“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” Thomas Campbell

Happy Memorial Day!

I’ll make this short as you may have parades to attend, barbecues to host, or a date with an iced tea in your backyard this afternoon.

Early this morning I was talking with a young physical therapist who I‘ve come to know over the last year. We got to talking about Memorial Day.

I knew from previous conversations that we both have fathers who have served in the U.S. Army and in war.

Today she shared that her father had several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. At 54 years old he now suffers from PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Our fathers were fortunate not to have paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. But like so many who we honor today, the things that they did changed the trajectory of their lives, our country — and our lives.

It is in these moments I think about how connected we all really are. How united we are to those even from previous centuries. For what we’ve learned from history is so often one decision — one brave action — would have changed everything.

It’s the Butterfly Effect at work.

Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to take a step back and remember those who have played a part in creating the life we enjoy.

Remember the fallen. Thank those who served — and also savor the moments you have with each other today, knowing lives were sacrificed for us to enjoy them.

May we relish the goodness today, no matter what form it takes. May we linger in the moments. And may we remind ourselves that we get to savor this moment because someone served and sacrificed in order for us to do so.

For that, we are eternally thankful. 🙏