I just returned home from a moving experience that you may or may not know about: Aggie Muster.
If you haven't heard about it, it is when Texas Aggies gather together to remember fellow Aggies that have passed on through this life. We gather, eat a bit, tell stories and remember our days at our beloved Aggieland. Then we hold a 'Roll-call' of the Aggies that have passed away since the last Muster, and those that are there answer, "here" for those that can not answer.
Again, it's a very emotional and moving experience--going from the highs of singing The Aggie War Hymn in very loud, happy voices, to the quiet, solemn playing of Silver Taps (our version of Taps) in honor of the departed. Some tears were shed by me, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I was thinking of the Blessing of Life. I was thinking about my Family, my Friends, My Country (and its Freedom) and My God.
There are things that are much, much bigger than each of us. Aggie Muster reminds me of this--and I hope that hearing about this tradition will serve to remind you, as well.
Our Muster Speaker this year (right here in Fort Hood!) was Texas Governor Rick Perry. He is a Class of '72 Aggie himself. He challenged those in attendence to do three things during their life: Love Your Family, Honor Your Word (Integrity Matters, Folks!), and To Serve Something Greater than Yourself. I took those words to heart, and it struck me that we don't hear as much of that kind of talk as we used to hear. Maybe I'm getting old (I WAS the oldest Ag at my table of Eight!), but I think it's something that is sorely missing from our Society today. If you're reading this, I pass on his challenge to you as well.