Veteran's Day

Maybe a year ago, a number of friends told me about a signboard that had this: "Stop trying to make everyone happy; you're not tequila." I was the recipient of those mentions because, of course, after 20 years of not drinking the stuff, I have become a fan of it. Oh, not full shots, but I do like them, and I like sharing them with others....but only at their say so and their desired amount. I'm not a pusher, but a lover of the happy drink. 

This week, though, from that same signboard that had that, there was another one. This time the message was more serious but still spot on: 

"Live your life worthy of the sacrifice that made your life possible."

Knowing this is there for Veteran's Day, I've thought of my parents, both veterans of WWII, and, of course, one other in my life. It was the admonishment to me, though, to "live your life worthy," that has resonated with me. 

My parents were wonderful, caring, loving parents who did what they could for me and their community. Have I lived my life to honor their sacrifice, and all those who have served? I hope so.

The flag flying where "paying it forward" is exemplified

As a teacher, perhaps, I also think of others, people who haven't been as lucky as me, who haven't had parents who could give of themselves in ways to raise children who could understand that sacrifice given is sacrifice where one should 'pay it forward.' 

Veteran's Day is a day of remembrance but should also be a day to contemplate what we could do to make this world a better place. Veterans gave, or as one quote aptly summarizes, “All gave some, some gave all.” To honor those who served and gave of themselves, we need to think how we can serve to make our communities a better, more equitable, and more generous, understanding and loving place. 

For Today and Every Day