While we were in San Antonio this week we took M to visit the Alamo.  I had never been and neither had J.  I'm a native Texan so I've heard the story of the Alamo many times.  J, being from Louisiana was not really familiar with the story. 
There's a sign when you enter the Alamo that asks men to remove their hats and for silence because you are entering a shrine.  M immediately asked the meaning of the word shrine.  Chris, loves history and explained many things to M and me about the battle of the Alamo.  I know that at the grand old age of 7 M did not understand all of the dates and battle strategies but I don't think that really what the Alamo is about.
M wanted to know why, if there were so many Mexican soldiers and so few Texans, didn't the Texans just surrender?  Why didn't they sneak out in the middle of the night?  How do you explain that to a child?  Some things are worth dying for.  We compared it to the love and loyalty some people have for Jesus.  Some people are willing to die for their religion.  M is used to that message, but it only has so much meaning for a child. 
There was a monument there from a professor in Japan.  It's amazing to me to think that something in this state's history could have such an impact on a man from oceans away.  But in any culture it's awe inspiring to think that there are heroes willing to die for what they believe.
I started this blog in one place and ended in another.  But the Alamo did make me do some thinking.  What are you willing to die for?  Are there people so important to you that you will willingly die?  Values?   I think there should be things that are that important to you. 
It's a place we will need to visit again.  Or a conversation I will need to visit again with M.  I want her to think and ponder on those things that should matter most in her life.