Good afternoon!  I have recently been inspired to "pick up pen and blog..." today.  It has been a long time since I shared with you but, here goes...

Several things this week have brought to my mind that not all Anniversaries are happy, not all Celebratory Days are joyous, not all Commemorations are glad ones. 

A friend had posted on Facebook one day this week that it was the 1 year Anniversary of the death of her beloved.  I wish there were another word.  We hear Anniversary and immediately think of happy times.  I have often stuggled with what to say, how to refer to such times so as to mark the occassion yet convey the feeling.  I suppose 'Anniversary' is as good as any, but we must remain mindful that there is often saddness or heartache associated with an Anniversary.

While the nation prepares to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday, many of us mourn the loss of our Mother.  Whether it be ten years ago, 1 year ago, a month ago, or sometime this week the loss of a Mother will no doubt bring pain and sadness to many on this day.  Yes-we will try to put the pain behind us and lovingly wish all those Mothers everywhere a very happy day.  We remember and celebrate all the women who have birthed a nation.  We remember and celebrate all the women who have through other means raised and cared for a nation.  We remember and celebrate all those women who have been a strong influence and support for the nation.  While we do, we remember and celebrate all those that have gone on before us who are now awaiting our arrival to our Heavenly, eternal Home.  Love and miss you, Momma! 

Later this month, we as a Nation will celebrate Memorial Day.  A day set aside (and rightly so) to remember all those brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedoms.  I fear that so many have lost sight of the meaning of the day.  For some, Memorial Day simply means it is the 'official start of summer'.  Barbeque pits get dusted off and fired up.  Boats are uncovered, gassed up and lowered into the lakes.  Camping gear is pulled down from the attic.  Ice Cream makers are cranked up.  Vacations planned and taken...  As we go about with our joyful celebrations, we would be wise to pause and remember.  Remember that because of the lives of many we are free to forget.  Free to forget the worries of the day and enjoy the bliss of the summer.  Remember that many Americans even today are still fighting for those FREEDOMS that we hold so near and dear.  Thank you is not a BIG enough term!

Whatever occassion you are marking; the death of a loved one, to honor a Mother, to remember Service personnel, or just to celebrate the beginning of summer-USE YOUR GOOD DISHES!