The Moments That Take Your Breath Away

I never thought I would be reduced to tears in a Best Buy store.  But it happened.  I was standing in the customer service line along with 4 or 5 other people and one man in military fatigues.  There was a little boy probably 2 years old in a camo jacket looking intently at the soldier.  Another man walked over to the soldier and shook his hand and thanked him for his service.  After seeing a lot of people behaving badly recently, this was a welcome change.  The little boy kept looking at the soldier and his Father noticed.  The Father says: "that's pretty cool huh?  The little boy shakes his head yes.  The Father then says "maybe we should shake his hand and thank him."  The  boy seemed a little timid so the Father shook the soldiers hand.  Then this little 2 year old walks up to the soldier and puts out his hand, never taking his eyes off of the soldier.  It was the most moving moment I have witnessed in a long time.  That was my Merry Christmas moment.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

I never really understood why there had to be a policy made like the military; "don't ask, don't tell".  What difference does it make???  If a person decides to join the military to help protect our country why should we care about their sexual orientation .  The only people that would care are the homophobes out there.  That is one phobia I have zero tolerance for.    If a gay person dies in the line of duty it is no less tragic or heroic than when a straight person dies.  Besides; "gay" and "straight" doesn't define a person.  It's who they are and what they offer to the world around them that matters.  Soooo GET OVER IT PEOPLE! Thank goodness the government finally did.

To Quote Ross Matthews on Chelsea Lately: "We're here, we're queer, and we do your hair!"  That guy is HILARIOUS!

Take A Moment And Think

We call Memorial Day a holiday. I'm not sure that is quite fitting. Holiday's conjure up feelings of festivities and relaxation. Most people look forward to Memorial Day as a three day weekend, and an excuse to have a party or cookout. Memorial Day is traditionally when swimming pools open up. It's kind of the unofficial start to summer. There is nothing wrong with all of that, as long as we remember the reason for the holiday. Memorial Day honors the men and women that have died serving our country in the military. If your life has not been touched by knowing someone that has died in a war, or even knowing someone in the military. It's easy to dismiss the fact that there is even a war going on. I do that sometimes because the fact that young boys and girls are dying in a foreign country away from their families is repulsive to me. The whole idea of war is barbaric. As evolved as we are, we still have to resort to violence to try and solve our differences. I do however support the military. I know it is necessary. Thank God we have Americans that are willing to do the right thing. I support the military efforts, but I don't have to like it. My Father, brothers and nephews have all served in the military. I have grown up with a respect for all of them. It's a different war now. Our current enemies don't fight fair. All the more reason to respect our soldiers. My family has been lucky. They have been wounded, but none have died serving our country. While you are celebrating this three day holiday, remember the families that weren't so lucky. Remember the soldiers that died alone and scared so that you are able to enjoy this "holiday." It's hard and it makes me sick to my stomach to think of the pain families go through in the name of freedom, but they deserve our thanks. We can endure a moment of sorrow thinking about it and showing respect. For the families touched by war, that moment lasts a lifetime.