Tuesday, May 27, 2014

a belated tribute

I recently asked someone if everyone writes in their heads.
As you're walking and sitting, and going about your day
do phrases and thoughts form into sentences and paragraphs
just flowing through your mind.

Because they do for me.

Back when I worked as a documentary producer and then reporter
if I was working on a bigger project that was more in depth I would wake
to realize scripts were forming in my sleep.
The perfect chain of words painting a picture of thoughts.
And I'd have to grab a paper to jot them down.

This friend said, "No, that doesn't happen to everyone."

So I guess it isn't a common every day occurrence.

Because I think I'm in my mind a lot.
Thinking, and praying, and writing these scripts meant for no one
else but me.  Is this weird?  Please tell me you do this too?
But if you don't that's ok too.

Because as I think and silently write, things are working their
way through me, and I believe God is using it to strengthen
me and grow me, and teach me.

And more is making sense.

Epiphanies and realizations and dots connecting.
And out of all of this I find a boldness is building in me.
And a freedom I personally hadn't known before.
I know much of this is probably confusing.
But just know that it is good.

It is just good.

I could go down a whole rabbit trail now.
But back to Memorial Day!!!

For now I want to pay a delayed tribute to our country's heroes.
To the service men and women who sacrifice so much,
their very lives for us to have freedom.

My dad was a navy fighter pilot in Vietnam.  And 45 years ago
this week, knowing the risk that he may not come home he
called my mom during a break (it's called something more formal
than that, but I'll call it a small break) and asked if she'd meet
him in Japan so that they could be married.  My mom being a
flight attendant hopped on a plane and before my dad's squadron
they became man and wife.


Some of his friends weren't able to return to begin their families.
And I don't take it for granted that there is a huge sacrifice 
military families make in serving our country.  
And for that I want to say a very indebted thank you.


To celebrate our freedom and what feels like the official kick off to summer we
battled the crowds to play on the beach.  

It was a beautiful day to breathe deeply the sea air,
to uncover treasures,

to chase the waves, 
and listen to the laughter of childhood innocence, 
but most importantly to honor the brave
and give thanks for our freedom.





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