remembrance

(AP photo)

"In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.- John McCrae, 1915 "

i understand that much of what i have has been by the grace of those who came before me
from my family
from people who were willing to sacrifice everything because they believed in something bigger than just themselves
and the opportunities and possibilities in my life are in some part owed to all of those who in some way entrusted us to live our best lives
and i thank them
and i try to express my life in a spirit of gratitude
and it is days like remembrance day
days like this
that i thank them...these veterans - their families, our family - my ancestors

i live a very blessed life