Thank a Veteran

As Memorial Day approaches my family ponders if my dad will want to participate in this year's services. He is a member of the Knight's of Columbus and a veteran. He has always participated. However last year our mother died and my dad just hasn't been the same. He truly misses her. Never mind all the bickering that went on between the two of them. Even now he still talks to her. But my dad's spirit seems to be broken. He doesn't want to do much of anything. Forget the fact that his legs can no longer support him. They were both shattered by a postal truck many years ago. Although they were repaired by an amazing doctor and he has used them for as long as I can remember, they are now failing him. So is his health, but at 85 years old he has had what he calls a good life and "damn it I'm ready to go."

So we "kids" talked it over and decided that if he wants to do it then of course we will support him. After all he can be so stubborn. Just like my mother was! After all he won't be marching in a parade just doing an Honorguard at the downtown fountain square while they lay the wreaths at the Veteran's Memorial. I just don't know how long he would have to stand, but he could have his walker with him. I keep telling him there is nothing wrong with a little help...especially at his age. "Oh yeah? What do you know?"  Well a little bit. Used a walker while recovering from hip replacements. On oxygen all the time now. So I too have my cross to bear. Anyway will see.

But this Memorial Day as you are out with your family, watching the parade or enjoying a meal out. When you see a Veteran...say THANK-YOU. Let them know that you are grateful for all they have done so that you can enjoy all the freedom we have. While watching the parade stand up when they pass and shout at the top of your voice....! If your out at a restaurant and see someone in uniform, go up to them, say thank-you. Maybe you can't pay their bill but offer to pay say $1 or whatever you can. Who knows maybe others will join in. Our military personnel don't make nearly enough for what they do.

No matter what time of year it is...whenever you see a veteran,,,you should always say THANK YOU.
With out them we would be just be another third world country, not the BEST DAMN PLACE IN THE WORLD.

Stay safe and don't drink and drive or text!
Catherine

Choose Your Words Well

I have always been one to speak freely. Sometimes I have hurt others with what I have said. I learned at an early age that there are consequences to what I say and therefore have learned to "think before I speak." This story reminds us that words once spoken can never be taken back. Teach your children well.

Choose Your Words Well
======================

A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best
friend of many years. She regretted it immediately and would
have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were
said impulsively in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close
as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of
her words before hand.

What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was
herself hurt for the pain she caused. In her effort to undo
what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the
village, explained her situation, and asked for advice.

The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine
just how sincere the younger woman was, how far she was willing
to go to correct the situation. She explained that sometimes,
in order to put things back in order, great efforts must be made.

She then asked, "Just what would you be willing to do to repair
the harm done?" The answer was heartfelt. "Anything!"

Listening to her, the older woman sensed the younger woman's
distress and knew she must help her. She also knew she could
never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she
could teach, if the younger woman would first listen and then
learn.

She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the
younger woman. She said, "There are two things you need to do to
make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult.

Tonight, take your best feather pillows and open a small hole
in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single
feather on the doorstep of each house in town.

When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first
thing completely, I'll tell you the second."

The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even
though the pillows were very dear to her and very expensive.

All night long, she labored alone in the cold. She went from
doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single
house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused
her eyes to water, but she ran on through the darkened streets,
thankful there was something she could do to put things back the
way they once were.

Finally as the sky was getting light, she placed the last
feather on the steps of the last house. Just as the sun rose,
she returned to the older woman.

She was exhausted but relieved that her efforts would be
rewarded.

"My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of
each home."  "Now," said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your
pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."

The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible!
The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the
doorsteps! You didn't say I had to get them back! If this is
the second requirement, then things will never be the same."

"That's true," said the older woman. "Never forget. Each of
your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no
amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever
return them to your mouth. Choose your words well and guard
them most of all in the presence of those you love."

~Author Unknown~

I learned at an early age that there are consequences to what I say and therefore have learned to "think before I speak." I sometimes slip up and then wish I could just disappear before I have to see it in the persons eyes that I have hurt them.  I can't take it back or make it better. So today's little lesson is to teach your children to think before they speak and not to hurt those they love.

Catherine

I Am A Guardian

For most of us we consider our dogs, or any of our animals, part of our family. We usually get them when they are very small and as they grow so too does our love for them. While most people call themselves pet "owners" I have chosen to forgo that awful word. I do not believe that we can truly own a living, breathing creature.  I instead prefer to be called a guardian. After all do we not watch over them and protect them, just like we do our children? We keep them safe..on a leash, in a fenced in yard, up to date with all of their shots.
In return we get unconditional love from them. A wagging tail when we return home after a long day at work. A companion to snuggle with when we are sick. Someone for our children to play with and teach them what it means to love with all your heart. All they ask for in return is to be treated with kindness.
I have been very fortunate to have had many different pets thru-out my lifetime. They included dogs, cats, birds and even bunnies. The hardest thing of course is knowing when it is time to say goodbye. Being a good guardian then is the hardest thing you will face. Sometimes your fur baby is just in too much pain to enjoy life anymore. Only you and your fur baby can make that decision. I have always been there till the end, holding my fur baby one last time. It hurts but knowing they are no longer in pain has always helped. That and I have an amazing veterinary staff that understands all of my actions involving my babies. God bless them.
For those of you who are crying...STOP. This is not meant for you to weep. It's to let you know how much joy there is in sharing your life with a fur baby! It's enormous. The love they give us is worth all that and so much more. I do not like to end on a sad note so....

I recently came upon a video that just made me smile. I know you will like it too. ENJOY! Catherine