GOD, Country, Self

I am incredibly patriotic.  I cannot, and I mean CANNOT sing the National Anthem without crying.  Not tears, full on crying.

I don't know what makes someone decide to serve our country.  Patriotism, a future free education, an escape, the need for discipline, a stop gap or lack of no direction and a paid future.

Did you know you might actually serve, be deployed, fire your gun and die?  I have seen every movie (except Deer Hunter and Full Metal Jacket) and it is all the same at the end.  A mission, something challenging the mission and then the end.  

When I was married to Roc, we went to see Schindler's List.  He was generally skeptical, critical and "here we go again" type observer.  So when the movie got to the part of the red coat in the pile of an all black and white film, and he understood who had died, he walked out.  I thought he'd gone to the bathroom, but no, he was sitting in the car crying and contemplating.  I had no idea, but yet, I could't get it out of my mind.

Let's talk about  "Saving Private Ryan".  My father in real life, was Tom Hanks, right down to the job description.  Crazy.  I believe, every single high school student should be required to watch both of those movies.  

We are in the most desirable country in the world.  Yes we make mistakes.  Yes we are over priced and have and elevated opinion of our products.  We are free.  California is crazier than New York.  Idaho is amazing.  Mt. Rushmore with the flag lowering ceremony every night is a must.  Tears again, patriotism again.  National anthem, fuget about it.

Why are people so angry with our government?  Why do they say voting doesn't count?  Why do the "Mexican's" escape to our country to try and make it "look" like where they just escaped from?  Stop it.  Be proud.  Serve.  Take pride.  Appreciate what freedom has to offer and realize who made it happen.

African Americans, I'm truly sorry what our idiot forefathers did to you.  It's done, over and everyone and his brother has apologized for it.  We are in the now.  The 200 years in the future. I've seen the TV specials.  I've heard the speeches and I truly believe Martin Luther King Jr. was a modern saint.  Embrace it.  Quit reminding us.  Move on.

Back to the military.  You defend enemies abroad and in our own country.  You are judged, called names and expected to die.  I don't know what is deep within you.  Love of country, or no one would notice and care if you die.  I care.  I don't know you personally and it doesn't matter.  What I know is that I'm here, voting, wearing ridiculous clothing, paying taxes, saying what I wish without prosecution and making my own money because of you.  Thank you Abraham Lincoln for the first and most important battle. Thank you Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Thank you Ronald Reagan, thank you to all those represented in the Tomb of the Unknown soldier.

Quit blaming those before you. Accept the present.  Be accountable to the future.  Respect those that fight and defend.  Praise God.  Be respectful. Live.

A general thank you so some of my special peeps

Not like I need to say it, but in life - and who knows what that is all about anyway and why we are here? - we make a lot of choices. In the end, all hoping these decisions make us and/or someone else happy. I've lost a child, lost a marriage, made crazy financial decisions, been the oldest sister, a mom, aunt, friend and co-worker. I bought a classic car, bought and sold a house on my own, never graduated college, tried stand-up comedy, sewed my kids clothes, painted portraits, survived horrible health issues and at the end of it all, not a single family member, friend or loved one doubted or deserted me. I will continue to be the same to each of you, that you have been to me. I wish each and every one of you the ability to see the bigger picture and that's it's ok to draw a line in the dirt. Don't lower your standards or expectations. Alexis Carter, Maree Mitchell, Judy Threadgill-Jones, Gina Caldarone Arcaro, Jetta Wessel - to the grave with some of these things which all get grander with a glass of wine, more years in between and the hope that the generations that follow us will think we are grand. Talk loud, dance big, travel far, love, laugh and eat good food. By GOD, we've earned it.

Sammy the Great

This morning started like any other. DD making and bringing me coffee in bed and feeding the dogs. Sammy, my dog and Alexis Carter and Devin Caldarone's dog since Devin was in 2nd grade, he's 26 now, was her usual 18 year old self. We make her steamed white rice and ALPO everyday because it hurts to eat. She sphinxes in front of the kids doors protecting them even though she's deaf. The stories about this great family dog!!! When I lived at Red Hill next to the country club - she'd run thru the golf course stealing breakfast burritos off the carts of golfers. She'd swim in the pool while old men played chess. She was a helper to the guy that hosed off the carts and would keep him company. She fought off a pack of coyotes and protected our cat Dexter, who was her best friend. We tried to breed her (1/2 lab & 1/2 sharpei) for years. Then when she is 7 and I'd just bought the Red Hill house, that tramp went and got pregnant. To top it off, the first puppy of 6 was in trouble causing an emergency C-section and me ordering everything else removed. She had 5 living pups, Zeus who still lives with Roc. Tricks, trips, memories and love. Everyone who met her had their faith in owning an animal restored to "I want one just like her".

She let out a painful moan this morning after eating. Laid down on her bed and passed away. I was there, she wasn't alone and DD came right back to help me. Sad yes. She was loved, had the life of a Goddess and for pete's sake was about 126 years old in our time!!! Sammy - go find Dexter and a pool to swim in. I won't own another dog, you were it!