Memorial Day, Memories & More…

“Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist ( 1803-1882)

With Memorial Day nearly upon us, often we are thinking summer, end of school and moving forward. What did it take for us to be able to think these things? It took direction, dedication and sacrifice. Thank you to all who left us with but their memory so that we could make more. Each chance you have to make memories, please think of it not as work, or just another day, rather as an opportunity created for you by a stranger to you, someone who came before you, and wanted his or her work, his or her day, his or her chance to make a difference to really count. Do more for yourself, your family, your company, your community, your country. Do it out of direction and dedication to honor such sacrifice. Do it because you want to do it, you know each person deserves a good memory, and do it because Memorial Day is once a year, but the concept, appreciation and attitude around it can live on each day! So, enjoy the sunny days, the graduations, and all that is summer. Thank you to all who serve and have served, and thank you especially now, to those who did not get to experience life after their service. You are all in our minds, our memories, and more…

Memories Worth Recalling

“Our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled.” - Jean Paul Richter, German Novelist and humorist, 1763-1825

With Memorial Day approaching, it is timely to speak of respect, service, sacrifice and memories. I respect and appreciate the effort and the sacrifice those who have gone before us to allow us to live in the freedom we have, and that is worth writing and sharing every chance we get with our national anthem and pledge of allegiance. Keeping those people, and that idea of appreciating what we have in mind, please do look back fondly and with gratitude, AND, additionally, remember to be intentional about creating memories now that will be worthwhile later.

It’s not often we hear of regrets of what was done, rather we hear much about the regrets of what was not done. Go out in your life, your world, with your family, friends, and/or team, and keep in mind that each day, you are making memories for tomorrow, and ask yourself “Is this something worthy of a fond memory?” Not everything or every act is magical or sacrificial, and yet the overall impact of an encounter, project or activity can be.

So on the eve of this year’s Memorial Day, I honor and thank those we are not here so that we can be. And, I wish you intentional and enjoyable memories that you can relive in your hearts and minds often!