed skin and neatly trimmed dark hair- and he had horses. Being a girl who had grown up taking riding lessons – those horses sealed the deal for a first date. I mean- a handsome guy offers to take you out for a bareback ride? Well instantly it makes you think of that Stetson commercial and romance and all that good stuff, right?
One of our first dates was riding horses and after several hours we sat down and chatted about everything and anything and I learned that he wanted to own a business and that he grew up with humble hardworking roots that inspired him to work even harder to achieve his goals.
And he shared something that surprised me since he was so young. That he had also just returned from serving in the Gulf War.
He was sent to the war just after he graduated high school and was part of a communications unit. Being the stocky guy he was – he also served as an impromptu bodyguard for his Colonel when they needed extra support. He was quite young when he went and had just enrolled in college when he got the papers to report to active duty
He talked about the experience and the friendships he made. How they all shared many common things during those months and became so close with being away from their families and homes. And how the soldiers in his unit were affected by the attack and how they knew- unspoken and spoken- just how lucky they were to be able to go home a few months later. It weighed quite heavy on them knowing that some of their fellow soldiers did not have that same privilege or chance and that their families would all be forever changed.
So while there are fun get togethers, picnics and an extra day off to enjoy- Memorial Day is really about more than those things- which is sometimes is overlooked. It is about honoring those who sacrificed everything for what we have today. I am grateful for so many opportunities that I have and my family has now because of those brave men and women who gave so much.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend everyone.
Brenda in Texas says
Love your blogs and especially this one. My hubby is a Vietnam Vet, served 18 months and when he came home was spit on and called all kinds of names. But he was so glad to get home when some of the men in his unit passed away. One of them was from the south and gave him his Confederate flag before he passed away. We still have that flag.
Courtney says
Thank you Brenda!! And please thank you to your hubby for his service! How terrible for him to be treated that way when he returned from the service. 🙁
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
What a beautiful story Courtney and I always knew that you were a great adventurer…I remember my dad getting upset if he saw a flag being improperly displayed or treated. He taught us that we should always be thankful to live in the greatest country in the world and always count our blessings and thank and remember those who sacrificed and served so we may enjoy our wonderful life. Now, may I ask if that young man that you met became Mr. French Country Cottage?
Courtney says
Indeed he did become Mr. French Country Cottage. 🙂 xo
Bever says
Straight out of a Hallmark movie! ❤️ Would lOve to see your lOve story On the Hallmark Movie Channel!♥️♥️
M says
My father was Army, My husband,brother and brother-in-law were Navy. Two of my brother's-in-law were Army. Two nephews-Army. A niece-Navy. I join you in showing honor to the Stars and Strips
Beverly says
I knew it, just knew …you married the cowboy soldier!! But like you I have an inherent love for the flag My Daddy was in the Battle of the Bulge and my brother in Vietnam. My Daddy served 30 years in the US Army…mostly in Camp Blanding, FL. God bless you and your cowboy soldier and God Bless America!
Lurlie says
What a beautiful story and I love the flag on your little garden house!
Unknown says
Courtney,
Beautifully shared and I'm glad there is another military spouse out there. Please tell him thank you for his service, even if he hates hearing it. I had someone tell me that he thanked them and those he could no longer thank in that one thank you. Blessing, Tamra
Cottage and Cabin says
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful story! Love your photos—all of them! And, your garden house with the vintage flag—just perfect!
debbie
Alison says
Beautiful story thank you for sharing it, my father was in the Korean War he was so proud to have served his country, when he died I had a military service, the folding of the flag and then presenting it to me still brings tears to my eyes. Thank you to your husband for his services. One last thing I don't remember ever seeing him any of your post of your family would love to see a picture of the two of you. Happy Memorial day
Artsy VaVa says
Thank you for writing this. There are so many people that don't know the real reason for memorial Day. And, many don't know that there are rules for displaying the flag. This July will mark the 11th year since my cousin, Trey Bartlett, was killed in Iraq. He enlisted after 9/11 and is a true hero. It is so heartbreaking when people disrespect the flag and this country. They fail to realize the sacrifices that so many families have made.
Holliday Johnson says
What a precious story! It is always so nice to learn about people's journeys. And I love the flag on the cottage. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Wild Oak Designs says
That is so sweet a story…and fun to find that's your Hubby….sweetness
Its sad that schools don't teach about our history….because war isn't PC…but I believe remembering is….
Thanks for reminding all of us…
OH!
I tried your Alum on some hydrangeas and queen anns lace….It works!! wow…game changer!! Thanks for that tip!!
Nancy
martinealison says
Bonjour chère amie,
Une publication qui rend un bel hommage…
Gros bisous ????
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Courtney, what a lovely post. Unfortunately, most people don't realize Memorial Day is a recognition of those men and women who served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor their deaths so we can celebrate our freedom and liberties. The flag is such a sacred symbol of that. We were brought up to respect and honor it. My uncle died in service during WWII. And my late husband was an officer in the Coast Guard and died at a very young age. My nephew is currently serving in the Middle East. I am so grateful for their service and thank your husband for his service. Happy Memorial Day!
Lucy says
You are such a dear Lady to tell such a dear story! Memorial Day is do easily turned into what it's not supposed to be and it bothers me. Your post brought joy to my day because it was so relevant! Like everyone else, I love your little garden house with the beautiful, antique flag!! Thank you so much for your meaningful post! Its is lovely!��
Nancy Brantley says
Thank you for sharing your story of one of our heros! I'm thankful to have a husband who served in Vietnam! Yes, let us all remember what Memorial Day is about! FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
Shadow1945 says
Courtney,
I have been loving your posts for some time, as I lived in Europe for six years, but this post resonates with me the most. I worked as a US ARMY NATO FORCES RN for six years in Germany. My parents worked as a physician and nurse on a US ARMY Hospital Train caring for patients from the Battle of the Bulge and Rhineland Campaign. They knew each other nine months before they married in June 1945 and had five children, all daughters, in five years. We are doctors nurses, and I am a nurse practitioner, honoring our parent's legacy of service to mankind.
R's Rue says
Beautiful.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Catherine says
Thank you for sharing your story and your hubby's story, so touching. Your blog is the best, so inspiring.
Lisa says
I know the point of the post was about Memorial Day … and I loved it ! Quite the story … But: one: you AND your Mom are very brave ladies !! two: So very thankful to all who proudly and bravely serve this nation !! 3.BUT… Im glad I scrolled down and read some of the comments…. because my next question was going to be if that "cowboy" was still around???? You know … Mr.French Country Cottage!! lololol…
Courtney says
Hahah!! Yes indeed. He is the Mr. 🙂
Missy says
This is such a beautiful post. It is very sad that having pride in our country is not what is Used to be and people do not know what Memorial Day is truly about. Please tell your husband thank you for his service. I really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. It’s so nice to see them honor their families that serve. My thanks to them as well. My nephew served in the Army in Afghanistan several years ago. We are all so blessed he was able to return home and start a family. Have a wonderful day enjoying your family!
Adele says
Courtney……… thank you so very much for sharing this. Your husband and men like him are worth a miLlion…… really more than can be measured. We have freedom to enjoy and treasure because of their service. I am eternally grateful. It sounds like you both hit a home run!!!😉 Such a tender love story❣️❣️❣️
Gail says
A beautiful love Story