Every time Kurt looked at his grandmother his heart stuttered a bit. His mother had been the spitting image of her mother and he always realized how much he missed her when he was around his grandmother. He just had to drop his bags and wrap his arms around her and just absorb her warmth and love.

“I missed you grandma,” he sighed holding back his tears. He could feel all the stress of McKinley leaving his body as he squeezed her a little bit harder.

“Honey, let the boy be,” laughed his grandfather. Retired General Jonathan Allen still carried himself as if he was still on active duty. Once his grandfather had retired from the Air Force, they had relocated to Palm Desert, California to soak up the sun and enjoy their retirement. They loved living in the Coachella Valley and Kurt enjoyed visiting them although with his fair complexion he had to really be careful every time he was out in the desert sun.

Once the bags were in the car his grandfather asked if he was hungry. His stomach growled reminding him that he had been too excited to eat breakfast that morning and the small bags of trail mix he had eaten on the plane had not been enough to satisfy his hunger.

The trio decided to stop at Olive Garden for a late lunch and Kurt managed to catch them up on life in Lima. He did mention that the Glee Club had won Sectionals and Regionals and were set to compete at the 2012 Nationals which were being held that year in Los Angeles. His grandparents assured him that they would be attending to watch him perform.

“Is there anybody special in your life?” asked Marissa.

Kurt had come out to his grandparents in his sophomore year. They weren’t a bit surprised at his news and were very supportive. Kurt had dreaded telling his grandfather because he figured that this tough, gruff soldier would not be able to stomach having a gay grandson. His grandfather had just held him and told him that he loved him no matter what or who he was. Kurt had bawled like a baby in his arms. He knew he was lucky that his family supported him and just hoped that the world at McKinley was a bit more accepting.

“Just you grandma,” he replied with a grin.

“I’m sure there is someone special for you just around the corner. One day your Prince Charming will sweep you off your feet,” she laughed. “Of course, he will have to be taller than you if he wants to carry you around as you seem to be growing like a weed!”

After lunch they went home and Kurt managed to get unpacked and showered before his Uncle George and his family came over to see him. Uncle George, his mother’s older brother, was a General in the US Marine Corps. He was the Base Commander at the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base which was located about an hour and a half away from Palm Desert where his grandparents lived.

His uncle squeezed him hard as he swung him around and his Aunt Virginia planted a kiss on his cheek. His twin cousins, Steven and Sariah, were a year younger than Kurt and just as excited to see him. He loved spending time with his cousins and had been ecstatic when his uncle had been transferred so close to his grandparents.

“Kurt, we have a surprise for you,” said his grandmother. Marissa was shaking with excitement. “George, honey, tell Kurt what the surprise is,” she said.

“Have you ever heard of the Coachella Valley Music Festival Kurt?” asked his uncle.

“Ummm yeah, who hasn’t,” answered Kurt. “Lady Gaga is headlining the fest this year. I tried to get tickets since I knew the fest was going to fall during Spring Break but the tickets sold out within the hour for both weekends. W-why do you ask?”

“I might happen to have an extra ticket lying around,” grinned his uncle. “Know anyone interested in attending?”

“Oh. My. God!!!!” squealed Kurt. “Are you FREAKIN’ kidding me?” He threw himself at his uncle and actually twirled him around in his excitement!

“Is that a yes then?” squeaked his uncle since Kurt still had him in tight hug.

“Yes, Yes, YES!” he shouted as he started twirling his grandmother around the living room.

“Who else gets to go?”

“Well everyone who wants to go gets to go,” said his uncle.

“How did you get tickets and more importantly why did you get tickets?” asked Kurt. “I didn’t even know you were into this type of music.”

His uncle demeanor changed and his whole body seemed to sag a bit as if a heavy weight was sitting on his shoulders. “Let’s sit so I can explain why I was able to get tickets.”

“As you well know, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed last July by President Obama and gays in the military are now able to openly serve their country.” Kurt nodded. After his mother’s death he had dreamed of joining the military and fighting al-Qaeda and those responsible for his mother’s death.

Once he had accepted that he was gay and learned about the military’s policy against homosexuals serving in the military he had stopped dreaming that specific dream. While he had heard about the change in policy he hadn’t really thought much about it in regards to himself.

“One of the main proponents of getting this policy changed was Sgt. Major David Alvarez. He rallied the troops and took quite a hit professionally once it became known that he was gay. He never gave up the fight and as soon as the policy was repealed he married his longtime partner in Vermont. While he was actively speaking out against the policy he met Lady Gaga. She is a big supporter of the LGBT community and they became friends. Sgt. Major Alvarez was transferred to 29 Palms last year and his platoon of Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) was deployed to Iraq. Last month his platoon was out on maneuvers when his LAV was blown up by an IED and we lost 10 men in the explosion. Sgt. Major Alvarez was one of them.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that Uncle George,” replied Kurt.

“We have lost many good men in this war Kurt and Lady Gaga has expressed a desire to honor her friend and the men and women that have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that many Americans take for granted.”

“How is she paying homage to these soldiers?”

“She has asked the promoters of the Coachella Fest to have an opening ceremony before any of the bands perform so that this ceremony will be center stage. She also asked the Marine Corps Band to play the National Anthem and Corporal Hinson, a gifted soprano, will be singing the National Anthem. The Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to fly the missing man formation over the Empire Polo Grounds after the National Anthem. Once the F-16’s have flown overhead an Army bugler will play TAPS. Lady Gaga will perform after these military performances are finished. As Base Commander I will be speaking a few words at the start of the ceremony.”

“It sounds wonderful Uncle George. I just wish we were there for happier reasons but I am glad to hear that Lady Gaga has taken the time to honor these men and women.”

“Okay everyone, let’s dry our tears and let’s figure out what we are having for dinner. I am sure you kids are hungry,” exclaimed Marissa. “George, you and your father go get the grill going while Virginia and I figure out what we have in the fridge to throw on there. Kurt you and Steven go set up the lawn chairs and clean the picnic table while Sariah helps us in the kitchen.”

Dinner started out a little subdued as everyone thought about the lives that had been lost but eventually the joy of being together as a family coaxed smiles out of everyone. Kurt was exhausted by the time his uncle and his family left. The time difference was kicking in and he was ready for bed.

As tired as he was he had a hard time settling down for bed. Just the thought of getting to see his favorite performer sing was enough to have him tossing and turning in bed all night!