COUNT YOUR BLESSING


Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday, which means a three-day weekend, and that turns the mind to family, fun, food, friends and, yes, golf.  I always love playing golf with my friends, but on long weekends the game seems especially relaxing and enjoyable.  I think it is because that extra day gives the mind a break from our routines.  Long weekends are routine busters.

I admit that I can’t wait to tee it up this weekend.  In fact, I am starting this holiday weekend on Friday, which means that if weather permits, I will play four rounds.  I feel very lucky and blessed to belong to a great club like The Kansas City Country Club.  I get to play on a wonderful golf course with a group of guys that is both compatible and good-humored.  That’s a win-win!

In the paragraph above, I used the words “lucky” and “blessed” in a very narrow context.  That is permissible as long as I remember that in the BIG PICTURE, I am indeed truly LUCKY and BLESSED.  I was very lucky to have parents that were loving and caring and saw to it that I got a great education.  And I am truly blessed to live in a country that is free and open to great opportunities. 

Americans have freedoms and opportunities because so many generations of men and women have been willing to go to war.  My father, for example, joined the Marines when he was 18 years old and served in the South Pacific during WW II.  He came home, but over 400,000 American men and women did not. 

According to History.com, “Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.  Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.”

Am I going to enjoy this long holiday weekend with family and friends?  Absolutely!  However, I will be counting my blessings and I won’t forget that Memorial Day is a serious holiday. 

As President Ronald Reagan said in 1983: “We are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.” 

Play Away!

Allan (My Index is still 9.4, but my trend is 9.8. Regardless, I will remain an 11 on my home course.)

 

 

 

 

 

 


2 comments


  • Ken Tuchtan

    Allan – thank you for all you do. As a resident of Maryland right outside Washington DC and northern Virginia, I often drive by the Cemetery you have a photo of – ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

    It’s hard to pass without thinking of the thousands that gave their lives to allow us the freedom and opportunity to live as we do.


  • Lynnly Busler Marcotte

    Allan, another excellent piece. Thank you for helping to remind us all what is really important. My grandmother Busler was born on 5/30. She was constantly reminding us that she was born on ‘Decoration Day’. She sweetly fussed when the Holiday officially became the designated Monday instead of on her birthday. My son and family will be tending the gravesites since I’m in Florida. It is a tradition. Gorgeous pic of Nancy and your gals!!! Lynnly


Leave a comment