Freedom is never free. Today, we honor the brave, remember the fallen, and give thanks to all who served. May God bless our veterans and the country they fought to protect.
A Personal Remembrance
Today, I also remember my grandpa, who served in the United States Army in 1916. He was just 19 years old in this photograph.
When I look at his young face, I’m reminded that behind every uniform is a young man with a family, a story, and a future of his own.
I’m proud to remember him today and grateful for his service. His story is part of our family history, and one worth remembering.
May God bless our veterans, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families who love them.
Some lives are measured in years. Others are measured by the love they leave behind.
I’ve written about my little sister, Anna (named after my grandma), numerous times over the years. Every time I write about her, I remember something different: her infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day, the sound of her sweet giggles, or a quiet moment that seemed so small then, but means everything to me now.
I was seven years old when Anna was born. She was my baby sister, and I absolutely adored her.
After school, she would stand at the window waiting for me to come home. Sometimes she’d run to the door with the biggest smile on her face, determined to carry my schoolbooks, even though they were almost as big as she was. We’d walk together, stopping to admire flowers, butterflies, and every little bug she could find. She loved picking wildflowers for Mama and would proudly hand them to her as though they were the most beautiful bouquet in the world.
Back then, I didn’t realize those little moments were becoming the memories I would treasure for the rest of my life.
When you’re nine years old, you don’t think about how quickly life can change. You don’t imagine that someone so small can leave such a lasting impact on your heart.
You see, Anna was only two years old when she died.
Her life was brief, but it was filled with love. She was cherished every single day she was with us, and she brought sunshine into our family. Even now, after all these years, I still think about her. I still miss her. I still wonder what kind of woman she would have become.
People often say that time heals all wounds. Perhaps what it really does is teach us how to carry our grief while the love remains forever.
In the years since losing Anna, I have found comfort in these words:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Love remains. It lives in our memories, in the stories we tell, and in the quiet moments when something unexpectedly reminds us of the people we’ve lost.
Anna will always be my baby sister. That is something time could never take away.
So today, on Anna’s birthday in Heaven, I’m honoring the little girl who loved flowers and butterflies, who brought so much love and sunshine into our family, who insisted on carrying my heavy schoolbooks into the house. Although her time with us was far too short, the love she gave continues to live on.
I miss her every day. And as long as I can tell her story, she will never be forgotten.
She loved picking flowers for Mama.
I like to think she’s still surrounded by them.
I share more of Anna’s story in Chapter 4, “The Little Green Dress,” in my book, Running In Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace. This time, though, I simply wanted to remember the little girl she was, the one who waited at the window for me, made those afternoons feel special, and found joy in the smallest things.
“And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Today, we especially honor the memory of my husband’s uncle, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country. He was only 27 years old. He died when his aircraft was shot down. His courage, devotion, and selflessness will never be forgotten.
Behind every gravestone is more than a hero; a beloved son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, friend, or loved one whose life touched many others. Their memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved them, and we remember them with gratitude and honor. May we never forget the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy each day.
All gave some. Some gave all.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ~ John 15:13
Today, we also pray for the families who carry both pride and sorrow in their hearts. May God comfort those who mourn, bless the souls of the fallen, and remind us never to take their sacrifice for granted.
Freedom is never free. Today, we remember, honor, and give thanks. Gone, but never forgotten. 🇺🇸
The gravestone of Milton Keith McNulty (my husband’s uncle), a US Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant from Montana who served in Vietnam
I’ve been away from posting new materials lately. I have been quite busy in my spare time. I’m trying to translate my memoir chapters into Spanish. One of the most challenging and tedious tasks I’ve faced thus far. I couldn’t have done it without the help and reliance on others. Initially, I sought the ‘professionals’ and their prices were sky-high, too rich for my blood. My reality check. I then requested help from family and friends. They told me yes. However, they are too busy and couldn’t commit.
Well, my son’s new girl in his life dove right in and is taking on the task. And recently, wouldn’t you know it, I have another friend and her mother looking over the chapters. I am far from finished and know that I will have to find professional editing afterward. But I am up to the challenge.
So many sentences, chapters, and conversations across every page of my memoir come alive. I find myself reliving almost every word. I find myself touched and tears roll down my face. You see, it hits me – I’ve survived so much! Indeed, God has been good to me; a constant steadfastness in my unstable life. God is the God of miracles.
“¡Respondeme!” Me dio una bofetada de revés. Vi estrellas.
The above quote is just a tiny picture of what once was … I will retell my story. That others may learn hope. That they may learn about the God of second chances and new beginnings. If He can do it for me, He can certainly do it for you!
The Spanish translation of Running in Heels is complete—but the journey isn’t over. This memoir of grit and grace is being prepared for publication in Spanish, to reach hearts across cultures and generations. From family setbacks to divine provision, every step has been a testimony.
Any ads you might see from time to time beneath my posts are not approved by me. They are the price we pay for free use of Wordpress. However, if you are logged in to Wordpress, you will not see them. I apologize should any of the advertisements contain anything offensive or inappropriate.
From Heart to Heritage
