Thoughts on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, I do not think about the BBQs or the ball games that are being played. I think about how we got to have such liberties. I speak of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the US military. Although it was not an official holiday till 1971, the roots to this holiday go back 100 years earlier. And while some people do visit cemeteries or attend parades, some see it as the beginning of summer and a chance for picnics and getting outdoors.

I served for 13 years...Army officer...Artillery. I didn't hesitate when I signed up. I felt it was my patriotic obligation to serve my country. I learned a lot while I was in the service and met a lot of great people along the way. People I would gladly call my brothers and sisters. While my role was not the biggest in the show, my role was no different than those of my brothers and sisters. We stood to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

I often think about what would of happened to this country had it not been for our military veterans. What kind of a country would we be living in today? What basic liberties would we deprived of? I shudder to think at the possibilities in history that could of occurred had the fight not gone our way. Would we still be the "land of the free and home of the brave?

So as you enjoy your holiday weekend, please take a moment to remember the men and woman of the US military and the sacrifices that were made to give you this freedom. If you see or know a veteran, please shake their hand or give them a hug and tell them "Thank You."



http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history

A Son Mourns...

Mom, mother, mommy, or Ma....no matter how you say it...it describes the loving soul that brings you into this world. She cares for boo-boos...feeds you when you hungry...tucks you in at night.

It has been 18 years since I got the early morning phone call that changed my life. Her passing caught the family off-guard and left me cold. I went home for the funeral. I had a week home with my dad to try and help him get things squared away. It all seemed like a blur to me when I was home. I was home just 2 weeks prior to celebrate my brother completing graduate school. Mom was so proud to have seen both of her sons had earned their Master's Degrees. The above picture is the last picture I have of my mom. It was taken at my Master's graduation in June of 2004.

To say that was a "mama's boy" would be a bit of an understatement. I will never deny that fact. She made me who I am. Funny, sarcastic, and caring. She taught me how to care for myself and others. She was my biggest champion and my hardest critic.

Now, 18 years later, I still fight that urge to pick up the phone and call my mom. There is a void inside of me that will never be filled again. There is not a person on earth that can take her place. I still expect to see her when I come home everyday. There may be a few close "2nd," but there is no one that will ever replace your mom, or a mother's love.

Gladiators at the Gas Station

To the 2 gladiators involved in the shouting match at the gas station tonight...thank you for the evening's entertainment.

Opponent #1 - It was obvious to this semi-interested bystander that your so-called taste in music was not meant for all off the free world to listen to. So in the future, please reduce the volume on your "Mosh Pit of Love" CD before entering a public area, like a gas station.

Opponent #2 - This again semi-interested bystander is relieved that Opponent #1 showed restraint when you flashed your "Bird" gang sign to him. It was apparent that anyone of the 8 or 9 tattoos on his left forearm alone would have been able to cause you such pain that only a doctor could cure it. So go back the burbs and listen to your bubble gum pop music and leave the head banging to the professionals (or ones with more hearing loss.)

Deepest Regards...
The Semi-Interested Bystander.

My Introduction

So it has been suggested to me that blog about the things that I observe in my daily life and put my spin on the situation. Topic suggestions are welcome. I hope to bring a smile to your face and a thoughtful conversation. I am not PC and never have been. So I ask that we keep an open dialogue and have a good laugh!! :o)