After these past twenty months, my heart still aches for you my love, a deep mournful ache. Forever and a day, a white candle burns for you.

You passed away 19 months ago. I miss you every day, every second. My life is still disjointed and empty without you. To make matters worse, I was notified at 10 PM last night that we are under notice of evacuation due to the fire in Santa Catalina Mountains. It's a good thing I spent the entire day yesterday gathering up all of the important paperwork and other items which are now packed and staged in one area. 

Brenda, our fire inspector says the evacuation, if necessary, will come because of the smoke and not due to the fire. I had the property cleared of brush last month; not much to burn left. The hard thing is finding a place to stay that allows animals. 

As many times that I've gone through this, it's much more difficult now because of MS and being in a wheelchair. You would be in your element if you were here. 

I miss you terribly and love you forever and a day.

Laughlin, NV Colorado Bell, Mark Chestnut concert

These past eighteen months have not been easy without you.  I miss your Everglow.

This message is for you Yvonne. Your undying love for Grant is something so special and rare. I will always admire you for that and the person that YOU are.

Fourteen months have passed marking your passing this thirteenth day of January. I miss you my love.

12/25/19

I light this candle for you, my dearest husband.

Christmas Eve 2019

Our home is empty 
As is my heart
I long for your touch
Though we're never far apart

I sit here in silence
With tears in my eyes
As the heavens above
Prepare to cry


I miss you every second of every day, my love. Forever and a day.

Grant, I never had the honor to meet you on Earth.   I believe Yvonne never had the chance to meet my Karen either.   So, this is how I am picturing things are happening now.

You and Karen have met each other in Heaven and have become good friends.   You meet each day in the front row of heaven's grandstands, looking on the lives that Yvonne and I are carrying on in your absence.    No doubt that you two veterans snap to attention and render a smart salute at the beginning of each day as the flag passes and the Earth day starts.    I picture Karen has a sippy cup of water, munching on buttered popcorn as she carries on way too loudly, often busting out with ear piercing laughter.   For you, I am thinking you choose a nice craft beer, and perhaps some nachos or pretzels.   With every great event and happy moment that Yvonne and I have throughout our days, you two are on your feet cheering wildly and high-fiving.   When Yvonne or I have a bad moment or a sad day, you might slip out with a naughty word or two, receiving a few angel-demerits along the way.   You finish each day with a hearty hug saying, I am proud of them.  They are pressing on and choosing to be happy. 

Until we can someday join you in the grandstands, I will watch over Yvonne and I would ask you to watch out for Karen.  Please know we both are pressing on each day, honoring you with all we do --- especially choosing to be happy.

God bless our heavenly soldiers

Hard to believe it has been more than a year since you left us.  I know you are sorely missed by your 257th TC extended family.

You were definitely the right man in the right place when it came to mobilizing and deploying all the 257th Soldiers in Tucson.  Your leadership, mentorship and genuine compassion for their well-being helped make an incredibly stressful time a lot easier.  Once in country you were able to insert yourself right into the Support Group Headquarters and ensured we got first dibs on all the small creature comforts to make our life on Truckville bearable.  For that we were also grateful.

Every time myself and Pat McIntyre would come down to Tucson you would always invite us over to your house.  I will never forget your salt rubbed lemon stuffed cornish game hens as they were certainly delicious.  Thank you and Yvonne for your generous hospitality.

Thank you for being a great NCO, living the creed, and most of all for being my friend.  We will always have Fort Bliss and Truckville.

Rest in Peace!

I'm having a hard time without you as the holidays approach. You're truly missed and thought of constantly. Thank you for so many wonderful memories.

