This Monday is Memorial Day, a time of remembrance of all those who lost their lives while serving our country. Proudly defending our freedoms, we remember and honor those courageous people. America is forever grateful.
This past weekend was the fifteenth anniversary of September eleventh. As New Yorkers, it is a day that we will never forget. It is hard to believe that fifteen years have passed. Our children have no memories of that day but for those of us old enough to remember, we all have our own stories. We attended memorial services, proudly displayed the American flag, and shared stories with our families out of respect for those who innocently perished.
One good sentiment we embraced was the story of the lone tree that survived in front of the towers. It was broken, charred, mangled but survived the attacks nonetheless. During reconstruction it was removed from the site, preserved and it now lives in the 9/11 museum near One World Trade. The tree stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Although clearly damaged, the tree has grown new branches where nubs once remained.
Each life lost was precious. Each loss changed the lives of friends and family forever. Sharing stories keeps memories alive, heals wounds, honors the deceased. We will never forget.
This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. We remember all those who paved the way for us to live in this great country! We celebrate our freedoms and participate in community events to share our gratitude. Among the red, white and blue decorations, we have a sense of pride that we live in America. We hope to spread the goodness we know to all those we meet. Happy Memorial Day!
p.s. Happy Birthday, Mare!!
This may sound morbid to think about but did you ever read an obituary or hear a story on the news about someone who passed away and people were talking so nicely about the person – all recalling their good deeds and kindness toward others and what great people they were. It makes us wonder, did these people hear all that great stuff about them when they were still alive?
Think of your loved ones. Haven’t they done things, big and small, that deserve acknowledgement and praise? Are they living their lives admirably, working hard, providing meals or doing kind thoughtful acts that you just don’t even think to acknowledge? Think about it now; maybe your child is giving their all at school or working hard on a team or in a club. Maybe your significant other has always helped out at a doctor’s appointment or washed your car. Or maybe your mom hand crafts you some great things for your home and she is terrific at it!
Thank them, acknowledge them, tell them how proud you are! Don’t wait for a retirement speech, award acceptance or eulogy they will never hear to acknowledge someone’s beautiful way of living their life. Tell them now what a great person they are!
As New Yorkers, we will always remember thirteen years ago on this day as one of the most horrific days in the history of our country, certainly in our lifetime. Our children were babies then and raising them in a post 9/11 world is sobering at times. Although they don’t remember the tragedies that occurred that day, we try to educate them as best as we can without instilling fear that this world can sometimes be a scary place.
What is worth remembering and talking about, we think, is the memory of all those who perished on this day and the resolve of all New Yorkers to come together and help one another in a time of crisis. While it is still difficult to watch the many documentaries that will air on television today, talking about the goodness in every day, average people in our communities and those who sacrificed so much on that day is important. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those families who lost precious loved ones that day.
Holly and Heather's Helping Hands 