What does Memorial Day mean to you? All these posts I have been seeing recently about remembering fallen soldiers and focusing on the true meaning of the holiday to reflect on the sacrifices they have made for the rest of our freedom, focus less on the BBQ's and parties and really show gratitude. Many people have lost their lives for our countries freedom. Yesterday my friend posted about how her and her hubby were eating breakfast and a young couple bought breakfast for a gentlemen wearing a military veteran baseball cap. They wanted him to know that they were grateful for his service. She said it was so sweet it almost brought her to tears. We take for granted the freedom we experience and the multitude of things to be grateful for because it is something we are accustomed to. A countless number of people have fought like my grandfather and father-in-law and lived to tell about it, others sacrificed their lives for us, people who we don't even know, have no vested interest in us or personal relationship with us, yet decided that their country and the future of their loved ones, was important enough to make a difference and lose their lives over. On a day-to-day basis as we are far removed from what is going on outside or around our country it is easy to push aside reflecting about these heroic people. Memorial Day is a time for our country to unite and honor these fallen heroes for without their sacrifice we would not have the freedom to have the things we do. The United States has to be one of the most free countries, most opportunities with the most assets you can imagine. We take for granted all of the things we have, even when we don't think we have very much. We have freedom to have the job we want, make the relationships we do, work hard or not work at all, buy and sell the things we want, no one is dictating to us what we can and cannot do, if they do we have the freedom to choose a different path. Not all people in all countries have this opportunity. We do because people have and continue to fight to reserve this freedom. Not just on this day but always, when you see a military person, or a Veteran, thank them for their service to our country, don't take these people for granted, don't assume they know you are thankful, truly appreciate what they have done and show it. You may not be able to buy them a meal or some sort of monetary contribution to honor them, but a simple 'thank you for your service" may go further than you know. Have your kids write cards to send oversees to military people that are missing their families to keep our freedom. When you see someone out and about and know they are or have been in the military, just go up and say "thank you". Write a list of all the things that you have that would not be possible without their sacrifice for our freedom. Don't forget their is a price that was paid for it... Our right to vote, homes, land, jobs, cars, right to choose our mates, the amount of children we can have, our pets, hobbies, and the list goes on and on... stop today reflect and evaluate your life, what you have, pause and be grateful in between BBQ's and swim parties, sporting events and t.v. shows, and take the time throughout the year to teach your kids to be grateful for what they have and to be thankful not only to these fallen heroes, but their families and those military whether active, retired or veterans and thank them for what they are doing or have done that has given you the opportunity to live your life the way you do.

Mom- Mother of Might

So with Mother's Day just a day away, and no mother to spoil, I must reflect on what is means to be a mother and why we honor them. I try to tap into what makes a mom great, and we probably all have our own ideas of what a mother does, should do, shouldn't do, who has been a mother figure to us and what we have been accustomed to. My mother was my best friend. Our relationship was like nothing else I experienced in my life. Losing my dad in high school and being her only child, we naturally gravitated toward one another, fed off one another (sometimes good, sometimes bad), built a bond that could never be erased. She was my rock, my sounding board, my protector, my biggest cheerleader and sometimes my worst enemy... lol, depending on the day. But she always accepted me, loved me unconditionally and chose me above everything else in her life. She was a fantastic Bushie (grandma) and loved my child with her whole heart... this my friends is my true definition of a mother. I hope that I can be half a mother to my child as she was to me... I am so honored to have learned her unconditional love. Everyday as I pray that I make the right decisions concerning my child, I reflect on what my mom would do in a given situation, how would she handle me and how would she react. Not every parent/child relationship is the same, but mine was just right for me. I want to extend that just right relationship in my parenting skills and be able to one day say that my son is who he is because I helped shape him into a great adult. Mom, you may not be here to answer me when I need you, especially when I am frustrated, stuck or unable to make decisions about the "right" kind of parenting, what would you have done in a certain situation, no, I cannot ask you anymore, but I know you gave me the tools and intuition deep down inside my soul, if I pause, reflect and search for my own answers. This parenting thing isn't easy... heck it is tough some days but with God and your voice inside me guiding me in the right direction... I know I will do okay. Mother- She is the inspiration who comforts me in times of need, a permanent figure of loyalty, a listener of troubles, an encourager of doubts. The time we spend together, is fun within itself, we do things for each other not thinking of ourselves. It's nice to know the times we share, aren't wasted by empty thoughts. She knows my faults and sorrows, but she loves me just the same. I 'm glad to know I have a friend that's there until the end. - Dani Rae (1998) The Pocket- Little pieces of paper, tiny grains of sand; a melted red crayon sticking to my hand. Two-Three-Four-Five, watch her grow, she'll be married next thing you know. Love her tender, guide her on her way, then she can teach her children someday. the bond shared will never go away, what has been built is here to stay. Gather up the memories tie them with a bow, so we will have our love to show. - Dani Rae (2000) Who Am I? I am who I am. I was born to be me. One of God's children, who He died to set free. awaiting her future, her purpose foretold before walking those streets of gold. Many trials and errors, heartache and pain. Pathways before me seem like nothings to gain. Promised I am that this temporary strife, will lead me to a better life. I walk the line waiting for His glorious sign. How do I know what He wants me to be if I don't believe what I already see? I have a purpose, for this I know, I must take it to others to show. I am who I am, I was born to be me, one of God's children he died to set free. - Dani Rae (2002) Thank you mom for believing me me, for shaping me into who I am and for continuing to touch my life, even from HEAVEN! Happy Mother's Day to my MOM!