George V, War and Gratitude

Well I've had an enlightening afternoon. My great aunt (my mum's aunt, the sister of her dad my grandfather) came round for Sunday dinner and showed us a letter sent to my great grandfather. I don't know much about my family's history but I got to read this, dated 1918:

It reads:

"1918

The Queen joins me in welcoming you on your release from the miseries and hardships which you have endured with so much patience and courage.

During these many months of trial, the early rescue of our gallant officers and men from the cruelties of their captivity has been uppermost in our thoughts.

We are thankful that this longed for day has arrived, and that back in the old country you will be you will be able once more to enjoy the happiness of a home and to see good days among those who anxiously look for your return.

George R L"

My great grandfather was a POW in France during the first world war for two years. I'm lucky he wasn't killed, and I wouldn't even be here. It blew my mind, in this day and age of having images of war on the news all the time and all these young army people and also the civilians being caught in the crossfire it makes me think of the families that will 'never be', their destinies cut short. I'm here, and I'm going to make sure the world knows it. No guilt, So grateful.

This blew my mind, Handwritten (it's a little out of focus but you can read it) :

George R L, George the V king of England at the time. Wow.

Bye Michael

It's funny how someone's death makes you look back at their best points as opposed to their worst ones. Even though Michael has been a casualty of the media and generally weird throughout the 90s and this decade, the news has made me look back and think about the heyday of the mid-late 80s when MJ was THE shit. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing his face or hearing his tunes, and I loved his music even though I hated most pop as a 6 year old.

I think the first time I ever felt embarrassed was when I was practicing dancemoves watching the smooth criminal video and turned around to see my parents laughing at me. This sucks. RIP Michael.