Memorial Day

Memorial Day 

is a time to 

remember, honor and reflect. 

  

In the past I have been confused about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day or if Memorial Day is for all those who have died or just the armed forces serving our country.

• Memorial Day is a day of remembering men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Services.   
• Veterans Day celebrates the service of all United States military veterans.  

Now you know the difference.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday.  It is the final Monday in May, thanks to Congress, which passed the Uniform Monday act in 1968 to align certain holidays on Mondays for three day weekends.  Leave it to Congress to make it convenient.  This holiday was originally know as Decoration Day.  It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate  the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

People visit cemeteries  or attend a patriotic parade to honor those who have died.  
Volunteers in national cemeteries  place American flags on each grave.  
Homes are flying the flag to show respect for this day of remembrance.  

One day a year 

we are asked to stop and reflect

on those who died in service to our nation.

While always appropriate to honor our other loved ones, and remember them, it is not the point of Memorial Day.  Memorial Day is not supposed to include everyone who died-only those performing their duty in the time of war.

This three day weekend typically marks the start of summer vacation season.  It is filled with barbecues, parties, and family get togethers.  I hope we take the time to think of the patriots and their families and send them heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their sacrifice.  There are too many that have fought and died for our country.

This saying is so true-Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Take time to think of the brave soldiers.
Honor and reflect about the importance of patriotism.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

-Mark Twain

It is not National Mattress Day Sale. 

Or Day of the BBQ.  

Or Yippee, I Get a Day off Work.  

It is MEMORIAL Day....

Let's treat it with the respect these beloved soldiers deserve. 

LOL

I am sitting on the fence...........

about what to post........

And I haven't seen the light......

so.....

Have a great week.

Be happy!

Mother's Day at the Beach

To celebrate Mother's Day, my daughters and I spent a weekend at the beach.
I am a very lucky mom.  

The beach teaches many lessons.  

When we arrived we went walking by the water looking for sea glass.  Hunting for sea glass is a family tradition.  As we walked, we laughed and talked about how each piece was different.  Some pieces were "done" and others we threw back.  One piece we kept was not done but it was a bright blue color that I love.  When I look at it I will think of that moment and remember their excitement as they ran to share it with me.  We knew we should throw it back, to turn into "real" sea glass but I didn't.  I explained that not every piece has to be perfect to be beautiful.

Lesson #1-Life or people don't have to be perfect to be treasured.

We continued our walk and I almost stepped on a snake. (Yes, at the beach!)  I backed off quickly and it was very scary. (Mini lesson-always take a phone for an emergency).  We kind of lost our enthusiasm to keep walking and turned around.

Lesson #2-Sometimes things appear in our lives, and we have to go another way.

On our way back the wind was whipping sand into our faces and stinging our legs.  It was cold and we had walked too far.  We tried sitting down to rest and it was worse.  The three of us made a little hug huddle and it was better.  Then we kept going.

Lesson #3-A hug always helps.

The next day was too windy to go walking on the beach, we had learned our lesson very well.  Still we had a delightful day.  We ate yummy food, which included too many treats, took naps, read books, laughed, reminisced about past trips and listened to music.  And killed a moth. (Another blog entirely!)  The girls went to bed kind of early because it was not very good internet reception.  I stayed up to read and went to bed way too late.  

Lesson #4-Without internet, you can hear what is going on in the moment.

Lesson #5-Too many treats remind you why healthy eating makes you feel better.

Lesson #6-Staying up too late makes you feel like you have a hangover. 

On Sunday morning we returned to the beach.  The sky was blue, the waves feisty.  AND the snake was there, on a different part of the beach.  We kept going and it was gone on our return.  When we came back we sat on the beach and watched the waves.  I was so very grateful for those moments for us to be together.  

Lesson #7-Obstacles are everywhere, keep going.

Lesson #8-Savor and be thankful.

At the condo we packed and started for home.  There was a terrible accident about a mile in front of us.  We were stopped on Highway 101 for over an hour.  People were out of their cars, talking, worrying and sending prayers to the victims of the accident.  We handed out water to those who had none which included dogs in back of an SUV.  

Lesson #9-You can make a difference wherever you are.

We arrived home safe, much later than expected.  We sat down to a wonderful dinner prepared by my husband, Dennis.  There were beautiful flowers from the kids including the dogs too. We told stories, laughed and enjoyed our time together.  And had frozen yogurt, a yummy ending to the day. 

Lesson #10-Count your blessings.

Being a mom is not an easy job.  

It comes with a lot of work and heartache but also with much joy and love. 

It is good to have a day to celebrate being a mom. 

I am very thankful to have had this special weekend with my girls.  

We learned a lot!

Graduation

Graduation season is here.
Moving up and on.

Graduation means progress.

It is the receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma.  It usually involves successfully completing a course of study.  It could be advancement to the next grade or to move up to another level.  

Graduation means change.

Progress and change will bring many feelings.  There can be joy at what has been accomplished, fear about what comes next, relief it is finished or maybe even confusion about the changes that are coming.

Graduation means wisdom.

When thinking about what wisdom has to do with graduation, I thought of this quote from the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experience which says, "To share wisdom and truth with others, we don't need a large audience or a scholarly mind.  We only need wisdom and truth alive in our consciousness along with a willingness to be of service to others in need."  True wisdom is seeing what needs to be done and then acting on your inner knowing.  

Graduation means celebration.

At Kelly's graduation the other night, I saw many happy people that were celebrating.  The people who were graduating and also friends, family and loved ones who were smiling, hugging and taking pictures.  There was clapping, cheers and some people even shed a few tears.  I observed many people with flowers, balloons, signs and gifts.  

Graduation comes with encouragement to be yourself.

Some walked awkwardly, others with a spring in their step.  Some threw their caps, others held onto them for a memory.  Some made it with flying colors, others barely squeaked by.  Some will travel light, others will be the light.  Some will lead, others will follow.  Some know where they are headed, others are searching.  Some are waiting to be inspired, others are the inspiration.

The questions I heard the most on that graduation evening:

• Where are you going now?
• What are your plans?
• What are you going to do next?

Not one person spoke of happiness.

Maybe being happy is the answer we all seek, 

what we want to be when we grow up. 

No one else can be who you are, so just be you. 

Live your best life.

And be happy.

Now! 

Way to go Kelly....proud of you for jumping through those invisible hoops.  Good bye Modesto Junior College, hello CSU Stanislaus.  Have fun and enjoy the next phase on your college journey.  Be happy.