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I Wonder

I wonder if you’ll ponder throughout the war-torn day

if anyone is thinking of you in a loving way.

I wonder if you’ll doubt whether people really care

that you’re fighting for our breath of glorious freedom air.

I wonder if you’ll hope when awakened with a start

if someone can relate to the trembling in your heart.

I wonder if you’ll understand decisions others choose

should they be walking enemy lines in your battle shoes.

I wonder if you’ll sense when danger blocks your goal

that someone has been praying for the safety of your soul.

I wonder if you’ll question when your service there is done

whether people will be thankful when the war is won.

*

Americans are grateful. We see your sacrifice.

Your courage and decision to pay our freedom’s price.

We wonder if you’ll comprehend, we too can’t sleep at night.

We’re fretful of the battles, and pray you’ll be all right.

We wonder if you’ll recognize, we cherish all you do–

making this commitment–we’re truly proud of you.

May God protect our troops, and the red, white, and blue.

You are America’s best, the brave and the true.

 

 

 

 

This being the last week in October, there isn’t much time left to enjoy the autumn colors and cascading leaves.

I had the opportunity to take a walk at the local nature center and snapped a few photos along the way.

If you haven’t had a chance to breathe in some cool, crisp air, or feel the crunch of leaves under your feet, try to make time.

Our lives get so busy that we often fail to enjoy the simple things that bring great pleasure. Sunshine kick-starts our immune system with Vitamin D, fresh air gives our lungs a boost, and a brisk walk lowers blood pressure. Not to mention how the beauty of God’s creation calms our souls.

Which road would you like to travel on this week?

 

 

Last year, my master gardener friend Becky gave me a blackberry lily plant. She included a root starter with my gift. The plant grew well in the perennial garden I have on the south side of my garage.

I neglected the bed for a few weeks in September, but when I checked on my flowers, I noticed blackberries replaced the blooms. I contacted my friend to see if the clusters of berries were food for the birds. She informed me they were seeds.

I purchased some blackberries for eating this week and noticed how much the lily cluster seeds resembled real berries.

              

I love my flowering lilies and plan to start my own this coming spring. I would like to share them as Mother’s Day gifts.

I cut the stems and will store the clusters of berries in a dry area until planting time.

Here are a few tips for sowing your own blackberry lilies.

1. Sow seeds in seed starting containers and cover with 1/4 inch of soil.
2. Transfer to 3-inch pots when seedlings are easy to handle.
3.  Grow approximately 6 weeks before planting.

Enjoy!

 

I recently attended my 50th year class reunion. It’s the third one I’ve been to since I graduated from a large city school in 1969.

I shared my fun experience with friends and family and suggested they attend their next reunion. Some said they planned to, but others didn’t believe they would.

GO!

There isn’t much change to see in early reunions, but by the time the 50th rolls around, we’ve had a lifetime of experiences and growing.

Without name tags, I wouldn’t have recognized many classmates. I’ve kept in contact with one of my “best friends” but other than bumping into a classmate at the grocery store or event, high school remains a memory.

Throughout the years, we married, divorced, moved away, dedicated ourselves to careers, children, grandchildren, lost loved ones, and became a bit more humbled.

Many of the “cool kids” actually remembered me and distributed warm and caring hugs. “Weren’t you?” seemed to be a common phrase, and “do you remember teacher so and so?”

Our hair was dyed, natural, or gone. Some of us limped to the buffet line or slipped on reading glasses.

I heard about travels, volunteer work, mission areas, and how their lives have changed throughout the years.

Along one wall were pictures of classmates that we’ve lost. I had planned to talk with several old friends who are now gone. One particular guy jumped the fence at the outdoor drive-in movie and hopped into the backseat of my car where my twin, two best friends, and I were viewing the show. I remember we squeezed together in our little Rambler and talked and laughed the whole time. I never got to share this with him. We need to take time today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I left well before the stroke of midnight, and mentioned if God willing, I’d see them at the 55th class reunion.

So, if you’re wondering reunion or not. Make it a YES!