Big brothers...

Seventy years ago today, the world changed for my mom and dad when my brother was born.  They didn't know it then, of course, I was still 11 years away from making my own appearance, but the world changed for me that day, too, because I would get to be his little sister.  And what a lucky little sister I am.  Because my brother is really special.

It is well with my soul....

I am a musician, and I love almost all music.  I play piano, I sing, and I am in a band.  I am not a musical snob - I  will play or sing almost anything, as long as it has a tune, and I will probably find something to enjoy about it.

For example, I often listen to contemporary Christian music, and even sing it on a regular basis.  The message is usually simple but direct, and I like that.  Faith is complicated.  Sometimes it is nice to have a simple concept to draw on.  But I wonder...  will these songs still be sung in five years?  Do they, sometimes, lack substance?

World's Best Dad...

Each year on Father's Day, I feel the mixed emotions of love and loss.  Even after all these years, I still feel the love of my father as fresh as if it were yesterday that I last saw him.  He remains firmly in my heart, and no amount of passing time will ever change that love.

But I still miss him every day, in a million little unspoken, even unrecognized ways, as most people who have lost their father do.  You don't always think about it when you are missing someone.  You simply miss their presence in your life.  The unanswered questions.  The knowledge that never got imparted.  The life story you didn't get to share.  The years that you wanted but didn't get to have.  It is a significant loss, and one from which you will move forward, but never entirely beyond.

Freedom...

Today is the 75th anniversary of D Day.  On a day such as this, words are easy for me.  I could say a lot about the value of freedom, especially to speak negatively about our government when I disagree with the direction it is taking, or even to single out particular politicians with whom I disagree.  I think the First Amendment was a brilliant moment for our founding fathers, and this political freedom of speech is something I deeply cherish, perhaps more than any other right we have.

But today is not for political discussion.  Today is for remembering those who were willing to sacrifice everything for each of us to have the freedom we have, to liberate those who were suffering under a regime of hate and cruelty, and who took risks I would not want to bear in order to make the world a better place.

Today I remember those who fell on that awful day, and their families.  I am grateful for the sacrifice you made.

And today, I remember those who survived, and who have lived with the memories of that day ever since.  I am grateful for the sacrifice you made.

Freedom comes at great price.  I will never forget.  Thank you.  It is inadequate, but it is all I have.

Gone too soon....

I have been thinking a lot today, because it was the birthday of my youngest cousin, who would have been 53 years old.  She left this life much too soon, after a long battle with breast cancer, and my heart is still breaking with the loss.  She was irreplaceable in my life, as is everyone I love, and I miss her like crazy.  There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled, even as I have moved forward.