I will always remember you Grant, you are the older brother I never had. I admired you and learned a lot of good things from you, some of which I will never mention, LOL. Yvonne you too are forever part of my memory. Never did I think Grant could find a good woman who could handle him until I met you. You are definitely on your way to sainthood for your love for Grant. I know how stubborn Grant could be but he met his match in you and because of that he became the great man he is. I use the present tense because he is currently very busy  in his new roll and has Saint Michael as his commander. I told you when I saw him he was in perfect health and had a smile on his face, he said he had some work to do. 
Now one of the funniest things I saw Grant do was a flying W' on that 50' Panhead hard tail. Myself, his brother Scott and Grant were heading back to my house in Hesperia cruising across Kiowa avenue. As we know the roads were full of chuck holes back then a may still be. Scott was riding his 750 honda and I was on my Moto Guzzi V-7 following close behind. Scott and Grant were hollering back and forth about something. Well Grant drove right through the middle on this one particulary awesome chuck hole. I think it was one that actually had a name. The back wheel came off the ground at least 14 and Grant got launched off the seat about 2 feet and his feet came up past his shoulders. If that wasn't bad enough the bike landed off track and bounced back up as Grant was coming down. I could feel it from where I was. He stayed on it though, and managed to get stopped off in the dirt. Grant was in excruciating pain trying to walk it off while Scott was asking him if that hurt. LOL After a few minutes of watching Grant limp around spewing !@&%$#@xxxx!#@ he had a cigarette. I couldnt help but tell him how high and wide his feet were and that it had to have split the crotch out of his levi's. He said it hurt so bad he couldn't feel his butt. Scott was laughing and telling him to hurry up and get back on his bike and get going because he had to go to work. Typical brother, no mercy. Not toooo long after that he put the rear suspension on it. I really think he broke his tailbone because he couldn't sit right for months. God Bless you my brother and God Bless you Yvonne for being such a good wife to grant. I am a better man for knowing the both of you, Fred.

11/13/19

11/13/19
Mr J O'B writes:
Happy Heaven Day, Grant. May you live on through the memories of those who knew you, and the stories they share.   You made an impact to your family, to your country, and to a few of us that never even met you on Earth.  Be thou at peace.

Unfortunately, his entry into this book has not posted these past 2 days as others, and the window is closing.

The following was publicly posted on FB 11/13/19 in response to a tribute I posted in your honor. 

Beautiful tribute Yvonne! Although I only met Grant once, I feel I've really come to know him through your writings and musings. You are indeed blessed to have lived such a rich life with a great man. C Collins

11/13/19
Grant Hunter Jennings!  The phones have blown up today, ringing off the hook, so to speak!  I have received phone calls from people I've never heard about nor met. And boy howdy do they have wild stories about you! You, husband, certainly were a wild man back in the day. And, I must say that many things about your past, and some things I have puzzled over for years, including certain behaviors and habits, have clicked into place today.  For a man that enjoyed the simple things in life, you are a pretty complicated soul. I had no idea. And, it's a good thing you never shared these things with me. Some of these brothers-in-arms had to borrow others phones to make their phone call to me; they wouldn't say how they got the numbers, either. Some have never used a computer in their life and think it's, as one put it, bull roar (and promptly begged the ma'am's pardon). If you were still physically here, my dear, you'd have some splainin' to do.  You are an enigma, a heavily encrypted puzzle and I think I'll leave it be, sleeping dogs and all. You sure knew some really crazy-weird (in a good way) people. And, they are all proud to call you brother. One even said he's sorry for losing the bet and requested a mailing address.  He wouldn't say more out of respect, ma'am.  Well, it's certainly been a crazy day, not all bad cause I did laugh some (I've cried a lot, too). And, as this year draws to a close, I'm preparing to move from numbness to full throttle reality. I pray you, the Father and the Saints will all be by my side. I'm going to need you all to move forward and through this thing called grief. And, as always, FOREVER AND A DAY. <3

11/14/19
I was looking over my notes from phone conversations I had this week and chuckled about some of Grant's brother-in-arms names I was given. Mind you, I've never heard of them before this week nor ever met any of them. 

Crazy 8'
Cyclops'
Eight Ball'
Chuckles'
Up Chuck'
Finito'

I have also heard from one guy I have met and can put a face to. And that would be none other than JACKRABBIT.'

11/15/19
And for some reason the calls are still coming in. 

Skid'
Hairball'
Fizz'
Blip'

This Day rolls around again and it will forever have meaning far greater than November 13th could have ever had! So Close to Veterans Day, as if for a reason. A Soldier and a true warrior, a Man that will always have your back. A Man of great honor, integrity and complexity. To know him was to never understand him, for he liked it that way. You always kept us guessing, yet always kept us reassured that you would always be there, even when you could not. Your influence, friendship and brotherhood will always be felt. Ella Wheeler Cox said it so pointiantly and it is the essence of you..... There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, hinder or control, the firm resolve of a determined soul! Thank you for being that determined soul, friend and a brother for all those years, yet never long enough. I love you now officially Retired Master Sargent Grant Jennings, keep them all in line up there for us!

