Time to Talk

I've fallen back into the role of my sister's keeper. I didn't even realize I had done it until this morning.

A few months ago, after not speaking for a year, my sister and I decided we wanted to be more "sisterly". We have similar upbringings, despite being considerably different in age. I have always loved my sister, but because of the difficulties at home, and my tendency to withdraw from the family as a coping technique, we have never been close.

This time, to try and make the best of our relationship, we came to the agreement that we would not talk about our parents. There is still just so much heartache and mistrust, especially on my side, that I'd rather ignore their existence, or at least stay out of the way of the maelstrom. Although we have kept to that agreement, it seems we can't find that much to talk about.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I realized that we really only talk when one of us is down or having a bad day. Who wants to talk to someone and each time have it be a source of anxiety? To further the problem, we both seem to be very busy in our lives on our good days.

Do I need to make a call day, like a date night, with my sister? If we set up a time each week to talk, would that help? Most likely it would, but my schedule is so erratic, as is hers, I doubt we could find an agreeable time and hold to it.

Sigh....

What is wrong with Memorial Day?

Memorial Day has passed. As I have become painfully aware, the average American could really care less why the holiday was created. Just as most Americans have not paused during the Christmas season to respect and worship the birth of our Saviour, about 98% of Americans have failed to properly observe Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is not Veteran's Day people! Although every day is appropriate to thank those in the Armed Forces, Memorial Day was set aside as a day to remember those service men and women who gave all, gave their lives, in service to this country. If you want to post on Facebook, "Happy Memorial Day" you're really just an ignorant ass.

Losing a friend, a comrad-in-arms, a partner, a father, mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son, daughter... and on and on the list goes, is a horrible thing. An otherwise healthy human being was killed in the defense of their country. They were killed over in some foreign country, just doing what their nation had asked them to do, and for it they lost their lives, and left the men that fought along side them to mourn.

Survivor's Guilt is a bitch, and the American that doesn't give a rat's ass to get this holiday right, is just adding salt to the wound that never heals.

Come on people.

For you that understand... Let our people never forget the sacrifices that have been made. Let them always remember those that have gone before.

To those who have fallen, may you rest in peace and glory.