Memorial Day

Did you know that Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day" . . There is evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. Today it is tradition for VFW (Veterans Of Foreign War) decorate the graves of fellow service man and women.

In 2000 to help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed which asks at 3:00 pm local time we as Americans pause to give a moment of silence.

Moina Michael in 1915 wrote in her poem "In Flanders Fields"

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields were valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Now that my son, Kevin is a Veteran, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day have given new meaning to me. I give thanks each day that I do not have to visit my sons grave like so many parents have to . . . I am blessed each day that God granted my prayers and returned him to his family safe.

Please find time to give thanks for the Service Men & Women that gave service to our great Country so we can enjoy this blessed weekend with our family and friends!

Tennessee

I took a trip last week to Tennessee to see my wonderful friend and her husband. They are the nicest people in the world . . no really in the whole world. If you met them you would think the same thing. We have been friends, as she pointed out on this trip, for 35 years. To some that is a life time but to me it seems like just yesterday that we met. My friend is a older than I am by about 17 years, back when I was 19 I thought she was to coolest women I had ever met, married with a good hard working man, nice girls a nice house and worked part-time . . just like I had always thought my life would be like . . . OK well that didn't happen . . but I did get the two nice kids! She was a good daughter when her parents were alive and is a good sister to her siblings, a great mom and a wonderful grandmother and a loving wife. She is wise beyond her years and is not only beautiful on the outside but is beautiful on the inside. She worships God and doesn't judge man by the color of his skin and that is one of her most endearing qualities to me.

Well I guess my point is . . . or what I am trying to say is . . . wonderful friends in your life are such treasures . . she gives me wisdom, unconditional love, laughter and just knowing her is a privilege . . and that is what friendship for me is all about. We have laughed together until our belly's hurt . . and cried together.

I am a better person because of her, she opens my eyes to what life holds for me as I grow older and the grace she carries herself with is amazing. I admire her in every way . . . I hope that you have someone in your life that changes you for the better if so make it a point to spend some time with them it is good for your soul.