MEMORIAL DAY 2024

Today is the day when we should take a deep breath and gain some perspective on what life in the United States is all about. As a society we have gotten so caught up in the whirlwind of juggling family, career, and activities that make up a typical day. We are stressed out by thinking we always have to strive to be the best at the things we do, have the nicest homes, most luxurious cars, and biggest titles. As we do our daily juggling act, we have to include being the best parent, child and sibling…..oh and don’t forget friend.

Unfortunately, many of us fall short of attaining those lofty goals. We land in a pool of stress – the stress of trying to succeed as well as the stress of falling short of accomplishing our goals. We tend to live on the surface of life, having totally forgotten how to look beyond the surface to what really matters: freedom!

Thanks to the men and women who chose to serve in the military and fight for our freedom we can have the right to pursue life, liberty and the happiness that goes along with it; the freedom of self-expression; the freedom from slavery, torture and discrimination; the freedom to pursue employment in a safe environment; the freedom to vote; the freedom to own property; the freedom of religious choice and so much more.

In exchange for these freedoms, our government only asks us, as citizens, to do two things: vote and serve on a jury! Our children are not expected, or rather required, to serve in the military for two years, or all children under the age of twelve are not the property of the government, as they are in some countries! We are so lucky!

Today is not a day that should be merely devoted to cookouts and gatherings! There should be a place of gratitude for all the Americans who lost their lives to protect us. We should take the time to thank the living heroes who served in the military because without their service our lives would be so compromised! As you celebrate, be the one to remind your family and friends that we would not have this holiday and the ensuing freedom if it weren’t for all the others who went before us to protect us.

As I contemplate the deeper meaning of this day, I would be remiss if I did not mention all the “heroes without capes” that we have in our lives. There is a wide range of people in our lives to support and protect us every day, to which we owe much gratitude, and unfortunately, they are often left unrecognized!

My thoughts immediately go to the policemen and firemen who serve us and who often risk their lives to save ours. I have been lucky enough to have traveled to some third world countries where, although they have police and fire departments, there is little expectation that they will provide the services needed to truly protect the village people.

Can you imagine where you would be if you had to rely solely on your neighbors to put out the fire if your home began to burn? Even if they felt safe enough to help stop the fire, they wouldn’t have the equipment to make any difference in battling the fire.

We have the reassurance that when we need help, it will be provided to us with no question! Whether we are ill, in the middle of a domestic dispute, our child is missing, or our home is on fire, we know that a simple phone call will bring others to help us. We will get help from highly trained men and women who recognize the importance of a timely response. “Timely” is not a word associated with the help provided in some third world countries!

Since we are talking about heroes, we need to think about all the family and friends who step up to the plate and help us at any cost. Think about how many parents who have completely changed their lifestyle to provide support to their children if they are ill or in need. They don’t think twice when their child is in need, they go into support mode and do whatever’s necessary to help their child, and they continue providing help as long as the child needs it. They don’t think about whether their freedom and privacy will be compromised. They are needed and they will comply.

Think about all the siblings that have readily reached into their pockets to provide financial support when their brother or sister needed help. They are committed to the special bond created by being part of a family.

If you are lucky enough to have been born into a family that subscribes to the one-for-all, all -for-one principle, you are blessed. Having the total support of family is invaluable and should never be taken for granted. So many people either have no family or are estranged from their families. They don’t have that sense of being supported in all situations. Today is a perfect day to celebrate family and all they do for us.

Another truly unsung and often overlooked set of heroes is the friends and neighbors who are there for us when we are troubled and feeling alone. It is a very special thing to have a friend who will spend time with you and say what you need to hear, or just say nothing and listen to you so that you can vent because you are frustrated.

There is a saying that friends are the family you choose. How lucky you are if you have a friend who knows and wants to support you in your time of need or grief. It is a very powerful expression of love when a friend comes to your aid to show you they support you.

In our frenetic world where so many people live surface lives, finding a true friend that shows you they have your back, no matter what, is truly a gift. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their loving support.

My memories of those to honor on Memorial Day are vast. One day a year to celebrate those who protect, love and support us is hardly enough. My hope is that I will practice honoring those people who have supported me and helped me to have my wonderful life, and I hope you will develop the same practice. I am a firm believer that the more we recognize and are grateful for the good we already have, the more good will come to us.

Let us all be grateful for the amazing people who have loved and supported us, and let’s not make them unsung heroes. Let’s spread the word about how amazing they are and how thankful we are for all they have done for us.

Happy Memorial Day!

As always, I’m rooting for you!

Angela I. Schutz

www.driventosucceed.net

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