It Ain't Broke, People

I just finished watching an interesting documentary on our national anthem.  It's interesting how people have wanted to change it throughout the years.  Many have not cared for it due to the reason it's 'hard to sing.'  Others don't like the fact it's a 'violent song.' 

Okay, so it's not an easy song to sing.  Yet this is a country that is supposed to be comprise of people who thrive on challenges.  That's how we got started back in 1775.  And now, many of us are saying that a tune defeats us?  Sad is the only word that comes to mind.  This documentary had a voice teacher saying The Star Spangled Banner is actually a perfect song, as when we sing it at sporting events, our blood is stirred.  He pointed out the other tunes considered wouldn't do so.

For the PC crowd, yes, the song describes violence.  Yes, it talks of destruction.  But this nation wasn't won in a poker game or quilting bee.  Francis Scott Key's ballad reminds us of this, and not one of the other songs considered remind us of this.  Each and every one of them were wonderful songs telling of the beauty of America, but The Star Spangled Banner truly deals with the sacrifice needed to win our freedom.  The veterans interviewed in this documentary wondered if those wanting to change the national anthem had served.  Each of them said when they were in the military, The Star Spangled Banner gave them chills, and it still does.

It isn't busted, so let's just leave it alone.  Keep the ballad reminding us why we're a nation.  When there was once a movement to replace it, Irving Berlin, our nation's foremost songwriter, and Arthur Fielder, conductor, conductor of the Boston Pops, spearheaded a movement to head it off.  They pointed out that no one less than John Philip Sousa had led the way to make the song the national anthem, and who better to tailor America's taste in music?

                                                            

So when you next hear our national anthem, do the correct thing.  Take off your hat, put your hand over your heart, and remember why you're grateful.  Sing out, and do so properly.  You may not have the best voice in the world, but you are able to do so, due to the generations that came before us.  Do it for them.

                                                                                               

Joe Louis Knew The Key

This has been a somewhat bleah week.  Not the worst for my family, but well . . . we've had better.  I sit here with a somewhat bum foot, wanting to cry out like Job, asking what is next.  Then I remember the words of Joe Louis.

You remember Joe Louis. Even if you're not a sports fan, you know who he is.  (If you don't, shame on you.)  He was one of the greatest boxers to step into the ring.  During World War Two, he gave a speech in which he stated, "We'll win because we're on God's side."

Louis was chastised by his manager, who pointed out he was to have said, "God is on our side," but the fighter stated he said what he meant.  The next day the papers lauded him for his words, and Louis pointed this out.  It has since gone down as one of his finest moments.

I know our family will persevere for the simple reason that yes, we are on God's side.  Trust me . . . if we weren't, we have the family and friends who would kindly pull and nudge us back, letting us know.

Right now, what we've experienced are setbacks.  I go online to Google News and read about what's happening to others around the world.  You know, compared to them, it's not that bad.  I still have my family, my friends, and my health.  (Okay, so the ankle hurts.  Whoop de doo.)

In the meantime, we persevere and remember Louis' words.  The setbacks are minor compared to what has happened to others, and we are like the little engine who could.  We continue on throughout life, chugging along.
                                                                                                 

For Mom

With today being Mother's Day, we all like to post on Facebook "I love you, Mom!", as it's cheaper than sending her a card.  We also like to argue as to who has the best mother.  This is ridiculous.  After all, my mother is the best.  Hands down.

Think about it, people.  She's put up with me for fifty-two years and not once has she killed me. 

Oh, she's thought about it, but she's never once carried out the act.  (There are times, though, when I stay out of the kitchen if she's using sharp objects.) 

Mom also used to fantasize about flushing me down the commode and waving goodbye.  I kid you not.  And she would tell this story to ladies' groups.  Once, a woman came in to the church library I run, and said, "Your mother told the funniest story about you."  I replied, "Is it about flushing me down the toilet and waving goodbye?"  She then repeated what I had just said, and laughed all the way down the hall.  (By the way, I had no idea who this lunatic was.)  At lunch, I told Mom, "You have some weirdos in your audiences."


Mom and Rod Cranford, one of
the people from their Study

Seriously, if I was asked to describe Mom in one word, it would be 'there.'  She's been there for many a person, and will continue to do so.  I know . . . I've used that for my sister, but just who do you think taught that to Diana?  Mom's hands are helping hands, and I for one have given them plenty of practice over the years.  She's been my 'Dr. Mom,' and still is.

She and Dad had a Bible Study for teenagers for fourteen years.  To this day, some of those people - many of them grandparents now - come to them for advice.  They haven't forgotten the Saturday nights at the Fishers, and the fact the folks were always there for them. 

Mom loves being a grandparent and great-grandparent.  It continues keeping her young, and watching her, you sometimes wonder which one is the young one.  One of her favorite pastimes is playing with her great-granddaughter, running throughout the house, shouting at the top of her lungs with Amelia.  I wish I had her energy.

She loves going through recipes, always searching for something new.  We constantly tell her she's the best cook in the world, so why try to change anything, but she always wants to improve. 

It's a hoot watching mysteries with her, as five minutes into them, she'll turn to me, asking, "So and so did it, didn't they?"  Five minutes later, I'll get the exact same question.  This will go on . . . and on . . .and on . . . all through the show.  Now, if I've seen it, she knows darn well I'm not going to tell her.  And if I haven't seen it, I have to tell her each and every time this movie is new to me as well.  Then, at the show's end, she's flabbergasted to discover she was wrong.

Mom's our rock, our right arm (even though she's a lefty.) .  I don't think she realizes just how loved she is.  But a lot of people do love her and care about her.

And I'm one of them.