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For the love . . .

gratitude

Thank you

11 November, 2014 by moi 200911 Commenthttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.magpieandmuttonfly.com%2F2014%2F11%2Fthank-you%2FThank+you2014-11-11+07%3A00%3A15moihttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.magpieandmuttonfly.com%2F%3Fp%3D20091

Today, we celebrate our veterans.

It was President Woodrow Wilson who first proclaimed it Armistice Day:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” (November 11, 1919)

In 1945, it became a day to honor all veterans, whether living or dead, serving stateside or abroad, in times of war or of peace.

As for us, this year will be a bit more solemn. This year we’ll be preparing to say goodbye to two of our own.

The threat, you see, is never far removed.

And yet, they serve.

So to the men and women of the United States Army, Marine Corp, Nay, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve, we salute you. And we offer our deepest thanks . . .

veterans-day-pics-2014

Posted in: Greatness Tagged: gratitude

Those who serve

12 November, 2012 by moi

Yesterday, we celebrated our veterans. It was a day marked by parades and ceremonies, handshakes and salutes. For most of us (myself included), it was little more than a post on Facebook.

My grandfather was Army, my dad, National Guard; I have a cousin who served in the Navy and one who’s a Marine. I’ve worked alongside men and women from all branches of the military. A couple of the finest gentlemen I know are WWII veterans. They are but a speck in a sea of names and faces . . .

Boys who would become old beyond their years.

Black men and Japanese men who gave all to a country who gave nothing in return.

Men and women who endured physical and emotional strains of training.

Then stood faithful–whether pushing paper or fighting on the front lines.

They missed holidays and birthdays, BBQs and football games.

They gave their all for their country, for an affordable education, for a mission–or simply because their number was drawn.

Whatever the reason, they looked fear and death and destruction in the eye–so we might not have to.

How do we go about saying, thank you? One day of festivity does not seem quite enough.

So yes, as another 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month passes us by, let’s continue offering our gratitude to our veterans. Let’s find ways to take care of the families they leave behind; let’s support our troops upon their return. Let’s understand the issues, get involved, and strive to right wrongs–only then will we begin to offer a fitting tribute to all the sacrifices made.

Posted in: Greatness Tagged: gratitude

And we’re off …

7 July, 2009 by moi

Nothing like a little last minute packing to get you in the traveling mood – or make you want to puke.  One or the other.  Of course this has been my modus operandi for close to thirty years, so why stop now? 

As I type I’m surrounded by stuff that needs to go in the suitcase – with a prayer that it will some how lighten when packed.  The house has been cleaned, keys made, itinerary passed about, and the freezer is stocked with Skinny Cows (there’s got to be some sort of sweet compensation for having to watch the affairs of another while they are visiting abroad, I mean really!).  Once I post this, I’ll check-in and spend the rest of the day trying to prepare for an early morning flight.  For all intents and purposes, we’re on our way …

If you’re new to this site, you’re probably wondering what in the world?  Here’s the story:  my brother and his wife had a baby boy last November – my mom’s first grandbaby, and my first godbaby! Well, isn’t that nice, you say.  Yes and no.  You see, they live in Sweden.  SWEDEN!  Just when we were trying to figure out how we could pull our pennies together for a visit, the clinic my mom works for threw her a birthday party.  It was complete with a cake that read “Happy Birthday grandma Debbie,”  leather luggage tags, leather passport holder, a ticket to Sweden and over $900.  She cried for weeks.  Being the good daughter that I am I mocked her endlessly for her sensitivity.  Then I received a card with $800 from my co-workers and cried like a baby.    

So tomorrow, my aunt and uncle will pick us up at 3:45 in the morning to take us to the airport.  We’ll check-in luggage adorned with tags purchased by friends.  We’ll hand over  boarding passes that were purchased by friends.  We’ll use sanitzers and lavender hand lotion given by friends.   We’ll give gifts on behalf of friends. We’ll share meals and otherwise make an abundance of memories because of friends. 

So you see, this is no ordinary holiday.  It’s proof of just how big and good the hearts of friends can be.  If you’re one such friend, thank you.  There are no words to express our gratitude.  I’d love to take you all with me.  But since trying to sneak you in on my carry-on might pose a bit of a problem, I’ll do the next best thing – blog!

Posted in: Miscellany Tagged: gratitude, happiness

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Magpie & Muttonfly is the place where I write about all the things that make our stories grand. Emphasis on me, myself, and I. Any review or recommendation posted on this site is solely my own {unless otherwise noted}. Occasionally you will find a link to Amazon.com. An eternal window shopper, I only list items that strike my fancy. Any time you click the link and proceed to make a purchase, I get a wee referral fee. You will not be charged more--but once or twice a year I earn enough to purchase a tin of my favorite tea. So I do thank you for that!

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