I am assuming that most of you have at least 10-12 minutes today or tomorrow to read through news articles, social media posts, and commentary regarding the various protests and stances surrounding our National Anthem and the American Flag. Continue Reading...
3 Days in Pittsburg
Recently, my wife, our three youngest kids, and I made a last-minute trip to Pittsburg, NH for a little getaway. We packed quickly, jumped in the van, and drove some 170 miles, or so, north to Pittsburg. Thank you to Judy at Mountain View Cabins & Campground for working with us, we couldn't have done this without you. While we were up north I did take several pictures in order to better Continue Reading...
Proud to be an American
Sing the Anthem! Sing it to yourself. Sing it together. Sing it to your kids. Our National Anthem is on my mind. It often is. I can always count on Chicago to take The Star Spangled Banner to another level, and they did it for Boston again last night. They get it. They always get it, just watch. Desert Storm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg 9/11 Tribute Continue Reading...
Beautiful Innocence III
I can't help myself, and I really don't want to, if it means that I should stop thinking about the kids, the parents, the school faculty, the first responders, the families, and the community surrounding the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Newtown. Hmmm, maybe we all need a new town, as in a new outlook on our world around us. We live in our little cocoons, sheltered from the things we don't allow in. Continue Reading...
Beautiful Innocence II
I just watched President Obama deliver a speech from Newtown, CT. I cried as he talked of our children and of parenthood. Then I cried a little bit more as he read the list of names. I imagined how it must feel to hear your child's name listed on that list. A name that Mom and Dad may have argued over, certainly they discussed the name many times. Maybe they didn't know if they were having a boy Continue Reading...
Thanks #22 (History)
I am thankful for our history, U.S. History. I enjoy reading about it, and learning more about our history. Much more than we were ever taught in school. More importantly, I am thankful for the repeated examples of individuals who showed tremendous character, determination, and integrity throughout our history. Even with today's speed of life, scenarios involving technological advances, political Continue Reading...
Thanks #9 (USA)
I'm thankful I was born in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. I could have been born anywhere, but it was here in the U.S. where I was born. The land of opportunity. The country that people from around the world have flocked to. There are freedoms here, freedoms that have been fought for, freedom isn't cheap, and it shouldn't be taken for granted either. I know we are Continue Reading...
Thanks #7 (New Day)
I'm thankful for each and every new day. The promise and hope held in each new day should not be under estimated. This morning, I pray that our elected officials all across this great land will embrace each and every new day and represent the people of this great country to the best of their abilities, in constant pursuit of what is fair, just, and right. What is it that we can get done before the Continue Reading...
Never Forget
I am re-blogging this piece in remembrance of 9/11/01. I have added only this paragraph and have deleted nothing. Just the same sentiments in remembrance. The crisp, clear, clean, cool morning this morning reminds me very much of that fateful morning 11 years ago. 11 years ago today, heroes weren't born, but rather emerged, as heroism was in so many who, through events beyond their control, were Continue Reading...
Thinking of our military this Christmas
Just about any time I think about our military personnel, past and present, when I really think of all they do, all they sacrifice, I cry. I am especially emotional on this subject at Christmas time. At no time of the year is there more of an urgency, a search for togetherness, to be with family than at Christmas time. I offer this Christmas tribute. This is not mine, I am just sharing this that I Continue Reading...