Freedom Is Never Free

Memorial Day was born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.  One hundred years later in 1968 the date was moved to the last Monday in May allowing for the three day weekend (www.usmemorialday.org).

Arkansas National Cemtary

Currently it seems, that for many, Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer. It's a chance to head to the lake for the first time, gather with family and friends for cookouts or even shop one of the holiday weekend sales. While all those things are good and should be valued in some degree, I worry that they can also serve as distractions.

My Grandfather-US Navy

Both of my grandfathers served in the military. One was a pilot in WWII. He didn't talk about his service until I was much older.  It took me by surprise to hear that he was a war veteran let alone a pilot. The other was a Master Sergeant in the Army. Unfortunately he passed away when I was only five. I remember him and the crew cut he always wore. He was my mom's father and we were very close to her family. As a young girl I remember going to the cemetery every Memorial Day to place flowers on his grave. There were flags everywhere, each with significance. It was somber and beautiful at the same time. I believe this experience had a lot to do with the strong sense of patriotism I have always had.

The boys at the WWI Memorial 

Now as a mother of two young men, I have tried to educate them on what our military has done and continues to do for us. We have visited memorials, like the one here in Kansas City dedicated to World War I,  National World War I Museum and national cemeteries.  We have participated in volunteer opportunities that benefit veterans, the Make it Count Today 5K is near and dear to our heart. They remove their hat for the National Anthem and they respect our flag. I've taught them that the freedom we have did not come free. Our military and their families have served and sacrificed greatly for it. They have seen this first hand through the experiences of families we know.

Traveling Vietnam Memorial

Make it Count race 2014

Throughout our history we as citizens have not always agreed on how to handle conflicts effecting our nation's security.  Sides are split on military funding and ground troop numbers. The ability to disagree with our neighbors or even our government is one of the things that make this country great. However, I think we can all agree on one thing. Our men and women in uniform deserve our unconditional support, our respect and our prayers.

Our family will participate in some of the typical Memorial Day activities. As we do, we will take time to remember why we have this three day weekend, beginning of summer, cookout-filled holiday in the first place. I hope you and your family will do the same.

Music Matters

Snow Day concert

 I am not a musician or a vocalist and I don't really understand the technical side of music, but do understand it's power. 

 I think most people would agree that music has had some affect on their lives. It creates memories and has the ability to bring you back to a specific place and time. It invokes emotions of all kinds and it allows a healthy avenue to express them. I rarely get through our National Anthem or a set of good worship songs without a few tears in my eyes. When meaningful words are placed together with great music the impact is much greater then the words alone.

Father - Son duet

Music can also serve as a refuge and a source of comfort.  I have seen this play out in my life time and time again. In junior high, my sisters and I spent most of our Saturdays listening to Casey Kasem's Top 40 count down. Our family had gone through huge changes at that time, but the music was something constant and predictable and we all needed that.  My husband is a musician and I have seen him play his guitar as away to relax. During his mom's battle with cancer and her eventual passing his music was therapeutic for not only him, but for me too.


Music creates bonds. As I mentioned my husband plays guitar and piano as well. We have spent countless hours listening to music and going to concerts together. He has taught me a lot. He has exposed me to all types of music, some of which I would have never sought out on my own. He has helped me really listen to a song and hear the little things that you don't really notice, but would miss if they weren't there.  Music is ageless and will be something we can enjoy all of our lives.

A boy, his dog and his guitar

We have passed the love of music on to our boys. Kellan plays guitar and ukulele and listens to all types of music. He enjoys discovering new artists to listen to and frequently sends us texts about his latest find. He is a big fan of singer-song writers and enjoys the lyrical side of music.Owen sings all of the time, I honestly don't think he can help himself and we are perfectly OK with that. He has an amazing voice for a 15 year old. He also recently taught himself to play the piano. They both have natural music ability like their dad. I on the other hand, not so much.  The boys are at an age where we are able to take them to concerts as well. It has been fun to watch them see some of their favorite artists live and to share that experience with them. We hope to continue doing that as long as they are willing to hang out with us!


I saw this t-shirt on American Idol, at the time all I could read was Music Matters.Turns out is was a advertisement for a brand of guitar and actually read "When Your Music Matters". None the less, those two words resonated with me. Music does matter. It matters a lot. We are lucky to live in a school district that believes this too. Owen has had some incredible opportunities having been a part of the high school choir and musical. In a time when budgets are tight and opinions maybe split about funding the arts, I am grateful for that.

I have no doubt that music will continue to matter to me in a variety of ways.  I look forward to taking my seat in the audience weather in a large venue, a high school auditorium or in my own living room.