Memorial Day Tribute

Happy Memorial Day!

Darrell was outside today photographing antiques on the patio to list on eBay, and he took this photo of one of my flowers. It's like a miracle flower that blooms regardless of the misfortune of being planted by an occasional gardener.

That flower reminds me of so many Memorial Days and the beauty and strength of the people who serve our country.

First I think of all of the brave Moms and Dads who have seen their children off to today's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I can't imagine carrying around my heart until my child returns home safe from a battleground, and I salute the loved ones of our military and to those serving to keep us safe!

I see the fragile beauty of soul held by those in my life who have served in the U.S. Army—my husband, Darrell, during Vietnam as an instructor in the reserves; my son Brandt in Bosnia and now in bio-medicine with the VA; my brother David, a paratrooper in Vietnam; and my father and uncles during WWII. They are fiercely patriotic. Serving our country isn't something they did once upon a time as their fate in life, but it was a response to a call that defined them.

When David visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, he found the names of his fallen comrads on the Wall. Even before he arrived, he knew his heart would be stirred, but he surprised himself when he wept uncontrollably at the sight of the Vietnam Women's Memorial statue. When he tried to convey his deep sentiments behind those tears and his admiration for the nurses to me, he could barely talk. It was all so overwhelming, even to this day. He saw the same devotion in those nurses in caring for our troops that I see in him. It's this strength and beauty of soul that collides in an individual that we celebrate on Memorial Day.

For those veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, may they rest in peace, sealed by the love and respect of their country. For those veterans among us, thanks for your triumph of bravery, fighting in our stead.

I am the first to say, I am not brave. I could not do that, and I thank you for putting life and limb on the battleground for me and our generation. Those who commit their welfare for others hold strength and beauty in their souls.