Memorial Day

Last Memorial Day, I was pondering how to really honor the day. This year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to at least, in some small way, pay tribute. My wife and I joined the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts at Rosecrans National Cemetery for a ceremony in which the boys and girls place flags on each of the grave sites there. For one thing, it was quite an experience to be among so many people there to honor the fallen. Secondly, it was rather spectacular to see how quickly thousands of flags get placed so quickly on all the graves.
It was a time to pause and give a quick "Thank you" to those who fought for our freedom and especially to those who gave their lives trying. It doesn't matter whether you are pro or anti war, what political affiliation you have, this is a day to pay tribute to those who gave up their tomorrows so that you could have yours.

Mid-life Crisis

I'm approaching that age when some men go through a mid-life crisis. I was reflecting on my situation, and wondering if I am going through one. However, I think mine is a little different than a typical man's mid-life crisis. For example, usually the guy will go out and buy a $50,000 sports car. I want to buy a $400 Xtracycle so I can do away with a car. During this time, men usually want to do away with their family obligations - leave the wife and kids, maybe hook up with a younger female, or whatever. I am planning and looking forward to doing more things with my wife and kids. My kids are getting to the age where things like going camping, hiking, and biking would be real fun. Both me and my wife are getting more involved with the kids in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. I could not imagine walking out on them now (or anytime). So, maybe I am going through some sort of crisis. Maybe a reverse mid-life crisis?