Jane and Maura had made plans for Memorial Day Weekend. Jane was going to come over and spend the weekend at Maura's. Frankie was watching Jo Friday for the weekend. Jo Friday was what Frankie called 'a chick magnet.' Women seemed to be interested in Jo Friday so Frankie loved to 'borrow' Jo Friday to meet women. Jane just laughed at her brother's antics, using the little dog to help him pick up women.
Maura was surprised when Jane showed up Friday night without Jo. "Where's Jo?" Maura asked as she gave Jane a hug, welcoming her into her house. "Frankie borrowed her again. Seems like Jo is really a hit with the ladies." Maura just laughed and they walked over to the couch to sit down. "Is the game on tonight or is it blacked out?" Jane asked as Maura reached for the remote. "Not sure, I guess we can turn on the TV and find out. I got us tickets to tomorrow's game. I hope that is okay with you." Jane just smiled at Maura and said, "anytime you want to go to a game is fine with me, I love watching them in person."
"Well, I figured we would not be able to make it to tonight's game and Sunday we have the family BBQ at 2 PM, so that game was out but that left Saturday available." Maura said as Jane looked at the on-screen guide to find the game. "Maur, what do you want to do for dinner tonight?" Jane asked Maura as Maura got up to get drinks for them. "I am fine with pizza if you want to get our usual order." "That works, I'll call it in." "Okay, I will be right there with our drinks and some snacks."
"Maur, I have something I need to do Monday morning. I was wondering if you would like to come with me?" "Where?" Maura asked. "To Boston Commons to look at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to our country." "Oh, that would be nice, and a very appropriate day to visit." Maura said as
she walked back into the living room and handed Jane her beer. "To pay tribute to them, I wear my uniform. I know I am not a military member but I feel very strongly that wearing my police uniform assists me to pay respect to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country." Maura embraced Jane and said, "I think that is an awesome show of respect, Jane. Did you know that the monument honors Bay State veterans who died serving their country, dating back to the Revolutionary War?" Jane replied, "No I did not know that the monument honors veterans that far back."
"This is something I do every year without fail. I normally go by myself, but this year I would be honored if you would accompany me." "Jane, I would be honored to accompany you. I love seeing you in your uniform." Maura smiled at Jane who smiled back at her. Maura thought the majority of the time that she has seen Jane wear her uniform has been to attend a funeral of a fellow officer. She helped Jane get into her uniform when she received an award after the shooting at headquarters. That was a very traumatic event for Maura as it brought up all the memories of almost losing Jane and Frankie that day.
"So many people look at Memorial Day Weekend as just a long weekend. I think they forget why it is a Federal holiday. They forget that it is a day to honor those that have died while serving in the military. So many lives have been lost over the years in all the conflicts and wars. I am sure you can quote statistics better than me but one thing I know is that it is too many lives. They should be honored everyday not just one day a year. I think that is why it bugs me when people don't pay respect as they should. I know I am preaching to the choir, but I just needed to get that rant off of my chest. Sunday we will celebrate the coming of summer with a family BBQ and Monday we will honor our fallen military." Jane paused and a few minutes later said, "that is why I swore to be more careful Maur, because I want to be around for many more years. I have so much more I want to do with my life. I am almost 40 and I feel as though I really am just beginning my life. I plan on living for a long, long time."
"Jane, I plan on having you around for a long, long time so I am glad you on planning on living that long. Now what would you like me to wear on Memorial Day?" "Maur, anything you wear will be nice. I am just thankful that you will be with me. Since you have been in my life, I find that I want to share more and more of my life with you. I have never asked anyone to join me before this is all new to me but I feel better when you are by my side." Maura walked over and embrace Jane in a hug.
Monday morning Jane woke up and took her shower in the guest room and got dressed in her uniform. She came downstairs and found that Maura was fully dressed and ready to go. She had made the coffee and was waiting for Jane. Maura looked beautiful in a royal blue knee length dress with matching 4-inch heels. Jane was in awe as she glanced at Maura. "Maur, you look so beautiful in that dark blue dress." "Thank you, Jane. I figured royal blue would be a good color to wear today as it represents patriotism." "Let me finish my coffee and we will go." Jane said and she started drinking her coffee. Maura knew that Jane needed her coffee to function properly.
Five minutes later they walked out of the house and Maura let Jane drive the Prius. When they pulled up to the monument Jane opened the door for Maura and offered her hand to assist Maura in getting out of the car. Jane offered her arm to Maura and they walked arm-in-arm over to the monument. They stood there still arm-in-arm and viewed all the flags on display and observed a few moments of silence to honor all the fallen military members. They both had a few tears running down their face. It was a very touching moment that they were sharing.