Yes, it's been a while. I do drop by some, but life gets too busy sometimes. This summer I'll be busy all summer. I'm traveling most of the summer. Once in June and twice in July. One time to Europe, so I'm really just going to keep a suitcase packed. Guess that's the best thing, right?

It's Memorial Day. I think of those friends I knew that served in the military. My own brother served in Vietnam. I've had former students serve and some gave their lives in service to their country. This year I have a student who is such a sweetheart who will be going into the Navy in July. I fear for him and will pray for his safety. I honor each and every one of you men and women who have given time and service to the United States of America. Some of us may not be big flag wavers, but today I am. I appreciate you and what you've done for us.

I was flying into Seattle once a few years ago. It was just as the war in the middle east was getting heated. On the airplane were soldiers, obviously going home before they shipped out, some of them, others coming from a tour of duty. When we landed in Seattle, the captain asked us to allow the military off first. We did and gave them a standing ovation as they left the airplane. When we got to the airport, I saw a young family, a wife holding a tiny baby, a little girl holding a sign that read welcome home daddy. I stood there crying while I watched the reunion. I was reminded not only of the service that the soldiers give, but the families of those soldiers who have to give up that family member for months and sometimes years at a time. I salute you as well. I remember writing my brother when he was in Vietnam, watching the deathlists and the MIA lists, praying that he wouldn't be on it. He wasn't. He made it home that year in February. We held Christmas for him. I know the feeling.
God bless you. Have a great Memorial Day.