Grant Hunter Jennings, my phones, both cell and home, have blown up today. I have received phone calls from people I've never heard about nor met. And boy howdy do they have wild stories about you! You, husband, certainly were a wild man back in the day. And, I must say that many things about your past, and some things I have puzzled over for years, including certain behaviors and habits, have clicked into place today.  For a man that enjoyed the simple things in life, you are a pretty complicated soul. I had no idea. And, it's a good thing you never shared it with me. Some of these brothers-in-arms had to borrow others phones to make their phone call to me; they wouldn't say how they got the numbers, either. Some have never used a computer in their life and think it's, as one put it, bull roar (and promptly begged the ma'am's pardon). If you were still physically here, my dear, you'd have some splainin' to do.  You are an enigma, a heavily encrypted puzzle and I think I'll leave it be, sleeping dogs and all. You sure knew some really crazy-weird (in a good way) people. And, they are all proud to call you brother. One even said he's sorry for losing the bet and requested a mailing address.  He wouldn't say more out of respect, ma'am.  Well, it's certainly been a crazy day, not all bad cause I did laugh some (I've cried a lot, too). And, as this year draws to a close, I'm preparing to move from numbness to full throttle reality. I pray you, the Father and the Saints will all be by my side. I'm going to need you all to move forward and through this thing called grief. And, as always, FOREVER AND A DAY. <3

Grant, it was a pleasure to get to know you. You were a fellow 1968 graduate from the same High School (Pomona High) in Pomona, CA. Who would have thought....
you would become a fellow warrior with my Son Dominic, while serving in the Arizona Army Reserves in Tucson, AZ. I am glad for the bond you both shared all through the years. 
We are saddened you are no longer here and will be missed. Rest in peace...and thank you for your service to this country.

Grant... You are so missed by all of us who loved you. You welcomed me into your home as Yvonne's friend/sis from work and became my friend. Thank you for all the times you took care of us ladies, the fresh herbs from your garden boxes, and always sending me on my way home with goodies from your grill. I still feel you there when I visit Yvonne, still close, still watching over her, still loving her with all your heart. Just know that you will forever be in my heart. Gone but not forgotten...

Uncle Grant, to my Father Fred you weren't a brother from blood, but a brother through friendship. All of us Clow boys grew up calling you, Uncle Grant and your lovely wife, Aunt Yvonne. As I have recently stepped into the role of father, I know full and well which of my friends the Twins will refer to as Uncle. You were a true brother to my father and uncle to his sons. As painful as they were, your crushing hugs and hard knuckled noogies were all a young man needed to know that we were close and the love was real.

You were both blessed with extreme challenges in your life i am grateful he was a part of your life. That just shows you two were meant for each other not knowing at the time you met how your lives would prevail.You decided to challenge your lives with courage that only you both could accomplish.  TRULY BLESSED. I didn't really know Grant personally but I got to know him through you. He was an amazing gift.
(LG)

We were so blessed to have Grant in our lives. He was here every Friday like clock work, never asking for anything more than a Sonic hamburger. He was a motivation that we did not know we needed, until he was not able to come over anymore. We miss his advice, his sense of humor and his stories.  He was tough, but the more he was with us, he would let his sensitive side come out. He was a good man and a good friend. We miss him more each day.❤

I only met Grant once. It was at the hospital elevator after dropping off a Get Well Card for Yvonne who was recovering from a broken hip. I was walking out of the elevator, he was getting on. It clicked, I recognized him from pictures.  I stopped him and we chatted for a couple minutes. I could tell immediately he was a kind soul. And one thing was crystal clear, he was deeply, madly, crazy in love with Yvonne.  He was eager to get back to her bedside and be with her. It was brief, but I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Grant.

Grant and Yvonne have been family friends since I was little. I remember them coming over to our house in AZ and spending time with us. Grant has been one of my dad's great friends and together they shared a lot of memories. I was fortunate enough to see Grant and Yvonne before his passing last year and couldn't be more grateful to know such a great man. He will be dearly missed by our family.

Grant was an Army dad to me and called my Sammy your guys grandson.... Pops, you were an amazing hero, friend, soldier... everything! We miss you so much. The laugh, the deep rusty intimidating voice... :) it was incredible to have you in our lives. You had this way of getting through to people and understanding their perspective as well. You made the teams you lead stronger and commands you were a part of, better. Anyone who met you is a better person for knowing you. I love you and miss you, Pops!

My life was forever changed on our meeting. Every second of every day since that chance meeting you have impacted my life and still do. 

I mark the first year of your passing by honoring your life. I will first and foremost state that I have been blessed to have known you and doubly so to have been your wife. I am grateful. 

