Nettie's blog: "My Blogs"

I watched the flag pass by one day, >It fluttered in the breeze > > > >A young Marine saluted it, >And then he stood at ease.. > > > >I looked at him in uniform >So young, so tall, so proud, >With hair cut square and eyes alert >He'd stand out in any crowd. > > >I thought how many men like him >Had fallen through the years. >How many died on foreign soil >How many mothers' tears? > > >How many pilots' planes shot down? >How many died at sea >How many foxholes were soldiers' graves? >No, freedom isn't free. > >I heard the sound of Taps one night, >When everything was still, >I listened to the bugler play >And felt a s udden chill. I wondered just how many times >That Taps had meant "Amen," > >When a flag! had draped a coffin. >Of a brother or a friend. > > > > >I thought of all the children, >Of the mothers and the wives, >Of fathers, sons and husbands >With interrupted lives. > >I thought about a graveyard >At the bottom of the sea > > >Of unmarked grav es in Arlington . >No, freedom isn't free. > > > >Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops >Show Your Support Send This Page Along Today > > > > When you receive this, please stop for a moment and > >Say a prayer for our servicemen. There is nothing attached... This can be >very powerful.... Just send this to all you know........ Do not stop the >wheel, please.... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is >the very best one.

LIFE IS SHORT ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º° One day a mother died. And on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of her bedroom, the daughter was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. No more hugs, no more lucky moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, No more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most goes away. never to return before we can say good-bye, Say "I Love You." or "I Miss You" ¸...¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º° So while we have it . . it's best we love it . . And care for it and fix it when it's broken ... and take good care of it when it's sick. This is true for marriage .....and friendships. And children with bad report cards; And dogs with bad hips; And aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, Because we cherish them! ¸....¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`· ,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~· ~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º° Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make us happy, No matter what ¸..¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-,¸ `°²·-. :º° Life is important, and so are the people we know . And so, we keep them close! ¸...¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º° I received this from someone today who thought I was a 'KEEPER'! Then I sent It to the people I Think of in the same way! Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who Are "keepers" in your life! (and I'd like to have this back from you) ¸...¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º° Thank you very much For being a special part of MY Life! ¸.¸ __/ /____ ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±± ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-,¸ `°²·-. :º° YOU ARE A KEEPER! "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile,you'll miss something .

Memorial Day As we stand here looking At the flags upon these graves Know these flags represent A few of the true American brave They fought for their Country As man has through all of time Except that these soldiers lying here Fought for your country and mine As we all are gathered here To pay them our respect Let's pass this word to others It's what they would expect I'm sure that they would do it If it were me or you To show we did not die in vein But for the red, white and blue. Let's pass on to our children And to those who never knew What these soldiers died for It's the least we can do Let's not forget their families Great pain they had to bear Losing a son, father or husband They need to know we still care No matter which war was fought On the day that they died I stand here looking at these flags Filled with American pride. So as the bugler plays out Taps With its sweet and eerie sound Pray for these soldiers lying here In this sacred, hallowed ground. Take home with you a sense of pride You were here Memorial Day. Celebrating the way Americans should On this solemnest of days.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL AND YOU SEE WHAT IS MEANT BY RED FRIDAY. >>Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine >>sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two >>together. >>After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited >>to >>sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. >> >>> > No, he responded. >> >>> > Heading out I asked? >> >>> > No. I'm escorting a soldier home. >> >>> > Going to pick him up? >> >> No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq . I'm taking him >>home to his family. >> >>The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the >>gut. It was an honor for him. >> He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered >>the news of his passing to the soldier's family >>and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I >>turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, >>Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what >>we do. >> >>Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the >>following announcement over the intercom. >> >>"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of >>having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this >>flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home >>to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open t >>he forward door to allow >>Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then >>turn off the seat belt sign." >>> > >>Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting >>the >>casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize >>That I am proud to be an American. >>So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do >>so we can live the way we do. >> >>Red Fridays. >>Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. >>The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the silent >>majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, >>country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, >>boisterous or overbearing. >>Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to >> recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our >>idea >>of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect >>starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops >>all come home, sending a deafening message that ... every red-blooded >>American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red. >>> > >>By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every >>Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the >>bleachers. >>If every one of us who loves this country will share this with >>acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long >>before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the >>once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more >>than the media lets on. >> >>he first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make >>Things better for you?" is .."We need your support and your prayers." >>Let's >>get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear >>Something red every Friday. >>> > >>> > IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON. >>> > >>> > IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON. >>> > >>> > IT IS YOUR CHOICE. >>> > >>> > WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!! >> >>> > I know we all have red in our wardrobes.....it's a great idea, pass it >>>on if you like.

I cannot speak for all who stem 'Long roads less traveled as their way, Nor question choices made by them In days long past or nights long dim by words they spoke and did not say. Each road is long, though short it seems, And credence gives each road a name Of fantasies sun-drenched in beams Or choices turned to darkened dreams, To where each road wends just the same. From North to South, then back again, I followed birds like all the rest Escaping nature's snowy den On roads I've seen and places been, Forsaking roads that traveled West. This journey grows now to its end, As road reflections lined in chrome Give way to roads with greater bend And empty signs that still pretend They point the way to home sweet home. But all roads lead to where we go And where we go is where we've been, So home is just a word we know, That space in time most apropos For where we want to be again. For even home, it seems to me, Is still a choice we all must face From day to day and endlessly, To choose if home is going to be Another road - or just a place.

As I lay here in my dark, and lonely room, filled with sadness , and with gloom. I listen for your breathing, but it's not there. I reach to touch you, but touch only air. In my heart is a loneliness that I alone must bare. I feel all around me there is no one who really cares. So, forgive me if I must cry out "Is This What Life Is All About?" to feel so empty, and cast out. Where are the ones who said they cared! Where are the ones who said they would always be there! So, as I lay here in my dark, and lonely room , filled with sadness, and with gloom. Forgive me if I must cry out, "Is This What Life Is All About?"

You're never alone, I'm always here, When your troubled, down or blue. All you have to do is call me, I'm always here for you. It doesn't matter where I'm at, It doesn't matter when. When you need someone to talk to, I'm here to be your friend. If you need someone to hold your hand, or a hug to say I care. If you need a shoulder to cry on, for you I will be there. So never think you are a burden, when the weight gets to be to much. You might find if look hard enough, a good friend could be the right touch. You're never alone, I'm always here, through the good times and the bad. I'm always here to be your friend

Shane Bernier is a courageous seven-year-old boy from Lancaster, Ontario who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was only five. On June 6th, 2006 Shane and his family received some unfortunate news: Shane experienced a relapse after completing 108 of 130 weeks of treatment. However, despite the bad news, Shane has managed to keep a positive outlook on his situation and has made a heart-warming wish... He hasn’t asked for money or toys or anything of the sort. Instead, his birthday is on May 30th and he would like to break the world record for the most birthday cards ever received. His goal is 350 million cards. With every card, Shane’s courage grows. Something as simple as sending a birthday card could be enough to help Shane find peace and joy in his current circumstances. Please take the time to send a card to Shane and make his dream become a reality. Share his story with your friends, family and co-workers. If at all possible, get your youth groups, church congregations, employees, neighbours or communities to set aside a few minutes to write a thoughtful note to Shane. With every card, Shane’s smile grows... If you’d like to send a card to Shane, please send it to: Shane Bernier PO Box 484 Lancaster, Ontario K0C 1N0 Canada If you’d like to help Shane in other ways too, then take a look at our “How Can I Help?” page for more ideas. We’ll add more ways as soon as they become available. http://www.shaneswish.com/