National POW/MIA Recognition Day

While I’ve never been in the military, I have had many family members who were and many friends who are/have been. Supporting those who protect us has been a special part of our family legacy.

I remember when I was young, my Dad wore a POW/MIA bracelet. As I recall, it was a silver bracelet with the name of a soldier engraved on it in block letters with a star sticker. I was fascinated by what it meant to wear that bracelet as he explained its significance to me.

I wanted a bracelet too so that I could pray for this soldier to come home, to be found and reunited with his family. Even back then at a tender age I believed in the power of prayer with fervent hope.

Unfortunately, neither my soldier nor my Dad’s were ever found as far as we know and in the shuffle of many moves, I don’t even know where the bracelets are. But I distinctly remember wearing the bracelet and its significance to me.

I have attended military functions and said a prayer for those who weren’t able to be there with us. The solitary candle lit by the empty place setting in remembrance for them always brought tears to my eyes for that symbolism.

So today I ask that you take a moment to remember the POW’s and those who have gone MIA (Missing In Action) and have never returned home to their families. It is heartbreaking for me to imagine not knowing what has happened to your loved one.

God Bless and Shine On!

xo

Memorial Day

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.  It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

– Arthur Ashe

I shan’t wish you a Happy Memorial Day for as a friend who is in the military reminded me, it isn’t a happy day.  It isn’t about picnics, nor getting a day off from work.  It is about remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to live in this country.  It is about those who survive, but still have limitations from their service time.  It is about serving others because you believe in our nation.  It is about honoring those who have passed.

So today please take a moment to send peace and love to all those who have passed and to those who have given of themselves to serve our country.  It saddens me that we have lost so many souls in a collection of unrest in our world.  Let’s say a prayer for peace today and remember all those for whom this day is in remembrance.

Shine On!

xo

 

All Soul’s Day

Today is All Soul’s Day which comes on the heels of All Saint’s Day and Halloween which is also known as the Day of the Dead.  Having quietly celebrated my Dad’s birthday yesterday 2 years after he passed, I realize the importance of such a day of remembrance.  I was unable to write a fitting post yesterday so I guess today’s is good enough.

Today I ask you to remember those whom have passed in your life.  Those souls who have passed away in death and those who have passed out of your life but who are still living ~ for each soul who touches your life has a story and a gift for you.  It is up to you to see that for yourself, to accept the gift and to acknowledge it.  You also give a gift to those with whom you have connected and it is your choice in what gift you leave behind in your wake.  (yes, wake, pun intended).

I had a stormy relationship with my Dad.  For a long time after his passing, I was unable to think of his presence in my life as a gift.  I turned away from the loving thoughts that would have healed my hurting soul.  Anger, resentment and frustration at choices made, situations experienced and life itself ate me up in my heart.  I tried very hard to forgive and forget but it wasn’t until I was ready to release the massive black hole that I came to accept him as he was, flaws and all.  And in accepting him, I was able to see that I was accepting myself.  Geez if I had only not wasted so much time in turmoil, but then my lesson took longer than I expected.  I’ve learned that lessons come in the right time when we are ready to learn.

We have a life here filled with choices that by our free will, we are divinely guided, when we listen with our hearts.  Please take a moment today to listen to your heart ~ fill up your heart with love, light and hope; warm yourself with Divine Guidance; see the good in all people; trust your soul; bless those in your life (past and present) and accept each soul’s gift with gratitude for the experience and beauty that is present in all presence.

Rest in Peace Dad.

Shine On!

xo

 

 

I Will Remember You…

 Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.

~ Mitch Albom

What is it you remember about your loved ones who have passed?  How is it that you want to be remembered when it’s your turn?  I recently heard that you are only remembered for 3 generations after you die.  As it was explained to me, your friends and family remember you, the generation below you (your children) remember you and perhaps their children remember you (or at least remember hearing stories about you) and if you are so lucky to have the generation before you still living, perhaps they will remember you.

It seems sad, don’t you think to be forgotten so quickly.  So how is it that you can be remembered?  I love the quote above from one of my favorite authors.  Love.  Be love.  Touch hearts, minds and people with your goodness.  Golly, imagine if our wealth was measured by how much we loved and how much we were loved.  Wouldn’t our lives, our planet and our world change for the better?

How amazing would our existence be if we all just strive for love!

You are love.

Shine On!

xo