You were born 27 October 1950 in Brawley, California. You were one of five boys,  smack dab in the middle. You have two children from a prior marriage. You spent your life in service of others. You were always the first one to stop to help anyone requiring assistance. I admire you for this quality. You were a tool & die maker/machinist; and you could make or fix anything, quite literally. You were a warrior to the bone; retiring from the US Army as a Master Sargent. We spent thirty-one years as husband and wife; a fabulous team, a true partnership. And, I am now learning how to be a sole proprietor. It's not an easy thing to do after such an awesome partnership. 

You once said you expected to fall in battle. And, although it's not quite what was expected, you battled to the end in warrior- fashion. A noble battle. You were an honorable man in life, honorable in all things. 

Today, 13 November 2019, my love, I honor you. I shall do so FOREVER AND A DAY.  You are gone from this realm but you'll be forever in my heart and never forgotten. Rest peacefully FOREVER AND A DAY.

Grant was my brother-in-law for many years until my divorce. I have so many wonderful memories of him. I liked him from the moment we met. I will always be grateful to him for his kindness to me and his service to our country.  Over the years Grant always made me laugh and when I think of him my heart smiles. My current husband served in Vietnam during the same time as Grant. Army brothers and graduates of the Vietnam University of Jungle Warfare. I shared with Grant my husband's service and rank and he laughed and said you married an old man like me! I just busted up and said you're not old! That was his sense of humor. He will always be a part of my life and I will never forget.

You are remembered this Veterans Day, and every day. Thank you for your dedicated service

Grant & YvonnevJennings, Pacific Palisades, California circa 1988

Grant & Yvonne Jennings, Marina Del Rey, California circa 2008

Grant Jennings, Salt River Canyon, Arizona circa 2003

NCO Academy, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland circa 1986

Happy Belated Birthday Grant! Forgotten you are not, within the hearts of many and spreading smiles as you always have from here to eternity! As Theodore Roosevelt would say..... Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground! You often had us looking star ward in the first several years we had met with your own type of stars lighting up the sky! Between your machining talents and military training, oh the fireworks we enjoyed and what found memories!!! Love you my Brother and Friend forever! Thank You, think of you often and miss you more than that!

10/27/19 I made a wish upon a star to carry my love to where you are. Happy heavenly birthday my love Forever and a day.

I really love you so much Uncle Grant. I have so many wonderful memories spending time with you and Aunt Yvonne. As a kid I once wrote a poem when we were driving home from Tucson to visit you guys and isn't it so funny how distinctly I remember when I wrote it and how beautiful the sky was during the sunset, pink with fluffy clouds. I wrote:

The sky is an ocean, an ocean above.
The angels, they sit on the shore.
With eyes full of laughter
And hearts full of love
They watch with the Father above.

And now so do you, Uncle Grant...  
Love, Susie

Every Day

Every day since you passed
I've kept you in my heart

Every day since you  passed
We're never far apart 

Every day since you passed
It's the beginning for me, without you, a new start

Dear Grant, it's been a year since you called us to your home to give us the news of your stage 4 cancer. It still breaks our hearts but we felt so privileged and honored that we were apart of your family and was able to hug you one more time before Yvonne lost you. To us you were the bravest person we knew to call everyone together to say your last goodbye. I want you to know that I pray for your lovely wife daily, I know that I am not visiting her as often as I should, but I keep her in my thoughts every single day. It still hurts us that she no longer has you in physical form but am happy with each post that proves you are still there in spirit. I chuckle sometimes at the thoughts of your cigar smoke in the house that you know is forbidden.  In spirit you are just not listening to the rules, but then again I am sure you broke a few rules while you were still on this Earth that she forgave you for. I know it's comforting for her to know that you are still there, she needs that peace. So as I close this post one last time I want to thank you for accepting us into your home, for all the good food that you served and a friendship that we will always treasure. Love and Miss you our Friend... As they say Gone but Never Forgotten.

Though it all be true, the emotions you are experiencing. You may rest assured that we are all sharing your burden, what little good it does you. It is greatly appreciated that you share these deeply personal and extremely hilarious experiences with us. I find great joy in not having to try and remember them from the times we have heard them over the years and to be able to access this guest book every time I am in need of a laugh and a great sample of your always witty writing, great punctuation and perfect delivery of these historical events. They are so well done that it is as if I am sitting there with you and witnessing the event first hand, which is a sign of any great writer. Far be it from me to put you back to work, however, as one that has always admired your writing skills, even from our youth. I would like to suggest that you write and publish a book titled The life and times of a First Sargent and his Commanding Officer on the Home Front. Some experiences you may not be able to write about due to there sensitive nature. Some you may just choose not to share, however, The unique individuals you both are and your service to our great county should be memorialized and who better to do so than you, one of the ones in the trenches as so many of our home support personnel are so frequently left to deal with. Through this writing, not only will you be sharing with others going through extremely similar experiences, unique unto themselves. You will also, through the process, be aiding in your grieving process and working through your healing, if that is even possible.

