May 31, 2011
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What Do You Take It For Granted?
As it is Memorial Day, it is a time for us to remember those who have fallen in service to our country. I am glad that we have these times that we set aside to remind us but I also feel sad at how many things we take for granted. I know I am guilty of this as I am sure we all are. First I do want to acknowledge all those who put their lives on the line to serve us all. I know we often complain or are unhappy about things in our country and things are definitely far from perfect but overall I have to say that for most of us we are very fortunate to live here.
I posted up this picture because I have tried to make it a point to appreciate this view. I actually was fortunate enough to grow up with this and yet, for most of my life, I never really thought much about it. It was well….the view out of our window. It was not until our home burned down in the Oakland Hills Fire that I realized how I missed it. Occasionally during the years that it took for us to rebuild I would drive up and just sit in the rubble or construction and soak it in. Also as this is my folks family home it reminds me of my parents. I lost my Mom a number of years ago but we are just coming up on the first anniversary of my Dad’s passing. At the request of my Dad, my wife and I moved in with him soon after we lost my Mom. There were a lot of blessings from that but there were also a lot of challenges. My joke was that I realized how patient my Mom was and she must have been a saint to deal with my Dad. But he had his good qualities too and in this past year it has helped me to appreciate those too. Let’s all take a moment from time to time to remember and appreciate all those things that we often overlook. Hopefully everyone had a good weekend and made some memories that will last for a long time.
