Memorial Day 2010

I am thinking that this blog might not be such a bad thing! Whenever I am unable to sleep my mind often goes crazy with ideas and now I have a place to store all of them.

So, since I am wide awake I decided to blog about Memorial Day. Memorial Day this year was an interesting one for me; it took on a whole different meaning. As I have gotten older my thoughts on what Memorial Day is have changed. I used to think of it as a kick off for summer (it usually meant there was only one week of school left). However, this year my thoughts were generated towards those who have and are serving our country, those in my family who have passed on, and also towards a friend that passed away a few years ago.

It never crossed my mind that I would have a friend pass away so young. Even though we had a falling out and were not longer close at the time of her passing; I can't seem to get her out of my mind. It seems like every day something reminds me of her. It is the simplest things that get me thinking about her too. The other day I drove past some kids jumping on a trampoline and it reminded me of her. Whenever someone mentions a story about girls camp; I see her laughing hysterically about a tree that's base of the trunk was shaped like a butt (and happened to be right next to the outhouse). I am grateful for the chance to have her apart of my life. I wish I could have been a better friend and that our goals in life didn't differ so much. You will always hold a special place in my heart Jessica!




Jessica was not the only one I remembered this Memorial Day. I thought a lot about my grandparents. I wish I could have known them better. My grandpa passed away when I was really young and my grandma was not a huge part of my life. I started a little before Memorial Day the gigantic task of scanning all my dad's slides into our computer. It has been fun getting to hear stories of when he was younger, getting to learn more about my grandparents, etc....



Memorial Day also was a day to remember how grateful I am for the brave men and women who have and are fighting for our country. I have written a poem about our Gift of Freedom...I don't usually share my work, so it is difficult to upload it on here. You will have to let me know what you think of it.

Gift of Freedom
Red, White, and Blue
Oh, how can I repay you?
You stand at attention
And yet often go unmentioned.


Your loved ones stand by
So that our flag can fly;
You fight for our voice
And to give us a choice.




Red, White, and Blue
Oh, how can I repay you?
You put yourself in danger
All for some strangers.


You die so we can live
It’s such a precious gift you give.
As I stand by your grave
I’m proud to live in the home of the brave.


Well since I have school early tomorrow morning I had better get off.

Thanks for reading!