The thirteenth day of the tenth month since your passing, and I find it no easier today, the day before that, last month, or six months ago. 

Each day begins the same; my breath catches in my throat when I realize you're no longer present in this realm. I struggle most days but preserver. I cry most days  - still - I'm finding I cry, not for you; you're in a better place, pain free, and at peace. I find that I cry for me cause I miss you so deeply and I'm the one left behind. 

There is nothing that prepares one for grief. Nothing. And, I'm grateful to be the one who carries this burden for us both. Be at peace and know that I am grateful for the life we shared. Forever and a day, my love.

Meatloaf memory, Circa 1988

Grant and I had been married for about one year. As usual, he walked in through the back door into the kitchen and said, Hi honey, I'm home. What's for dinner?  On this particular occasion, it was no different.

Meatloaf is on the menu tonight, sweetheart was my response. 

He turned to look at me with a scowl on his face. I asked him, what's wrong?

I don't DO meatloaf he responded turning on his heals leaving the kitchen. 

A few moments later he returned to the kitchen asking the same question, Whats for dinner?. 

Apparently he was hard of hearing even back then. So, I smiled sweetly while approaching him and said softly with love in my voice We are having meatloaf for dinner sweetheart and it'll be ready in about 10 minutes.

He turned around, walking into the living room, grabbed the keys to his truck and departed while muttering I'm going out to get something edible.  Mind you he'd never had my meatloaf before. 

Fast forward to the next evening wherein Grant entered the kitchen through the back door and ask the same bloody question as he had every evening when returning home, Hi honey, I'm home  What's for dinner?

Goulash, we're having Goulash for dinner. It'll be ready in a half hour. I'll call you when it's on the table, I said. 

Twenty minutes later I called him to the table. We enjoyed our meal while discussing our days. He asked for a second, and then a THIRD helping of Goulash. I was amazed because he never had third helpings of anything.

After the meal was finished, and the kitchen was cleaned up, Grant ask if we could have goulash again for dinner in the near future. I sat him down at the kitchen table and sat across from him with a grieves look on my face. Reaching across the table to take his hand I said to him, this is the last time you are ever going to have goulash.

Why's that, he asked surprised?

Because I have to make meatloaf first, I responded. With that I left the room. 

Let it be known I never made meatloaf for him again.  When I told my mother this story, she looked at Grant and said do you realize that's the best meatloaf recipe in the world?

He responded to her question with, I had no idea. I may never know. I just thought of my mothers own meatloaf and how horrible it was.

My mother laughed hysterically and said to him, Maybe you shouldn't criticize other people's cooking until you're the one providing the meals instead of my daughter.

Up until then Grant had never cooked me a meal after we were married. After this incident he would cook upon rare occasion. However, about 20 years ago he began cooking on a regular basis. Once he retired, he cooked every night, packed my lunches, breakfast on Saturdays and always pancakes on Sunday mornings. 

I never once criticized his cooking. He became a great cook.

Circa June 1984, Malibu, California 
The Meeting Of Two Minds

While driving north on Pacific Coast Highway, PCH as it's known in Southern California, my long time friend in tow in my 1973 VW Bug on a warm June, Friday evening - can you say major stop/go traffic - headed to my brother's house in Agoura (he had taken his family to Colorado to visit our parents and I was house/dog sitting), we came upon several huge military vehicles on the side of the road at PCH and Civic Center Way in Malibu. The light turned red ahead and the line of cars came to a rolling stop. We were some distance from the intersection and I mumbled to Lori that it would take us a couple of cycles to get through the light. 

It was a pleasantly warm evening. Okay, okay, it was unseasonably hot and muggy. Normal weather that time of year in Malibu was cool and foggy.  Our windows were rolled down so we could enjoy the ocean breeze and were listening to the radio. We sat at the light, in traffic, watching the military personnel standing around doing much of nothing. I wondered why they were there, what made them pull off to the side of the road, and why such heavy trucks were allowed to drive on that portion of PCH (it experienced major landslides; was it possible they could set one off, I thought to myself?  Was it possible there had been one and we hadn't heard it announced on the radio?

