Memorial Day: Honoring the Brave

Memorial Day | via Chandara Creative

As I read news reports surrounding the recent string of political turmoil in Thailand with the military junta barring further dissent against its coup, and hear how anti-nationalist sentiments, especially those against their revered King are banned in that country, I am reminded that the freedom we enjoy today--the freedom that so many of us take for granted because we feel privy to them--do not exist in so many parts of the globe, and they certainly do not exist without the sacrifices of our brave men and women who defend our country.  So, on this day, as families all over America gather together for a day away from work, let us remember the real reason for this holiday, and let us never forget the honorable men and women who sacrificed everything for us on this Memorial Day. 

Celebrating My First Mother's Day

It is my first Mother's Day. It is 4:17 am and I've just finished nursing my son, who at 13 weeks, miraculously sleeps through the night in 4-5 hour intervals. And that, my friend, is the best Mother's Day gift of them all.

Wow. It seems all too surreal that the day would come when I would pen these words, and feel incredibly happy doing so. And while I realize that not every night will be like tonight, and that motherhood will not remain free from blemishes, there is one thing I know for sure: mothers are the true healers of this world. The past 3 months have been the most challenging, but the most life-changing and truly rewarding moments. Seeing the compassion that mothers have for one another has been uplifting for my spirits as I attempt to navigate this new vessel--from the emergency texting and Facebook messaging for advice on how to conquer the perils of breastfeeding to witnessing a mother soothe an inconsolable child whose screams ring through the crisp night air, I am in constant awe of the healing powers of the moms in my life.

Our sacrifices run deep, but then, so does our love for our children -- little people who provide us with a recurring reminder of what it means to live with our hearts beating outside of our bodies each and every day we share with them (Thank you, Vickie). And to that, I honor you...Happy Mother's Day!