Putting a Face on History

This is ‘Poppa’, our family’s much beloved patriarch.

His name is Melvin Alexander Boles and last May he celebrated his 91^st birthday.

He was only one when the 1^st World War ended. In his early twenties when the world plunged into war again in September of ‘39.

And like so many others of his time, he answered a deeply felt call to serve, leaving home and family to become a Radio Officer, first in the Merchant Marine, where he survived U-boat attacks on his convoy in the North Atlantic, and then in the Air Force Transport Command, flying through German held territory to deliver bombers to the allies on the front in North Africa.

And as he served he saw and experienced things most of us can’t imagine, living through a period many thought might be the end of times…

When the war was finally over he returned forever changed to a home not quite the same either, and without a word of complaint, ill-will or grudge he set about building a life with his Bahamian bride (Amy) and their first-born (Randy).

To support his family, Poppa needed to retrain: there just wasn’t much call for radio officers in peace time.

So without much fuss that’s exactly what he did, and then went about the business of training as a baker. Together with Amy, his wife of over 60 years, he raised what became a family of three sons, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren (with two more due to arrive soon).

But you know, the truth is our Poppa’s always been a man who just gets on with getting on, making the most and best of whatever’s in front of him with good humor, grace, optimism and fortitude.

Steadily. Quietly. Without a lot of fanfare or hoopla.

You might say his model for living is ‘The Good Samaritan’.

When illness struck this past August it looked like we might lose him. So much so, in fact, the doctors suggested it was probably time to put things in order.

But Poppa did what he’s always done: reach inside himself for whatever it is of his spirit that decides to makes the most of a difficult situation, because he rallied and focused on the positive, while all around him men less than half his age with far more gas in their tanks and strength in their bodies succumbed to dark and hopeless thoughts and the road those thoughts pave.

Melvin Alexander Boles - our much loved Poppa - and many just like him, were the backbone of our nation, our stalwart guardians, and the builders of the foundation on which our todays rest.

And when this day of thoughtful remembrance comes and its time to pay homage to those who’ve served and sacrificed so much for our sake, we think of him.

It makes what was given – and is still being given today - up close and very personal. And the gratitude we feel much more real.

Do you have a Veteran story of calling and caring to share? Cause we’d love to hear them…