The 4th of July, Sunday this year, and we were in Howell staying at his parents. Being a Farmers Market junkie, I was up early and ready to check it out! Since it was Sunday, Joe got to go too. It was a family outing, Big Stig, Joe and I all set off to Downtown Howell.

I got to walk hands free! Being thankful for the break, having Joe walk Stig was good for the both of them. That also meant I got to wander and look through the vendor booths…… green beans, fresh cherries, breads, herbs, I was in heaven! We made it to the end of the street and the heat and sun was starting to get to be to much. Looking for a shaded area, my eyes rested on an unexpected spot………my heart stopped.

Flags hung all around the War Monument, a wreath placed on the ground, resting next to the name “Benjamin P Castiglione”. I didn’t even realize the irony of the 4th, Stiggy wearing his Stiggy’s Dogs Therapy vest, us being here in Howell and unintentionally we stand at this spot, staring at our nephews name.

“Joe” I said, “take Stig over there and have him sit by it” I point to the wall. (Being the obeying husband that he is, Joe proceeded). Big Stig sat directly next to Ben’s name, almost knowingly, he sat silent and tall, posing for me.

A Lady walked by, looks at Stig and comments “What a Patriotic Dog!”

“Yes, he is” I responded. “You have no idea……..” hung in the air, as out of no where, the tears pour out….

Sometimes, it catch’s you off guard…