I'm going to make a right at the light and we'll take Malibu Canyon over to the 101, I muttered to Lori, thinking to myself it would be safer traveling the 101 in case there were a landslide. (Notice I said the 101?  Yes, I's a SoCal thing.)

It's a good thing I was in the curb lane. It would have been next to impossible to change lanes in that bumper to bumper, stop and go traffic!  

As we sat in traffic waiting for the light to turn green so we could inch forward toward the intersection, I noticed most of the men in uniform were watching, no, they were staring at us. I made eye contact with one of them. He had a mustache and looked to be in his thirties. He did not look away while he was talking to the guys around him. He broke eye contact just as the light turned green. We inched forward and were now four cars from the intersection when the light turned red. Darn it. There was no turn lane and we sat there like a lame duck. We were right across from the group of soldiers. 

I glanced toward the group still wondering why they were there and froze. There he was, blatantly staring at me (at least I thought he was), Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man. 

I leaned over Lori and yelled out the window, Need a tow?  

What the heck was I doing?  What possessed me to do that?!

Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man didn't miss a beat. His response was epic,  No, I want the whole damn foot!

Lori let out an expletive and under her breath said, Oh, noooooooo, what are you doing?

Lori, I said not breaking eye contact with Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man while silently pleading to God he would take it no further, and why couldn't you keep your big mouth shut, 
Roll up your window, I finished softly. Like that would prevent anything from happening. 

Lori turned to me with a wicked, yes I said WICKED, look in her eyes and said something to the effect of, No, you started it, you're going to finish it.  But not in those exact words. Okay, maybe she cussed me out. I can't remember. It was the early 80s and seriously, I can't  remember what her exact words were. But, I'll stick with her meaning, Suck it up buttercup.

Lori was chuckling now quite nervously as Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man reached the car and bent down to talk to her.

I looked away willing the light to change green. It did not obey my silent pleas. I do remember Lori's voice increasing in volume, as it  does when she's nervous, and in pitch a few notes, as it does when she's excited, while she said, Well, HI THERE.

I tried with all my might to ignore the exchange while pleading with the universe to swallow me whole, which it did not do. 

I couldn't think nor breathe. I was still looking out my closed window when I heard more voices joining the conversation. Oh great, I thought, they're all chatting us up; wonderful. 

I rotated my head to check the light, still red, then to glance at the exchange taking place with Lori through the window noticing Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man was no longer there. The relief was very short lived. There was a rap on my window that made me jump. 

Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man was leaning down motioning me to roll my window down. I hesitated. He motioned again. I rolled it down a few inches looking into his pale green eyes while trying to read him. Was he trustworthy?  Was he a nice man?  You know, all the things a gal thinks when making a fool out of herself and not considering the results ... Seriously, what possessed me to do it?

He smiled at me. The smile reached his eyes. He said softly with a deep baritone voice, very husky, roll your window down, I have a question to ask.

It's a good thing the sentence did not include the word sweetheart because I would have slammed him into next week. I hate it when men are so condescending. Excuse me, I digress. 

I continued to look into his eyes while trying to decide whether to roll my window down or not. The decision was - I rolled my window down three quarters of the way and said, yes? while still looking into his eyes. 

He produced a $20 bill in his right hand and stuck it through the window asking if I would go to the store for them and get a six pack of beer. 

What?! I asked surprised. Are you kidding me?  Do you have any idea where you are? You're on the Pacific Coast Highway at Civic Center Way right in front of the highway patrol, the sheriffs department, and the Civic Center of Malibu, California.  YOU ARE ALL IN UNIFORM and you want BEER?! Do you see the traffic? You have no idea what you're asking of me. You're out of your cotton pickin' mind.  I blurted and rambled until I was out of breath. 

My tirade ended when Lori reached over me and took the $20.00 from his hand and said, Well do it.  

I turned and glared at her. She'll do it and I'll drive, I said slowly wondering why I'd agreed. 

Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man smiled, said thanks, the light turned green as if on queue, and horns blared. I looked in my rear view mirror, checked that all was clear - Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man had vanished, and I pulled forward to the intersection, made a right, back tracking to the grocery store so Lori could buy the beer. 

I pulled into a parking space closest that I could get to the store, which was really difficult on a Friday evening in Malibu. Lori got out of the car and I told her I'd wait in the car, she could  get the beer. She asked, do you want anything?

Yes, please, a Pepsi ... and they're buying, I added. To myself I thought, and a do-over of the past hour or so would be nice.

