Page 107 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2024 - Online Magazine

HONORING VETERANS

time, I would go shopping." She chuckles, highlighting fashion with the utmost honor and respect. Seeing
the mundane yet cherished moments that defined their this solidified for us the decision that Santos Moreno,
weekends together amidst military duties. owner of Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers,
made months ago to move General Major William
Through it all, Ann emphasizes the resilience and Edgar Murphy’s body to the West Texas Veterans
camaraderie among military families. "We leaned on Cemetery upon its completion. This resolve serves as
each other for support," she says, acknowledging the an act of continued family support, a way to honor the
bonds forged through shared experiences of sacrifice veteran families by bringing their fallen closer to home
and service. "There's a deep understanding among and continue the mission upon which Lake Ridge
military spouses—we celebrate each other's victories Chapel and Memorial Designers was built.
and lift each other up during the tough times."
With warm
She spoke fondly of one couple in particular whom embraces, we
she and Edgar befriended, having shared this military thanked her for
lifestyle, Edgar’s Commander, Major Sergeant Mike her time, and
Graham and his beautiful wife, Ellen, from Sherman, she left us with
Texas. Edgar and Ann were gifted a stately statue of these parting
a soldier by another friend, that they fondly named words of
“Mike” as he resembled their dear friend. Sadly, Mike encouragement
passed in 2017, three years prior to Edgar’s passing for our military
in 2021. Despite the distance between them, Ann and families:
Ellen have remained the best of friends throughout all “Just keep on
these years. keeping on.”

For Ann, speaking about the sacrifices of military
families isn't just about recounting personal
experiences; it's about raising awareness of the
challenges faced by those who serve on the home
front. "It's important for people to understand
that military spouses and families make sacrifices
that often go unseen," she asserts. "Behind every
successful military career, there's a family who
shoulders the burden and makes it possible."
When asked for some “words of wisdom” for
younger spouses of military men and women, she wisdom inspired senior education
gazed, lost in thoughts of the past, and quietly said,
“You need to remember to be blessed that you have A place for
each other.” seniors to
Ann Murphy embodies the quiet strength and belong!
resilience of military spouses everywhere. We were
honored to be so graciously welcomed into her Join Lake Ridge’s W.I.S.E.
home, yet with a soft, but stern tone, she insisted that (Wisdom Inspired Senior
we vow that this article would not be about her, but Education) group for
more of a glimpse inside “the military family and the dinners, events, and
burdens they share,” as this is something that Edgar workshops on the 1 and 3 ©2021 MKJ Marketing
st
rd
would have wanted for his brothers and sisters Tuesday of every month.
in arms and the families that stand behind them.
Ann’s story serves as a testament to the courage and Topics include:
sacrifices woven into the fabric of military life—a life • Health & Wellness
marked by duty, honor, and the enduring bonds of • Safety & Prevention
love of the “Unsung Heroes.” • Changes As We Age PRESENTED
BY
ha l & emo ia esigne
As we left her home that day, we could not help Join us as we LAKE RIDGE
admiring the space where she honors Edgar at the continue to WISE up!
start of each day, a beautifully fashioned office where Event coordinator: (806) 698-8085
all his accomplishments are displayed in orderly Laura Landes memorialdesigners.net/wise

Lubbock Senior Link 107