Remembering, Gratefully

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. We are Free! Free to think our own thoughts and act on them (as long as they're legal). Free to move about as we wish. Free to be rewarded for our work. Free to worship Jesus Christ. Free to talk about him. Sixty-five years ago those freedoms were threatened by totalitarian regimes that were fighting to dominate us. Our military bought our freedom--many of them at the cost of their lives. I was eight years old when that war ended, and I remember the celebration as well as the continuing grief of the one family in our tiny town whose son didn't return. There were two men who came back from battles so gruesome that their minds never quite recovered.

For all who served with honor to preserve our freedom, and for all who serve now, I am grateful.

On a lighter note, I'm also grateful to Chuck for organizing such a wonderful celebration over the weekend. And for those who set aside time to come and rejoice with us. Several people drove all day to get here; double thanks to them! Yesterday after church we had a simple lunch in our home for four couples still here from out of town. What special friends. Thanks, also, for all the encouraging cards and email messages.

I got pretty tired, and we had to cancel an excursion we'd promised to Michigan friends for Sunday afternoon. I'm glad today is a holiday.

Love to you all,
Carol