Some time later Lori opened the car door, got in and handed me my Pepsi. 

It took us about an hour to make that trip, a trip that should've taken less than twenty minutes had it not been a beautiful Friday evening in June.  

We arrived back where it began, the corner of PCH and Civic Center Way. Lori got out of the car with bag in hand and handed the bag containing the coveted beer and the change to Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man. I stayed in the car, engine running.

It became apparent we weren't leaving when I looked to see where Lori was after some minutes; in conversation with some guys. 

I killed the engine and grabbed my Pepsi while opening the car door only to have it stop half way. Oh great, I smacked HIM
with the door - how embarrassing. Mr mustache-wearing soldier-man was standing there grinning at me. He opened the door for me slowly saying, Here, allow me. It's safer that way.  I DID NOT BLUSH, I swear. 

Sorry about that. You snuck up on me. That's twice you've done that, I said avoiding eye contact. 

What happens the third time, he asked with a smile in his voice?

Well, seeing as you're in uniform, looking into his beautiful eyes, I'd have to shoot you.  Where the heck did THAT come from?!  I was horrified. No, I was mortified. What was going on with me?!

If it comes to that, I hope you're a good shot, he said matter-of-factly. 

I heard the humor in his voice. Relief swept over me. 

Hey, I'd love to have a Pepsi, he exclaimed!

You should have asked for it instead of beer, I responded, wondering how I arrived at this juncture in my life. 

I don't drink beer, he stated. 

Looking down at the opened beer in his hand I asked, Well now, what's that?

The beer's for the guys...  And, don't start with the lecture...

They're off duty, I finished for him. We both laughed.

The Moving Violation Incident

In the mid-1990s I was taking Escrima classes (a form of self defense) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday mornings. Grant and I would meet for an early dinner or lunch before I went to class. 

I was following Grant down Broadway in my 1963 Studebaker Lark station wagon when he pulled into a left turn lane. I glided in behind him. He motioned to me that he was going to pull a u-turn and I should follow. He was watching me in his rear view mirror. I shook my head no pointing at the sign indicating no u-turns were allowed.

He again motioned me to follow him with his sergeant' hand motion. As he was all ready in one of his moods, I followed him after waiting for a break in traffic. After making the u-turn, I followed behind him into a restaurant parking lot and parked my car opposite him. 

A patrol car pulled in behind me, and stopped behind my car with his lights on. I exited my car after grabbing thebregistration and insurance card and purse (mind you, the registration and the insurance card were in my father's name as he had just given me the car). 

The officer approached me while asking if I knew why he pulled me over. I looked at him directly in the eye and stated, You did not pull me over. I was already parked when you turned into the parking lot. You didn't have your lights on until you had turned into the parking lot. So, technically speaking you did not pull me over.

M'am, you executed an illegal u-turn, he stated flatly. 

I handed him the registration and insurance card, proceeding to pull out my driver license. 

He scanned the papers I had handed to him asking who the registered owner was. I responded that it was my father, who had gifted me the car a few days previously. 

 At this point Grant had exited his auto and was standing at the rear of his truck watching the exchange between Mr Policeman and Mrs Wife. 

I glanced in Grant's direction and Mr Policeman followed my gaze, asking Is he waiting for you?

Yes, I responded, I was following him to have dinner at this restaurant.

Mr Policeman, still looking at Grant, motioned him over. When Grant was a few feet away, Mr Policeman informed Grant to go ahead into the restaurant, that his DAUGHTER would be in shortly after he had cited me for a moving violation. 

MSG Jennings turned squarely to face Mr Policeman with his full military baring and pointed at me with his hand outstretched, perpendicular to his body, fingers straight, and said, That, Sir, is NOT MY DAUGHTER - THAT, is my WIFE, and I'm not going anywhere.

Mr Policeman turned beet red and looked me in the eye. Yes, I said, incorrect assumption on your part, HE is my husband and I am NOT available.  I held out my hand, not breaking eye contact and Mr Policeman placed the registration and insurance card in my palm. I turned and walked toward the entrance to the restaurant not waiting for Grant nor permission from Mr Policeman. And, I didn't look back. 

By the time Grant entered the restaurant, I had already been seated and had decided on my meal, including dessert. 

After Grant was seated, had decided what appealed on the menu to him, we had placed our orders with the waitress, I smiled sweetly at him for a few seconds. He smiled back at me with a questioning look in his eyes. 

