Transitions and the last Monday in May

Summer is finally here.

For some of us it came a little early, but for our friends up north; it could not have come soon enough.

Funny thing, it came. It always does, because that’s just how things work.

Seasons are one of the few guarantees we have in life. Spring leads to summer and autumn lead to winter.?Days become nights, nights become days, and off we go, one transition after another.

Some transitions are more predictable than others, and some last longer than the rest. In Atlanta, we are one of the only city's in the world where you can experience all 4 seasons in a single week. Yet, we still look forward to the changes we have grown to expect.

Transitions can be fun when you imagine them as you want them to be.

If you know they are coming, you plan, make arrangements, and even have a party here and there. It is fun to celebrate change, especially when you know the outcome and expect the results. Around the world, kids are graduating from high schools and universities this week, and that’s fun. Parties, banquets, speeches and toasts, all geared to celebrate a predictable end and a new beginning.

Transitions, are fun, or at least they should be.

Memories are made in transitions, some good and some sad. We like to reminisce on what got us here, and how we made it happen. Life is full of ups and downs, so when we have a moment to reflect, it helps if we allow the happiest of times a front row seat in our memory’s celebration feast. It’s much more pleasant to remember the best of times, but we always need to pause and remember the “other times” as well.

Those “other times” are what we would like to forget.

Those “other times” were when we hurt the most.

Those “other times” when we felt lonely and lost.

It is from there, the “other times” prior to the transition, that we learn who we really are. It is there, where we learn life’s biggest lessons, and where our hearts break with the loudest tears.

Next Monday is special; it is the last Monday in May.

It is a day we purposely choose to pause and celebrate the “other times” and the lost moments we would like to forget.

Next Monday is a precious day.

Next Monday is a sacred day.

Next Monday is Memorial Day.

For a lot of people, Memorial Day is a celebration that officially starts the summer season. The grills are fired up, boats are back in the water, and kids all smiling knowing school is soon coming to an end.

That’s the way it should be and that’s how those we memorialize would want it.

As we get lost in our summer celebration, many people fail to understand what Memorial Day is all about. They believe it is a day to honor everyone who served in the armed forces.

That’s nice, but it is wrong. We honor all those who have served our nation on Veterans Day. Memorial Day is something completely different.

Memorial Day is set to honor those who “died” while serving in the armed forces.

“Died” while serving our country.

“Died” while protecting our freedom.

“Died” while you and I slept safely in our beds.

“Died” so we could celebrate.

“Died” so we could transition once again.

Memorial Day is for those who gave us everything they had to give, even their lives.

As many of you know, I have a special place in my heart for everyone who serves our country. I try my best to honor them every day, and do whatever I can to support them.

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My morning's usually begins with a routine. It’s the same one I have had for 20+ years, and I don’t anticipate much to change in the years ahead. I love to start the day right. I am in the gym at 0445, ride for 20 miles #peloton, enjoy coffee, watch a documentary about something I know nothing about, read 3 or 4 newspapers, and take a deep breath before I eagerly go to work by 0745.

I read a lot every morning and enjoy it. From the British and European papers to the Southeast Asian news, it’s fascinating to know the world was awake last night. Many times, I get text updating on a variety of things I am tied to and need to know.

Sometimes, I don’t like what I read. Like that day 4 years ago when I first heard the news.

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This year’s Memorial Day will be special for me as we honor someone I knew and respected.

Sergeant First Class Christopher A. Celiz

Chris was recently honored as a recipient of the country’s highest recognition of valor – The Medal of Honor.

https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/celiz/

He was a U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life defending the world in the Global War on Terror. He was on his 5th deployment when he was killed on 12 July, 2018. He was 32 years old and is survived by his wife and young daughter.

I attended Chris’s funeral in Savannah Georgia that year with countless others who were touched by his commitment to serving and loving everyone he met.

For the US Army Rangers and those who lost loved ones serving our country, every day is Memorial Day.

At the Ranger Memorial in Savannah Georgia, the following words from Abraham Lincoln are inscribed at the entrance:

“That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

?Just below the list of fallen soldiers, the following is inscribed for all to see:

Greater love has man than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.?John 15:13

So.

Next Monday, when the sun and fun of the celebration is here, please, please, please... enjoy every second of it.

Next Monday, when the kids are playing and you welcome the transition of another season, please enjoy every second of it.

Next Monday, when you are with your family, friends, and neighbors, please enjoy every second of it.

Enjoy every second, please live your life to the fullest because that is what Chris and those who went before him would want you to do.

That’s why they did it.

That’s why they gave their all.

They did it for you.

Here’s all I ask that you do.

Next Monday, pause when you have a moment of peace, lift up a glass of thanksgiving and say a simple toast. Something like this:

“Here’s to Chris, and all those who came before him, and here’s to those many more who will one day lay down their future lives for us all. Whether we know you or not, now and forever more, we are your friends.”

Honor them with your thoughts.

Honor them with your lives.

Honor them with your joy.

Honor them with your transitions.

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A special thank you to my friends, Raye, Yuma, Brett and all the others - RLTW – I love you all.

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Written By: Don Barden

#RLTW #medalofhonor #perfectplan #donbarden #chrisceliz #suaspontefoundation #memorialday #transitions #leadership