(h/t Michelle Hart)…The night before the burial of her husband 2nd Lt. James Cathey of the United States Marine Corps, killed in Iraq, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time.  The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of “Cat”, and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept.  “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it”, she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.” (From a public Facebook page)

For the rest of the her story in photographs, please follow below the fold.   They are a visual remembrance of the true cost of freedom.   Might not be a bad idea to keep a Kleenex or two handy as well….keyboard can get real dusty.   (more…)

You may not be a native Texan, but after watching this beautiful photo-essay by west Texas’ official state photographer Wyman Meinzer, you’ll wish you were.  I suggest you turn up the volume, click on the “full screen” icon on the lower right, and keep a box of Kleenex handy.  If ya’ll aren’t dancin’ in your seats…..well, ya’ll haven’t got a pulse!
This is dedicated to all my Texas buddies….you know who you are.