I said quietly and as flatly as I could, The next time I find myself in a traffic situation like that, I'll not be following your lead, drawing out and emphasizing the word, D A D.  At which, he turned red faced and started vehemently questioning why anyone would mistake HIM for MY father. (Yes, folks, it's happened before, AND I might add, since.)

I'll wrap this up by saying that our dinner conversation that evening seemed to revolve around Mr Policeman, or as I fondly refer to him, Officer Turd-Flinger and MSG Jennings' interaction with the poor schmuck. I'm certain 1) the man's ears were ringing all through dinner, and 2) he still gets embarrassed whenever the encounter crosses his mind.

Dad, James wore the ghillie suit you gave him to camp on Angel Island last week.  I heard him telling a fellow camper how you traded a knife with another soldier for it.  You are not forgotten...not by a long shot.

Thinking about you today, I was reviewing Club Pictures and kept seeing your smiling Mug.  I miss you Grant

I'm so saddened to hear of Grant's passing.  He was a great 1SG at 257.   I learned much from him.  Yvonne, I was doubly blessed to have worked with you too. 

 I'm so sorry for this tremendous loss.  He was a force of nature, who loved his country, his soldiers and most importantly, you.  At NTC, you Yvonne, are all he talked about.   He was utterly devoted.  

Now, he is free from pain, reunited with Cameron Sarno (257), regaling the heavens with tales of love and battle.
Blessings upon you, Yvonne.   
Kel

Bræur mínir sem falli eru, vinsamlegast bjargau mér sta á mjbekknum ar til vi hittumst í Valhalla....

Grant and Yvonne Jennings, SF, CA, June 2004

Voltaire once said... Judge a Man by his questions, rather his answers. Grant Jennings always had some Great questions!!! Love and miss you daily Grant Jennings!!!

A white candle currently burns for you this day. A pink candle will be lit for you at midnight.

Cousin Megan Christopher's joyous wedding to Andrew Clapp

120 days, or 17 weeks, or 3 months, 29 days,  23 hours, 14 minutes, 53 seconds. No matter how you look at it you are still missing. And you will always be missed. Forever and a day.

Again, I reiterate, Vincent Van Gogh's saying... Many a Man has a bonfire in his heart and nobody comes to warm himself by it! The passers by, notice only a little smoke and carry on their way!Grant had a huge bonfire that I stop and warm my hands by regularly. Truly one of the Great ones, oozing Humility! Love you and Miss you Brother!

I believe this to have been Grant's mantra. Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live. Franklin D. Roosevelt

I believe this was Grant's mantra.   Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unse

We miss you Grant & cherish the wonderful times we shared. Think of you constantly.♥ Your brothers & sisters (Claire, Todd, Julie & Galen)

I lit a real candle for you last night, Grant. It is a beautiful white candle to mark the goodness of your soul and in remembrance of you. I miss you fiercely.

A man, NCO and a good friend you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend

An all-around good man, husband and Soldier who put others ahead of himself.

Such fond and funny memories Bill and I have of the 4 of us together! The Family Academies, the 'Council, that yearly planner with 'that picture' inside. From FRG to the Academies to the deployments, a  genuine friendship developed was nurtured and has endured. We love you dearly Yvonne, and know what he said is so true, he will never truly leave you. Miss you Grant. Bill and Carol

Missing you this Christmas my love. 

The Eve of Christmas 2018

I am at a loss of what to say
My days are dreary and quite gray
My love is absent every day
I am saddened and have lost my way

I am at a loss of what to say
My heart is heavy every day
The eve of Christmas, no joy nor warmth
I wish for peace, strength and hope

I am at a loss of what to say
The star on my tree has gone away
He was here just the other day
He is missed by many and yes, I pray
~Yvonne Jennings

I miss you Grant Jennings. I'm indebted to you for being able to kindle what was inside of me and passing on your flame to so many other souls. You are my happinest memories. 

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha

Grant was and still is a big brother to me. I admired him and looked up to him and have so many memories related to Grant and you too Yvonne. It is strange that sometimes, I don't realize he has passed on and catch myself going to call him or send him a message. I will send you the story of the day I first met Grant and how we almost went fist to cuffs with each other. Love you Yvonne, give Ringo and his little feline friend a pet for me.

To a wonderful, great person. We all miss you, especially @ this time of year. RIP

I know you are in a better place, but you have many people here on earth that miss you!

So much love for my precious uncle - I miss him dearly. And all of our love and prayers and thoughts to the family in their timing loss.

OBITUARY

Grant Hunter Jennings

27 October, 1950 – 13 November, 2018

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