We Will Remember

It seems like we should wish each other a "Happy Memorial Day." And I wouldn't suggest that we shouldn't feel happy about today's celebrations and gatherings and the fact that summer is almost here.

But I consciously remind myself that today is about remembering.

Today, we remember the Army is, "proud of all we have done, fighting till the battle's won."

Today, we remember the Navy will, "never change our course, so vicious foe steer shy."

Today, we remember the Air Force will, "live in fame or go down in flame."

Today, we remember the Marines are, "first to fight for right and freedom."

Today, we might not understand or agree with the "why" of any war or military action.

Today, we might know members of the armed forces, or we might have only read about them in history books.

Today, our political party, religious affiliation, race, gender, and age don't matter.

Today, it doesn't matter when or where or under what circumstances.

Today, we remember those men and women who answered the call of their nation and served to the best of their ability.

Today, we remember those who gave everything.

Today, we remember those who did not come home.

Today, we remember the words of Abraham Lincoln.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--

that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause

for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--

that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--

that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--

and that government of the people, by the people, for the people,

shall not perish from the earth.

Today, I proudly display my American flag. Today, I am grateful I have not personally lost anyone serving. Today, I remember the sacrifices. Today, I offer thanks to all who have served.

Today--and every day--we will remember.

Mother's Day Musings

How does one define a "perfect" mother?

Does she run a household like June Cleaver? Or more like Joan Crawford? Or maybe like Roseanne? Most moms are somewhere in-between.

Does she cook like Granny Clampett or like Julia Child? Most moms are somewhere in-between.

Does she do everything for her children? Or does she make them do for themselves? Most moms are somewhere in-between.

Does she heap praise on everything you do? Or is she more likely to hurl insults? Most moms are somewhere in-between.

She might take you shopping, or she might take you fishing.  She might enjoy listening to Blue Velvet or Back in Black or Purple Haze. She might read to you one night and watch TV with you the next (everything in moderation!).

Moms sometimes stand next to your crib to make sure you're breathing. Once you're grown, they might stop by and peek in your kitchen window. Other moms are looking down on you from heaven. A mother never really wants to stop checking in with you...just to be sure you're OK.

Do you want to be just like her or hope you have nothing in common? Either way, your mother taught you about being a parent. You can choose to use her as an ideal model or as an example of what not to do. Do you have "issues" that you've blamed on your mother? Then it's time to start taking responsibility for your own life and try to fix what you think is broken. Are you happy with yourself and how you've turned out? Then thank your mother for helping to mold you into the person you've become. Nobody can tell you what it will be like when you are a mother. It can be a lot of trial and error. You just keep doing your best.

So what is a "perfect" mother? I can't imagine any mother who would get a perfect score on every scale or in every opinion. But I know that my mom is the perfect mom for me. And your mom is just perfect for you. Whatever your relationship with her is or was, be thankful for your mother. You wouldn't be you without her.

Stuff's Gettin' Real!

I knew I was overdue composing a post, but I hadn't gotten any inspiration.

I started something chronicling my hair lengths/colors/cuts, and how that all doesn't really matter because, after all, it's only hair.

I was momentarily taken aback by the realization that my nieces just turned 30. Was having some trouble processing that. But I'll surely be writing more about age as I approach a milestone birthday this fall. No sense in letting that be a topic too often.

I had a lovely evening with the girlfriends at a concert by two Wisconsin "musical humorists." It was a fabulous show, full of laughs. And the company ensures a rejuvenating time. Imagine my surprise, too, when I learned that my sister had seen the same duo years ago. It's not unusual that we would both enjoy the music, but since they aren't exactly a Top 40 act, to find anyone familiar with them was unexpected. But my sister? Who knew?

But then, my son came home from school today...with his cap and gown. As in, mortarboard...as in, graduation. It's just about a month away. Now, it's obviously not a surprise. I knew it was coming. It hit me once earlier this year when we ordered announcements and such. I got a jolt when he reached his 18th birthday. It hit me again when we visited the university he plans to attend this fall. But it whacked me even harder today. One might say it hit me like a brick. The actual gown, the printed announcements with fancy script and vellum-like insert. Can't deny it, and I don't want to, of course. The next big chapter in his life (and mine) is about to begin. It's not a far off "someday." It's real. As I said in January, wow!

The class motto in his announcement is a quotation of John F. Kennedy, in part, "Change is the law of life." I am a law-abiding citizen, and this is a law I wouldn't dream of breaking.