When someone  inflicts their moods on you, someone who you care about deeply, are you flattered that they cared enough and trusted enough to lay bare that part of them or are you annoyed...that you are the 'victim' of their bad humor?  Today...Memorial Day weekend holds a host of old emotions and buttons for not only me, but family members...those serving, those who have served, and for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Tonight one I care for shed tears at old memories, struggling with his own demons,  and to honor his tears...which he sometimes mistakenly views as a weakness...and yet in my culture the shedding of tears for those held dear holds neither shame and is in fact the ultimate complement ..... I walked away...out to the porch where my sister sat...tears in my own eyes I didn't let him see.  To do so...to try to share that pain that I was not there to share seemed an invasion of privacy .... and I respect and care enough about him to give him all the honor and space he needs.  I know that possibly tomorrow he will deny that he was moved, and that is ok too.  If he does it will remain unmentioned between us...but I hope that he realizes how honored I was to be there..to bear witness to how much he cares about what truly matters.

I believe in those who serve...the soldiers who protect and serve us all and this country.  I may not (and often don't) agree with the politics of Washington and the wars they foster and foment...but with those who are prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice?  I stand in awe.  I can say no more than that ..... t o offer you a 'civilian' satlute would be an insult so I don't...after all...I don't and can't know the depths of it ....so I won't pretend that I do.  I lost a cousin in Nam as well as a man who loved me.  I saw the men who came back...changed beyond belief.  I have a brother, cousins and nephews who serve and have served...so as small as it may seem....I DO have some idea of what those who serve here at home while their loved ones are over seas feel. 

My sister is dealing with her husband being deployed this day...I know how much she misses him (how much we all do - PLEASE stay safe Steve!!!) so again I say this....Bless each and every one of you!  As well as those you love and who love you.  We hold you in our prayers and dreams close to our hearts until time makes it so. 

Kate