I see memorial posts for so many young people killed in service, from the 1940’s until today. Such valiant, good looking people. I wish we didn’t have to say goodbye to them. I wish with all my heart that they had an opportunity to live the life God gave them without being robbed of it. They SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES so that we could live ours in peace. I just cannot afford to blithely go forward as if my life wasn’t bought at great cost and sacrifice: Jesus, my parents and the American soldier. I am the pearl of great price. When I feel down, insecure or not worthy I need to remember this. Many gave some, but some gave all for me.

Only after I had my own children could I appreciate all my parents gave up to have and care for me. My heart aches for the times I wasn’t appreciative. Sometimes I see it peek out on grandchildren when they get angry at some restriction, some denial. They have no idea how difficult it is to not give in but to stand up to them for what we believe is best for them. They don’t appreciate all the thought and care that go into doing our best to get them through childhood and sometimes having to fight them to do so! It’s HARD. Nobody tells you that. You think the tough part is the colic. You think it’s the nights spent over a feverish child, or staying up, helping them with homework, but it’s not. The toughest part, I think, is making your best decisions because you care so much, and to have them angry at you for it. No one tells you that you will have to fight THEM for the privilege of blessing them from time to time.

I did the same thing. The young are made to test and push boundaries. BOUNDARIES: That’s pretty much the job description of parent.

If they only knew…. One day they will. I hope their parents are still alive to thank.

Happy Dependence Day. A lot of people had to give up their lives, figuratively or literally for you. You owe a debt of gratitude you can never repay. Let that sink in on these days leading up to the 4th of July. Meanwhile, I have to face my challenge of how to thank parents who are no longer here to hear it. I get it, Jean Martin Williams. May this small, meager effort, putting my gratitude into  words, grow wings and somehow arrive into your hands.

For a few moments, put aside the baked beans, potato salad and watermelon. Lay down your sparklers momentarily. There are a lot of people you need to start thanking. You did not make yourself!

Enjoy the amazing day. Just don’t forget to thank the sponsors.