Winter, Death and 'Paralyzing' Seas of Swirling Snow

So what was this latest storm called? Orca? Flipper?

I Guess winter is really here. What is this three weeks in a row where we have had hurricane force winds? I saw snow blowing across the roads Suday that were 100% whiteout conditions. In other words, I had no idea who was in front of me, or behind me for that matter. It was intense. Paralyzing. To be lost in a sea of white swirling snow.

Yet it was eerily beautiful as well.

Not sure what it is about winter and death, but it sure seems like I have lost a lot of friends and relatives in the winter months. A few weeks ago, my last surviving uncle passed away. He was a Marine in WWII and he fought on Peleiu in the South Pacific. His name was Artie McCullough and he was a great guy [Photo 2].

I'm fortunate enough to have been able to speak with him about his time in the Marines during WWII. The battle of Peleiu was one of those major battles that the Marines fought in where death was around every corner. The Japanese were all dug in fortified defensive bunkers. They were deep in the coral reefs and would snipe at the Marines from their hidden positions.

Thousands of Americans died there. Peleiu.

If you happened to catch that HBO series called the PACIFIC a few years ago they covered the battle of Peleiu pretty extensively. I called my uncle to speak with him about the series. He was already showing signs of old age as he could no longer recall exact dates and names of buddies. But he clearly remembered the name PELEIU.

"It was awful Ralphie (all my uncles, aunts, and cousins called me Ralphie). They (Japanese) were hiding in the caves and
would shoot at us. Then they would not come out if we had them surrounded. They would rather commit hari kari then surrender. Just terrible. "

I just listened. And shook my head.

[Photo 3] The WWII veterans endured so much horror.

My uncle Artie and my dad were great friends. They married the Sarno sisters and boy did we have some times growing up. I'm glad they spent many years together. I now have two aunts left. All my uncles are gone. All of them veterans. Now all gone from this earth.

Speaking of WWII vets I ran into my friend and fellow surfer and he sent me an email last week about his childhood friend John Carey who recently passed away. John Carey was also a Marine who served during WWII. So for John and my uncle Artie and all the WWII veterans who have passed this winter. Rest in peace.

Your time in hell is behind you all now.