Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

I hope you are all enjoying some downtime on the long weekend here in the United States.

The weather here has been so bi-polar. Overcast today, rainy tomorrow, and in the seventies next week. My poor water logged garden doesn't know what sunshine is. In my neck of the woods few are swayed by this weather as they head to the mountains and the desert sand for some R&R Rough-in' it and recreation)

My daughters have had to work or we might have taken a short road trip to a small town for lunch, or perhaps a drive down by the lake.

Last year I wrote a post about the true meaning of Memorial Day Holiday.

It certainly takes on a new meaning when you know someone in service. So many sacrificing for us every day.  With low pay and a rare day off for fun. So many Law enforcement, Military, Fire fighters, Secret Service, and so many others sacrificing so much for so little.

Three years ago, my three girls and I drove through nine states to pick my oldest and only son from his basic training camp and bring him home. He graduated on his eighteenth birthday. I was proud and nervous for him. He was a man.

He was also bursting with pride. So much pride he hardly wanted to change out of the uniform. On our three day trip home, it is all he wore. Proudly. No matter where we stopped people shook his hand. Strangers thanking him for his service. He was given many offers. Offers from a free lunch to some strangers own personal information and the promise to be there for my son, for anything, with just a phone call. I tried to hide my emotions. My son beamed.

Some people really GET IT. The sacrifice.

I could not be filled with more pride for my son and the man he has become. But as a mother, I cant help but be a little terrified inside too. Since that road trip, my son has served a tour overseas. He has slept in Hussein's palace. He has walked through Iraqi towns,  an M-16 over his shoulder searching faces for those most wanted.... And for now, he is here in the states, safe.

Some are not so lucky.

Please take a moment to reflect on those sacrifices as you lay safe in your bed.

Then I hope you take a moment to visit the resting spots of those who have gone before. Pick up the phone and call someone you have lost touch with who is still here. What a perfect day for reflection.

Thank you for reading.

Why I blog-

People who do not blog or have never even read a blog don't understand fully the depth of a blog.

I began my blog a couple years ago to tell my story. It didn't matter if no one commented on it or even read it. It was MY place. A place where I could write out my feelings much like a journal and memories I would like to keep forever in print. It has become so much more.

Blogging is a social community. A place to read about and possible help others. Some who may be fighting the same fight as you. Other single parents making their way through life's struggles and joy. Others who understand the challenge of dating as a parent. Others who may be facing challenges in their lives that may or may not be similar to your own. Others who have much advice and happiness to share.

I have been able to empathize with so many others in this virtual world. Made virtual friends who I may or may not actually meet face to face some day but who I would like to.

It is like a virtual 'Friends' coffee shop. Friends meeting at Central Perk to discuss life's intricacies. Most times without repercussion. It is a feel good place to be.

But then there are times it hits you hard in the heart. And you realize it is so much more than virtual. It is real. You follow some through battles too large to overcome.
Such is the case for a man I have followed from the beginning. He was one of the first blogs I read.

A Single father of two beautiful and young kids. He began his most recent blog near the same time as I began mine and in his post, he was just undergoing a biopsy. Which turned out to be malignant. It all started from a tiny mole found on his ear.

The past two years, I have followed the ups and downs of his story. His fear of doctors news, his anguish awaiting test results. His time with his kids. His dating life. He has had such a positive outlook on life no matter the struggle.

Yesterday September 18, 2010 his struggle ended. His words bring tears to my eyes.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I did my best."  


If you didn't get a chance to know Depot dad You missed knowing a great and courageous man.


There is a sadness in the blogging world today. RIP Jim. Peace to you and your young children. 

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.-Charles R. Swindoll _

Some facebook friends and I were discussing old times recently. Not old times in school or life, but old times with Disney and other movies. We discussed how we missed the old classic character acting in the old Disney movies such as Apple Dumpling gang and Marry Poppins.

Favorites like Donn Knotts and Dick Van Dyke.

After the discussion I turned on YouTube to watch some clips. It brought up some funny laugh to tears memorable clips from a lot of old classics.

And then I caught sight of a tribute to Don Knotts on his passing in 2006. And was moved to tears at the sight of hurt on Andy Griffiths face as he spoke of a lifelong friend he had just lost hours prior to the interview.

And then it brought to mind that kind of love. That strong lifelong love that I have with old friends and luckily with close and extended family members. That kind of love can get you through anything but can be so hurtful when lost. But knowing people and loving people that deeply gets you through the tough times. Even after they are gone.

Hold on to those relationships.
Lifelong friends you can laugh with, turn to, be your self around, tell your secrets to without fear of judgement, cry on, and hold when they need holding.

Under the magnetism of friendship the modest man becomes
    bold; the shy, confident; the lazy, active; and the impetuous,
    prudent and peaceful.                                                                         - William Thackeray_______

Another funny thing that occurred to me today while perusing the interweb... the similarities of these two photos. The only similarities I between the two shows is that they are comedies and single dads raising sons. But interesting the unintentional similarities...
Even Berta is a little like Aunt Bea.
But I found it funny--- and a sign of the times.

Hope you all have a wonderful long Labor day weekend and stay safe!

Welcome home son.

My son is on an airplane right now. He is headed home. It comes as such a relief to me.

He left last year, just before his twentieth birthday across the world to the hot deserts of Iraq.

This month he will turn 21. A true Adult. And he will be on US soil.

I wont get to see him, and hold him, and thank him and congratulate him as he will be still three states away.

But he will be safe. He will once again be under the safety of Uncle Sam's embrace. That safety that he has been fighting for.

If you see a soldier today. Thank him.

If his name badge says Green hug him.

Memorial Weekend

Growing up as a kid in Utah, Memorial weekend is the emergence of spring, the launch of the summer months, the end of the school year and families are on the move.

The highways are overcrowded as trailers, campers, Motor homes and boats head for the mountains, lakes and dunes to soak up the sun.
Stores cannot keep the picnic supplies stocked, campgrounds are full, and the docks of the lakes are bursting.
It is family time to be sure.

I remember many a memorial day Sunday taking flowers to the graves of lost family members, the beautiful colors covering the green lawns. A tradition I share with my own kids.









But after I was married many years ago, memorial took on a new meaning.
My second child and first daughter was just under one month old when her father saw her for the first time. He had been stationed in Germany for most of the pregnancy fighting for our freedoms in Desert Storm. Being a military wife is difficult i know first hand.


Not only financially and stressfully, but being without the one you love can be really trying. Women married to men who work long hours or travel often for business know how hard it can be juggling a family single handedly. Add to that the fear of the danger that so many enlisted are in. It is tough to explain to your young children why their parent has to go away and many times, you don't know for how long.

I cannot imagine the pain of explaining those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to their children.
My husband was only deployed for five months. We have been divorced for nearly thirteen years and he has not been active in nearly twenty but I feel for those who live with it everyday.

And now, I am a military mother. I have to say, I think it is even harder. No one wants to see their children hurt, or in danger. To me he is still a little boy. The one I made a commitment to protect. And now, he protects not only me but many many people given the low card in life. Many people torn from their homes and safety by dictators who should be protecting them. And many more who live in freedom every day. Many people who don't support or understand the sacrifices and the reasons.





I would like to dedicate this post to my ex husband, my son, and all of the thousands of enlisted men and women who fight in the trenches and deserts for me every single day.
And a second shout out to the many other men and women making sacrifices for our freedoms, safety and luxuries without a second thought.

Nurses, Doctors, Police officers, Fire fighters, miners, oil riggers, the list can go on forever. I appreciate you all. Be safe. You are all hero's.