Today I had the pleasure of spending time on a school playground (covered - how nice on a hot summer's day!) with three friends and four little ones. As I observed the children (ages: five, three, two and barely two) climbing, falling, laughing, sliding and busily living life, I could clearly "see" traces of their parents in them - physical traits, personality traits and distinct behaviors. How I wish I could rewind and watch my children playing at a very young age. Would I see snippets of myself and Bo? Did I miss that when they were small? Can my friends see the wondrous miracle of their mannerisms reflected in their children? I left the playground with a smile in my heart...There is something quite special about easy conversation among friends surrounded by the joy of young children investing all of their energy, focus, and physical strength in pure play. Life is good.

Thinking about courage

July 4th...It always leaves me with an intense feeling of patriotic pride in being an American. Jeff, a major in the Marines, arrived in Afghanistan a few days before this year's holiday. He took over command of a group of men that in his words “are engaged in a very complex, dynamic fight.” Jeff, the brother of our son-in-law, is part of our family now, so we think of him many times daily when he is in harm's way...thankful for his commitment...thankful for God’s protection over him...thankful for the wisdom that guides him... You would like Jeff. He is a kind-hearted, determined man of fierce courage. I love talking with him and hearing of the things he has seen through his travels in the military. He just finished serving as the Aide to the Commandant of the Navy, so he has been around the globe a few times. His heart is with the common people worldwide. My favorite thing about Jeff is how he brings each person he speaks with in America to an awareness of the blessings we have every single day...food, clothing, shelter, no fear of terrorists storming into our homes, knowledge that our sky and land are guarded...things we take for granted... yet we only rest at night in peace because of Jeff, Justin, Shannon...men and women courageously sacrificing their safety and time with their families to keep us all a bit safer from the terrors that abound...July 4th...What a great day to celebrate the joy of being an American...Please keep Jeff and our military around the world in your thoughts...