Memorial Day

It is sad when memorial day becomes more a celebration of no school and/or work, and the reality that the sun is actually shinning on the Island and has been the entire weekend. With that said I was reflecting on the real meaning, the reality that a lot of people have sacrificed themselves so that I can appreciate the day of no school/work and the extra weekend day of beautiful sunshine. Some sacrificed by laying down their lives, but I think the greater sacrifice was for those that layed down the quality of their lives for the rest of us. For all those "walking wounded" that live out there, many on the streets where few care if they live or die, and many carrying around burdens deep in their souls that can only be removed with the greater light that death will bring us all. That said, it is amazing how little war has directly affected me.

Both my parents were World War 2 participants, Dad in the Navy communications division and mom was a P.T. in the medical Corp of the Army. Larry served during Viet Nam as a jet mechanic on a carrier off the coast of the country. My brother opted not to serve and I wanted to but didn't....long story, bottom line, I didn't. I knew only one person that was killed in Viet Nam. He was a local boy that was just big, kind of a bully and not too bright. But in death he was honored like he never was in life, honored and I suspect forgotten by most of us. (Jim Langworthy if anyone needs a name). But I reflect back on another childhood friend, Everett, and the burden that he has carried since Viet Nam. There is a part of him that never came back, an important part that allowed him to bond. Maybe he saw too many of his friends taken at too early an age, I don't know, but I do know it has affected him greatly. His wounds will only heal when he passes from this life. And the wounds his challenges have caused also. The mother that loves him and has been removed from his life for years and years. The friends and siblings that are not welcomed beyond superficially.

Yes, war stinks but freedom smells really sweet. So today I do not mourn those that gave their all, I mourn those that gave their yesterdays, their today's and their tomorrows. And with that statement I will try to be more sensitive to others and look beyond their put-off kind of behaviors and give real thanks for their sacrifice and pray it will not be asked again. And yet knowing that it will be asked again, asked of me and mine.....but knowing there is a plan from our Father in Heaven and all will be well. So I celebrate it all today....and then hit a rehearsal to celebrate a young man that has practiced enough to master his music!