My World With Words

I had such high hopes for this holiday weekend. There was so much I thought I could get done. Instead, I spent most of the time knitting and watching TV. I did get to church, which given the weather was iffy, and I did get a few things done around the apartment, like vacuuming and laundry.

Now, part of the reason I couldn’t get everything done was so much was closed due to the holiday. The recycling center and the thrift shop were both closed on Monday, and that was really the far better day to drop stuff off. Not because Saturday morning wasn’t an option, but it’s usually so busy at both places. Plus, I did get my grocery shopping done on Saturday, and doing all three things just isn’t going to happen.

Because my car is so small, I only have room for groceries, recycling, or donated items, not all three or even two at once. The grocery store is close, but the other two are a bit of a distance, and in opposite directions from each other. So you can that logistically, it takes some strong motivation to get it all done. And I don’t have that kind of motivation.

Besides, the weather was not cooperating. There were thunderstorms off and on, and I avoid going outside when lightning is striking. We had a strike hit the building across the parking lot from me last year, and that was enough to keep me inside whenever I hear a crack and a rumble.

I am, however, grateful this Memorial Day weekend was not like last year’s. On Sunday morning of the holiday weekend last year (and by morning, I mean 1 a.m.) seven tornadoes hit our county, four F3s and three F2s. That’s a lot of terrible damage, and I know of several people still cleaning up after it a year later.

I’m grateful for so much this Memorial Day. Grateful the weather wasn’t too bad, grateful no one I knew was killed or seriously hurt last year, grateful I can rest and relax and know the tasks will get done in good time.

But most of all I’m grateful to the men and women who died fighting for freedom and liberty. Their sacrifices enable so much in my life. As I was writing this, some Mormon missionaries came to my door. While I don’t share all that they believe, we each have the freedom to express our faith without fear of retribution.

I pray those freedoms never go away.

Image Credits: Header (Memorial Day) © Ilja–stock.adobe.com; Small Car © Diclonius–stock.adobe.com; Lightning Bolt © Andi–stock.adobe.com; Grateful © Handini_Atmodiwiryo–stock.adobe.com; Remember and Honor © Stafeeva–stock.adobe.com