It is Memorial Day weekend and many think of long weekends without work, celebrating with family/friends over a BBQ or waiting for a good sale. I have done some research and it's amazing some of the essays I have read about the true meaning of Memorial Day. An excerpt a speech by President Reagan is below:
President Ronald Reagan is credited with reviving the practice of honoring Memorial Day and its meaning. One of his famous speeches was given at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day in 1986.
“Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember. ..."
Of course, my flag is flying (I will follow flag protocol for tomorrow) and I have several smaller flags around the yard. I see lots of red/white/blue throughout the neighborhood as I wander. I am saddened this year as I think about my dad and all he stood for as a man and veteran (my family decorated his grave and I was so proud to see a flag provided by the boy scouts). I wanted to give back to the neighbors and veterans by hosting a birthday BBQ for myself. I booked the facilities here in the neighborhood, as I don't have a yard big enough or a grill, but the management office canceled my reservation after they found out who I was inviting. They would not allow me to host it as they considered it an "event" and not a "private family function." I did not realize that management could dictate who I could invite or that family had to fit into a criteria. I have so many bad words in my head that want to come out. I have to say my elderly neighbor (also a veteran) was so upset that I had to worry about him having another heart attack. I am so disappointed by all of this...believe me I know in the overall scheme of life this is only a blip, but it really hurts my heart.
My morning coffee routine has been interrupted a bit lately by Lady. It seems as soon as I take that first sip, she is up and ready to go out. I think she is becoming like me, in that I see daylight and I'm awake. Of course, after our walk and Lady has a little breakfast, she heads back to bed. At least she lets me have a shower and get dressed before appearing. By the time we return from our walk, the coffee is cooled and I drink it right down. For some reason until this moment, I never thought about putting the coffee in a travel mug (I have a few), perhaps the coffee is kicking in...LOL!
I feel lately like I'm living my life in limbo. I am not making a judgment or asking for sympathy, just stating how I feel. I have a few hours a week that I can run errands and such, but even when I've tried to take charge and plan something, it gets tossed aside. I know there is a reason for all that happens and perhaps one day I'll understand it or figure it out. I am definitely living more in the moment than I ever have and I am in the right place so perhaps that's the lesson for me. My emotions are definitely all over the place so I have to be careful and not let them run wild. As I just wrote that sentence and re-read it, I thought hmmm what would happen if I let that happen? Don't think it would be pretty, but it must might be freeing.
I can't believe that this week my niece heads to her senior prom. Amazing how the years have flown. My youngest nephew is going to the same prom as his date is a senior. I can't wait to see pictures of them dressed up all formal as well as their friends, many of whom I know.
I finished reading one of the many murder/mayhem books I have in my pile. I am just about finished with: "BEAUTY IN THE BROKEN PLACES" by Allison Pataki. It's a memoir of love, faith and resilience about a young couple and how life changes in the blink of an eye.
I am going to leave it here for today. Thank you to all those that sent birthday wishes - how fantastic to be remembered by friends across the world. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
The Reason to Remember
Thinking of all that Memorial Day brings, our flag, our country, who we are, "let freedom ring".
Many veterans are remembered, this day, they march through our memory, passing this way.
Those that lived, those that died, served this country with passion and pride.
They are memorialized, each and every one, rising to the occasion, to do what was asked, it was done.
Sometimes we forget what this holiday is about. It is about remembering and honoring, there is no doubt.
It is so much more than, the start of the summer season.
To celebrate our freedom, our country, the real reason.
We must never forget what happened to bring us to this day.
And all that it stands for, so we can remember, so we can pray. Copyright © Sandra Weiss | Year Posted 2018