Behind Memorial Day, Independence Day is my favorite summer holiday. It's still early enough in the summer to enjoy the holiday...and the weather is usually quite favorable for barbecuing and picnics and then enjoying the fireworks.
Hosting summer barbecues is a favorite thing for me. I like to get up early, begin cooking around 4am and setting up everything for my guests (most family and Toastmasters). This year will not be different.
Happy Independence Day!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Another 3 Day Holiday
It's Memorial Day weekend -- and President Obama has asked all American's to pay tribute to our soldiers.
Earlier this morning, (before my run), I did something that I haven't done in many years...I went to the cemetery to pay tribute and bring flowers to fallen arms.
Unlike some people, I don't go to the cemetery to "visit" my late husband and brothers on their birthday, holiday's, or other significant dates. I find the experience very depressing. Sure, I love my late husband, as well as my brothers, however, it's not my intent to depress myself.
When my late husband died, I found out without a doubt, that these things that we work so hard to keep in shape and take care of...are truly only a shell for our soul. I saw my late husband's shell shortly after he made the transition. Although he wasn't a man of tall stature (he was about 5'10"), when I viewed his body, it seemed as if I could have carried the shell in my arms like a baby. It was then, that I realized with certainty, that our souls fill us up...our bodies become almost deflated when our souls rise to heaven.
I have no remorse about not "tending the graves of the dead", because I know in my heart, that the only thing left of the people we love is the decaying flesh that encompassed their soul.
The truth is that from time to time, when I find myself at the cemetery, I will visit the place where the bodies of those I love are lain.... but the truth of the matter is, the connection I have with those I love remains with me each and every day.
Earlier this morning, (before my run), I did something that I haven't done in many years...I went to the cemetery to pay tribute and bring flowers to fallen arms.
Unlike some people, I don't go to the cemetery to "visit" my late husband and brothers on their birthday, holiday's, or other significant dates. I find the experience very depressing. Sure, I love my late husband, as well as my brothers, however, it's not my intent to depress myself.
When my late husband died, I found out without a doubt, that these things that we work so hard to keep in shape and take care of...are truly only a shell for our soul. I saw my late husband's shell shortly after he made the transition. Although he wasn't a man of tall stature (he was about 5'10"), when I viewed his body, it seemed as if I could have carried the shell in my arms like a baby. It was then, that I realized with certainty, that our souls fill us up...our bodies become almost deflated when our souls rise to heaven.
I have no remorse about not "tending the graves of the dead", because I know in my heart, that the only thing left of the people we love is the decaying flesh that encompassed their soul.
The truth is that from time to time, when I find myself at the cemetery, I will visit the place where the bodies of those I love are lain.... but the truth of the matter is, the connection I have with those I love remains with me each and every day.
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