The Importance of Remembering Those Who Protect Us

Most people in the U.S. are spending this weekend with family and friends, enjoying each other's company and doing something fun, I know I am. We enjoy our three-day weekends and on these holidays enjoy sharing food, drink, play, togetherness, etc. 

Be sure you include in all of this, a few minutes to reflect on the our military personnel, past and present and how they serve and protect our way of life. Give gratitude in some way (even if it's just a minute of silence) for their bravery, fearlessness and dedication to protecting our great nation. Each war in our history had unsung heroes who may were or never will be publicly recognized, were badly wounded or who died unexpectedly. These brave men and women put their lives on the line in service of our country every hour of the day. It is important to honor their memories and their service.

Giving back is an important part of why we are here. An opportunity exists to help the current crop of war heroes who are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan maimed and broken in spirit. There are agencies like "Wounded Warriors" who are there to help these brave souls transition their lives to live at peace after experiencing the horrors of war. The same is true for the veterans from the Vietnam War who weren't as fortunate in being received honorably when they came back home. Many are homeless or addicted to drugs and alcohol but again there are now agencies who are reaching out to help these brave men come to terms with their past and move forward. Get involved; do some research on how you can help. And, guess what - your life will change in the process, for the better. 

Collaboration by Difference - Harvard Business Review

Collaboration by Difference - Harvard Business Review

Its Time To be Aware of the Differences in the Generation as It Matters 02/02 by livepassionately | Blog Talk Radio

I was interviewed here - Its Time To be Aware of the Differences in the Generation as It Matters 02/02 by livepassionately | Blog Talk Radio

Mother's Day is This Week

As we all know, Mother's Day is Sunday. There have been many postings on the social media sites to remind us to remember the mother's in our lives as well as articles sharing stories of great mothers. There is a saying that once we become a mother for the first time, we are never the same and I have to agree. My two sons are beautiful men who I am very proud of because of who they became. They are good husbands, fathers (1) and caring men.

My mother was a very unusual mother in that she was ahead of her time in terms of her thinking and beliefs. If she lived today, she would be call a "free spirit". She chose to lead her life how she saw fit, sometimes regardless of how she affected others in some of the decisions she made. I was the only one of her five children who lived with her my developing years and saw a lot and experienced a lot including living in many places, many times with my grandparents. She was an very creative artist who drew pictures and embellished them with jewels and gold paper. We would take walks in nature and cook outside or sleep under the stars in the desert where we lived for many years. If she decided she wanted to go with someone on a trip, we would pick up and go. One summer we lived in Texas and I learned how to milk cows and make buttermilk. One adventure included living in Las Vegas for a few weeks. We would got rock climbing, camping or we just stayed home and she would read to me. I learned some life lessons during these experiences, one being that I had to be more grounded and serious in living my life. I attended many many schools and thank goodness was able to value education and do well.

I lost my mother when I was living in Germany with my husband and oldest son in the early 70s. She had dementia when she died and was a lonely soul. My oldest half-brother was there for her at the end which was a good thing as she didn't have a strong connection with my other siblings. I was disappointed and sad that she never met my children and they never knew her.

She had a wonderful spirit and a kind heart, often giving people clothes and money and taking in stray animals. She was taken advantaged of at times and I saw this which helped form my outlook on life.

Now, I burn a candle for her soul on the holidays so she is with us in spirit. She helped create who I am today and this I am grateful. I will spend some time on Sunday in her memory or in our memory together.

Happy Mothers Day Mother.

Love,
Barbara