Memorial Day and Sacrifice

My last BLOG was focused on being available, today as Memorial Day comes I am reminded of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives to provide for my freedom. I am also reminded of those who are dealing daily with the struggles of death and injuries of family members, friends, and loved ones who have served our country and allow us to continue our way of life.

As a veteran myself I have served with men and women across the world that have unselfishly buttoned up the uniform and made it their job to insure the way of life we in the U.S. have come to expect. Some have given the ultimate sacrifice and I know that at this time of year my inbox is filled with emails from my friends and family members reminding me of the devotion, dedication, and sacrifices that others made to allow me to continue my way of life. I can honestly tell you that when you choose to serve your country you do so without reservation or hesitation. You do not know where you will go or what you will be called to do but you choose to make yourself “available” knowing that you may be called upon at anytime to give the ultimate sacrifice. It is not something that you think about.

As I am writing this I look out my window at a high school in Tianjin, China… and there is nothing like sitting in a foreign country to remind you of your culture, heritage, and history. I watch as they are enjoying the sun and playing volleyball. From my vantage point high above them I only see happy faces and hear cheers of laughter as the ball hits the ground. You see there are no borders in the world (as we see from space) only man made boundaries that we need to negotiate. Man made boundaries that consist of differences in culture, language, ideas, and actions… but differences that can be overcome through understanding, compassion, and openness.

I have the pleasure of experiencing and living a very different life from my forefathers and yet I am convinced that what I decide to give to others as a result of my knowledge, experiences, and choices, will create a new and exciting future for my children and those who follow after me. Although I spend half of my time in China and I am an ambassador for what an American is everyday of my life. I wanted to take this time to write and let you know that someday, somewhere, you may (like those who gave their lives on 9/11) be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice for others… in or out of uniform. Realize and reflect on how special we are as citizens of the U.S. and ultimately as citizens of humanity. Remember and give thanks! Dare  to share this with others.

HISTORY: Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. It’s difficult to ascertain the origins of the day. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Are you a survivor… Are you available?

Have you ever been challenged by the series on TV called “Survivors” where individuals choose to put themselves into a challenging environment only to emerge on the “otherside” unscathed having experienced their 15 minutes of fame?

This pales in comparison with people who are thrust into a horrific situation and somehow manage to “survive” or exist in the midst of it finding themselves labeled as a survivor at the “end”.

Of course  this supposes that there is an end… I  have been  following the recent events in the midwest from afar because I’m in China right now and not at home in Iowa. I was so thankful for Facebook and twitter as I continually accessed them to keep up to date with postings from family and friends… but the devastation that happened in people’s lives on that night created even more “survivors”.

Floods, tornadoes, natural disasters, accidents, injuries and disease all create “survivors” but the “events” when they end are not gone. Just as a natural disaster leaves physical devastation behind… so too each and every “disaster” that we face in life leaves behind not only physical but emotional devastation and scars in the wake.

As one who was labeled as a “survivor” after remaining alive following a devastating stroke, I am only too aware of the unseen impact that devastation creates. I would challenge each of you to reach out and make yourselves available at all times for talks, comments, hugs, kisses, a smile or a needed pat on the back. We never truly understand or know what is inside of people around us unless  they open up and share. Often I wish I had emotional x-ray vision that would allow me to understand but I have to remain content with this thought…

“God doesn’t ask us for our abilities only our availability!” Are you available?

Compassion, understanding, or motivation?!

As a healed stroke survivor I rarely contemplate what I can and cannot do. I simply do it or attempt it without thinking. I remember the years I spent in frustration crying at the drop of a hat and frustrated by what I could not do. It was not uncommon in my home to find me in a crumpled heap on the floor. Muscles locking up and unresponsive to my will and a feeling deep inside of hopelessness.

If I was looking for compassion, understanding, or motivation is wasn’t coming. The fact is that most individuals who understand the needs are fellow stroke survivors and while they often offer a shoulder on which to cry they rarely offer specific steps to overcome the problem.

Today as I sped across town headed to a meeting I was became increasingly aware of the time I recently spent with a stroke survivor undergoing treatment at FTH.  He found himself very emotional and experiencing emotional upheaval and tearing up when for so long it had been a “controlled” area in. His life. He is 8 years post stroke and I spent time with him yesterday to encourage him that he is not going backward but forward.

The example I relayed was this… in construction you often have to strip away the decayed area in order to repair something… In TCM it is much the same. You need to open up and clear meridians (pathways) for information to travel upon. When this happens we often experience an emotional flood as things open and it takes a bit of time to reign in and control it all. For those who want a more in-depth explanation I am working on a whitepaper to talk about stroke and emotions that will be available soon.

Seeking understanding

I recently caught a message that came through my email regarding an open group I belong to on Facebook. The stroke survivor was totally upset and frustrated with the comments that had been coming thru and asked to be removed from several groups. I must admit I understand their frustration but I am always amazed at the amount of time that people apparently have to play game and “get rewards” online. I must confess I too enjoy a little downtime with friends and family but I tend to use it writing or speaking on Skype or the phone or seeing people in person. I don’t share this to condemn or look down on anyone I honestly do not understand.  If you have any insight I’m all ears!

By the way I had a small amount of rice, cabbage, pork and potato for lunch and 4 glasses of water this afternoon.