Memorial Day is more than cookouts and the start of summer.  We love this weekend because that is what it is for many of us.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that—I am all for steaks on the grill, potato salad and some patriotic dessert featuring strawberries and blueberries in the shape of the flag.  But honestly, it is so much more.

I read a little article the other day in USA Today that I strongly would recommend you hop over to read.  The article, This Memorial Day, Show Military You Care was a well written piece by Kathryn Roth-Douquet.  She mentions that we will be observing the 11th Memorial Day in a row while we are at war– this is the longest period of combat in our nation’s history.   Memorial Day actually started out in the South as a day set aside to decorate the graves of loved ones.  It expanded North as a result of the Civil War where every one was touched by the death of a loved one and this was one way to show love for the sacrifice those loved ones had made.

Today I am proud that my Comments for a Cause this month is going to go to Operation Shower which will help provide baby showers and all the “fixin’s” for military families.   What a great way to show them we care and support them.

It is also a day to honor my beloved father in law who passed away last August. His nickname in training was Skipper because he was a leader and so many folks, including his own parents, called him Skip.  His time in the Air Force was cut short by a military plane crash where he was the navigator–the backseat driver. He came away with severe injuries to his spine and nerve involvement to both legs.  After decompression laminectomy surgery he developed blood clots in both legs.  He was hospitalized for 11 months.  They said he would never walk.  He proved them wrong.  Not only did he walk—he lived a life full of just that–life.  He loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his cronies.  He loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren.  He sacrificed more than any of us will ever  know and at his funeral when Taps was played and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base representatives did their salute and presented the flag to my husband the tears flowed freely for a man who served his country so well.  So thank you, Dad, and thank you to all of those who have served including my own father, for your service to our country and for your willingness to do one of the hardest jobs there is.  I tip my hat to you and thank you.  When you see any service member I hope you will sincerely thank them for their service.  It will make their day and it might just make yours, too.