For me, Memorial Day is one of the most important dates on the calendar. It is a day of quiet reflection and of respect for those who have gone before. It is a day of gratitude to those who have sacrificed so bravely to assure our freedom. But it is also a day to celebrate the blessing, the amazing gift, of having known and loved, and been loved by, many special people and, yes, special animals.
Today, indeed every day, I remember. I give thanks. And I ask myself–what do I want to be remembered for, when my time comes? (Keeping in mind, of course, that most of us will be forgotten sooner or later.) I bet you think I’d choose my books, or my modest successes, etc. I hope people will smile when they think of me. I hope they will remember a time when I was kind of them, when they needed to talk and I listened, when we laughed or cried or prayed together. If, on some hopefully distant day, when I am gone, my name comes up, and one person says, “That old lady was good to me,”, I will not have lived in vain.
May you remember your loved ones with joy today. May you honor them, not only with flowers and tears, but with joy and gratitude as well. You have loved and you have been loved, and there is no greater accomplishment.
On a lighter note, we’re beginning a new contest today, as promised. Comment, and you are entered. Two winners will be chosen at random, notified, and sent autographed copies of ONCE A RANCHER.
Today’s random fact: I’ve just discovered the wonders of polenta. Would you believe it’s a Weight Watchers power food??? I absolutely love the stuff. What’s your favorite healthy food/recipe? Please share. 🙂
Lastly, what I’m reading/listening to: INFINITE QUEST, by John Edward. I’ve also enjoyed: THE HAPPY MEDIUM, by Kim Russo, OUTSIDE THE LINES and HEART LIKE MINE, by Amy Hatvany, SISTERS AND LIES, by Bernice Barrington, and ONE MORE DAY, by Kelly Simmons.
More tomorrow. Or the next day. 🙂
About Linda
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West.
Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
